Method and apparatus for lifting fish

A method of lifting a fish from a first elevation to a second elevation where said fish has been hooked by a fisherman located at said second elevation using a fishing pole comprising a fishing line having a connector and a high test leader section at its distal end, comprising:

• a) passing the fishing line proximate the fisherman through a first channel formed in a plate and into an opening also formed in said plate which is in communication with said first channel;
• b) lowering the plate toward the distal end of the fishing line with a utility line secured to the plate until the plate is below the connector;
• c) securing the high test leader portion of the fishing line in a second channel in the plate which is in communication with the opening in the plate by applying an upward force to the utility line;
• and
• d) lifting the hooked fish by continuing to apply an upward force to the utility line.