When fishing in "toothy" critter waters, (pike & pickerel), a jaw spreader is very handy, and cheap to have...I have donated more than one overboard, when removing lively fish while it is over the side of the boat, so as not to "slime" the carpet. Although they are cheap, try running a loop of para cord thru the back circle, you can use as a wrist wrap, or could attach a bobber/float to it just in case...