I value my hands, and a Muskie, in that order more than $20 for a box of hooks...Hooks are cheap! If you can afford the gear to chase Muskies seriously a few dollars more for hooks shouldn't be a big concern! That being said, if a hook looks like it'll come out easy I try with the long nose pliers...If multiple hooks are imbedded in the fishes mouth, I cut! I even cut the ones that aren't in the fish...Last summer when I didn't cut the loose hook it ended up in the palm of my hand!!!