I bought one of the Guide's Choice models to evaluate, but the snow and ice arrived before it did so I haven't tested it yet. I suspect the "how to" video shows the fish out of the water so high and for so long so that the viewer can easily see what is going on. I would not be surprised if you could engage the device on the tippet while the fish is still in the water, like a Ketchum release, and then it might be just a quick slide up to the hook and a jerk sideways to disengage the hook - particularly if you fish with barbless hooks. If Spring ever comes I'll try it out and report back.