Chinook have a very rigid tail wrist. you can just grab them by the narrow part between the tail and bodyl with one hand and hold them in place while you pull the hooks or cut the line with needlenose pliers. No need to take them out of the water. Works good in the river, should work fine in the salt. This doesn't work so well with coho as their tail is not rigid, but works great with kings. If its a big fish you need a firm grip though.