Gloves...

[MuskieBait]

Keep your fingers out of the mouth and gills and you should not be bitten.

Gill flap is fine. It doesn't hurt the gills if it's just the flap you are holding onto.

For smaller pike, the best way to hold them is to slide your hand under the belly, put your finger around the pectoral fin, and have your other end on the tail of the pike. If you need a firmer grip, you can just put pressure on the gill plate with your index finger and thumb.

For a big pike, gill plate works...but don't hold them vertically for pictures. Always support the belly and hold the fish horizontal.

If the fish needs dental work, jaw spreader or lip grips helps.