A cradle is a special kind of device for landing long fish that you don't want to injure. It's most popular for holding a muskie beside the boat while you take the hook out of its mouth. The cradle looks like a small stretcher with netting or canvas between two long poles. It's put into the water beside the boat and the muskie is lead over it. When the two sides are brought together they cradle and hold the fish securely. A cradle is almost impossible to use if you're fishing alone, though. Another person is needed to put the cradle into the water and hold it while you fight the fish and bring it to the boat.