rip316 that was good that you tried to help the gull out. It's not always possible to get them unhooked, but if you don't, they risk death from the line, especially if you use braid. I try to always have a towel with me in case this happens. No matter how much they scream, try not to pay attention to them. Bring them as close as you can. Keep them on or near to the ground. Then, when they are within arm's reach, put the towel over their head and grasp firmly. They should stop moving or at least calm down a bit when that happens. I found a gull near some pilings one time that was so tangled in braid he couldn't fly. We brought him in, covered with a towel, snipped the braid, and he was good as new.