Fuel/water separator

[chesapeake724]

This boat is the first I've had with a fuel/water separating filter. I changed the filter and now can't get a prime going. I filled the filter with gas and everything's tight, but still no prime. Everything was working fine before I changed the filter. The filter is higher than the gas tank, so I'm thinking that's why it won't prime. Do I:

a) un-mount the separator, hold it down in the bilge and then prime?
b) turn the engine on (without cranking) to get the fuel pump to help start the flow?
c) disconnect the fuel line at the engine and stick it in a container of fuel?

Thanks in advance for any advice.h