Bass Hookset Question

[mathnerdm]

So recently I posted a topic about why I've had such bad luck with catching bass recently. I got a lot of good responses, one being to try and increase my collection of tackle. So I did, bought a few crankbaits, caught a bass first outing with one. Obviously I was hooked (no pun intended) with crankbaits. Well I went out today again with the same crankbait that I caught the first one and almost immediately caught another tiny one. Then on the last cast before I had to go, I felt the biggest hit and watched as my line was flying towards the downed tree... Anyways, long story short, I saw the head come out of the water and I flipped. My new PB. (yall would laugh at it, but for me it was something lol). So obviously I took some pics of it before releasing it back... Sorry for rambling, I just had to share my excitement, but now it's question time. So one of the hooks of the lure went through the top lip between the eyes. Not far back at all but I was just wondering if that could hurt the fish in any way to hook it through its top lip. I don't believe the brain is in front of the eyes like where the hook was so I'd imagine it's ok, I was just worried somebody else might now get the joy of catching it later on. Sorry if this thread is all over the place, I'm just super excited and wanted to let yall know and have this question answered. Thanks and I really can't thank you guys' enough for all the help you give!

[Missourifishin]

If you got the hook out without any major problems, didn't have her out of the water too long, and didn't let her flop around in the grass and dirt while trying to get a good shot then it'll probably be just fine. So where are the pictures?

[KyakR]

A guide told me one time that because bass often feed on stickle-back fish the roof of their mouths is tough and insensitive...... don't know if it's true, but I like to believe it when I get a the hookset like you.

[DynoMyte]

Congtrats on the new PB!  Post some pics of the beast!!! 

[AK-Jax86]

So recently I posted a topic about why I've had such bad luck with catching bass recently. I got a lot of good responses, one being to try and increase my collection of tackle. So I did, bought a few crankbaits, caught a bass first outing with one. Obviously I was hooked (no pun intended) with crankbaits. Well I went out today again with the same crankbait that I caught the first one and almost immediately caught another tiny one. Then on the last cast before I had to go, I felt the biggest hit and watched as my line was flying towards the downed tree... Anyways, long story short, I saw the head come out of the water and I flipped. My new PB. (yall would laugh at it, but for me it was something lol). So obviously I took some pics of it before releasing it back... Sorry for rambling, I just had to share my excitement, but now it's question time. So one of the hooks of the lure went through the top lip between the eyes. Not far back at all but I was just wondering if that could hurt the fish in any way to hook it through its top lip. I don't believe the brain is in front of the eyes like where the hook was so I'd imagine it's ok, I was just worried somebody else might now get the joy of catching it later on. Sorry if this thread is all over the place, I'm just super excited and wanted to let yall know and have this question answered. Thanks and I really can't thank you guys' enough for all the help you give!

I don't think it hurts the bass as members point out.

Post a pic of your PB we'd like to see it. The best thing is when you keep breaking it congrats in yours

[NathanW]

Bass are hardy and resilliant fish. Not like trout who croak if you look at them wrong. Just handle them quickly and get them back in the water.

 

Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do to avoid an occasional hook through the eye, in the throat, etc. Its fishing.

[basshole8190]

In my experience i actually prefer to hook a bass thru the roof of the mouth . at least with single hook baits like jigs and t rigs as its harder for the fish to throw the hook and I've never hurt a fish that i know of

[WRB]

Take a few minutes and look at largemouth bass anatomy on line.

The brain is behind the eyes, the nostrils are in front of the eyes.

Tom

[Swampstud]

Once you get into jig fishing youll enjoy that hook deeper in the mouth, really does keep fish on longer.

[Pavo]

So congratz on the new PB cant wait for a picture, also what crank bait were you using?

[mathnerdm]

So congratz on the new PB cant wait for a picture, also what crank bait were you using?

Thanks much! I'll try to get the pics up later today, just been too lazy to try and deal with photobucket which never seems to work for me. I was using an H2O square bill diamond dust 3-5ft diving crankbait. In the past where I was I've caught a couple with that so I assumed that would be good to start with, seems like it was a good idea lol!

[WRB]

I wouldnt worry about it honestly. There isnt much you can do about how and where you hook a fish. Short of gut hooking the fish you wont be hurting them.

While a agree with the first part of this statement, the second is debatable. Hooks can and do a lot if damage in and around the mouth, head and gills. I have killed a few bass with large hooks going through the rough of the mouth into the brain and ripped out gills resulting in the fish bleeding out. Eye damage isn't common but happens, bass can live with one good eye. The percentages are very low, but in this era of C & R where anglers believe killing a bass is catastrophic, there is concern for the health of the bass. When I seriously injure a bass I take it home for dinner.

Tom