How To Hold A Fish

[Glenn]

Hey folks,

There seems to be a swirl of misconceptions circulating through the web regarding holding a bass.  It seems some people think it's incredibly easy to break a jaw and/or kill a bass simply by holding a fish straight up and down, or sideways without supporting them.  The former won't cause any damage, and while the latter method COULD cause damage, it's not automatic, and is far less likely the lighter the fish is. 

 

I see so many people these days screaming a fish is killed when a 1-pounder is held sideways, or when they see a fish held by any other means than sideways with support....it's great people are thinking about conservation, but that's over-the-top. 

 

While I never want to see a fish injured due to improper handling, it's become abundantly clear that there are some misunderstandings about holding a fish when I see people get angry and upset over folks holding fish in ways that are perfectly fine.

 

So, here's a short video that clears up some of those misconceptions.  Hope it helps!

 

 

[OntarioFishingGuy]

Good stuff Glenn!

[F14A-B]

Yup, another very helpful Vid, great teaching aid.

Nice work..

[geo g]

Nice job, a topic often overlooked.

[Catch and Grease]

Good video!

[roadwarrior]

 Sweet!

[Grizzn N Bassin]

Perfect form!

[WRB]

Good video.

Try holding making a fist with your thumb pointing down, very difficult as your arm must twist and this is how you are trying to hold a bass by it's mouth with your thumb inside. Now try making a fist with your thumb pointed upwards, very easy and is how you should hold larger size bass, with your fingers inside the mouth and thumb outside. The bass will be held head up and body straight down in a firm strong grip.

Tom

[A-Jay]

Nice Job ~

 

Now I guess the next portion of this discussion usually revolves around how long the fish can safely be out of the water / live well.

 

A-Jay

[Lund Explorer]

Nice Job ~

 

Now I guess the next portion of this discussion usually revolves around how long the fish can safely be out of the water / live well.

 

A-Jay

 

Or bounce them off the carpet, or sprinkle them with sand/gravel/grass.