Bass

[Jonny15678]

So I caught about a 6-7 pound largemouth and was wondering how long they can be out of the water. I had him in a the water for a bit until I was ready to unhook him and take a few photos he was out of the water maybe 1-2 minutes and I released him and he did swim off. The weather was quite cool around 70ish degrees. I’m worried I kept him out too long.

[diversity210]

1-2 minutes is fine.  I usually try and get them unhooked and back in the water as soon as possible, jut for the health of the fish because it can stress them out.  Especially if its really hot out.  I would put a cap on having them out of the water for more than 2 minutes.  If you catch a donkey and want to snap a picture or something.  Have the camera ready to do so when you pull the fish out of the water.  If for some reason the fish is out of the water for more a minute or 2 .  Mouth the fish while you lay him back in the water and move him through in the water a bit by hand before letting him go.  Also make sure it swims off. 

[papajoe222]

A lot depends on how stressed the fish was. Two minutes is a long time for a bass to be out of the water. It adds to the stress the fish has already been exposed to. It's difficult to say whether that fish will survive.

I try to land, unhook, measure and photo (if I'm so inclined) in 45-60 seconds.  If I have difficulty unhooking, I will skip the last two steps.  If I'm not ready, I'll net the fish and keep it in the water until I am.

[kenmitch]

It'll probably survive. Wonder what they're thinking when they're staring up at us? Poor guy'll probably have night terrors for a couple of moons.

[Oregon Native]

Have heard in the past for as long as you can hold your breath yourself....not sure if this is true but seems reasonable.  

[813basstard]

He’ll be fine. They’re pretty hardy animals. I’ve had trouble getting hooks out at times and it’s been 3-4 minutes. Had to revive a little but they survived 

[Brew City Bass]

When the water is above 75* I like to keep them out of the water as short as possible. If it's a fish I want a picture with, I put him in the live well so he can recover for a minute while I get the camera out and ready. Then I snap the pic and hold him in the water until he swims off on his own power. 

I have massive respect for these fish and even though they are hearty fish, the older and bigger ones expend a lot of energy in the fight and deserve to be treated with the utmost care in my eyes. I try to keep them in water as much as possible.

 

[Ksam1234]

He should be fine, I’m sure if it was that big it’s also used to crazy stuff being able to live that long, always have phone or scale ready like everyone said. And I’m sure they appreciate a nice dip in the water while your getting everything .. I had one yesterday I swear was staring at me with the most evil intent ... he was plotting his revenge ! 

[Koz]

14 hours ago, kenmitch said:

 Wonder what they're thinking when they're staring up at us? Poor guy'll probably have night terrors for a couple of moons.

 

 

[WRB]

He is a she.

The holding your breath demonstrates how long 2 minutes is if you ever tried it.

The key is keeping the bass calm, cool and wet gills. Lots of stress occurs catching bass that fight hard to get away followed by taken out if the water and handled for measuring, photo's and weighing. When a bass is released and swims away it means it swam away, doesn't mean it swam away in a healthy condition.

If possible handle the bass carefully, don't lift it by it's lower jaw bending the mouth open and try to keep the gills wet as often as possible, then the has a better chance of surviving.

Tom

[WCWV]

I always have my live well full and operating with a shot of G-Juice and if it's taking a little to much time, I'll put them in there for a few minutes and then get a pic and release. 

I had one near 6 lb earlier this year that hooked deep on a frog, I had it in the well for close to 20 mins and when I raised the lid she was all excited, when I released her she seemed in way better condition than when she got on the boat.

[geo g]

Just keep the scale, camera, tape measure, and pliers organized and ready to go so the process is a quick as possible.  If you can get it done within two minute the bass should be fine, as long as there is no serious injuries.

[Bluebasser86]

I try to follow the "no longer than I can hold my breath" rule as well. No reason to cause them undue stress. Guy I was fishing with Friday caught a nice one we wanted to weigh but it was bleeding a little so I get the camera ready while he held it in the water quick picture and gone, probably took 20 seconds tops to give her every chance to survive. Wasn't a PB or record, so no reason to risk the fish just to have a number to tell people. 

[EGbassing]

I never keep them out of the water more than 40 seconds unless it's absolutely necessary in order to get the hook out. 25 seconds is plenty of time for me to un-hook it, get a picture, and drop him back in.

[Glaucus]

Other than having your equipment prepared for the after catch procedures, it's also important to remain calm, cool, and collected. I used to rush and fumble around, thinking I was keeping the bass out too long. Ended up making the process take longer. Keep your composure and be methodical and you'll find that, although it may seem like an eternity, everything can be accomplished in under 30 seconds.