Did I kill this fish?!?!?

[J Francho]

Turtles like the taste of fish.

[haggard]

I know this isn't really what you asked but just FYI in case it's useful. Sorry if off topic. For gut hook removal I find this works really well and fast (after a few tries learning):

 

Tools:

- 6-in diagonal cutters

- 6-in needle nose pliers

- 8-in forcepts (straight)

 

Process:

- immediately cut hook halfway down using diag cutters. This quickly clears everything upstream (line, lure, bullet weight, etc.) and gives you room to work

- go in through lowest (or next to lowest) gill opening on whichever side of the fish the remainder of the hook is closest to

- for barbless hooks, using forceps grab the hook closest to where it disappears and rotate it back out. Before going in, it may help to "pre rotate" your wrist/forceps in the opposite direction so you have room to rotate the hook. Hook should come out easily. When it's free, go back in through the mouth and remove it with the forceps.

- barbed hooks: haven't done this with barbed... process might be different.

 

All I use the needle nose for now is to pull out a hook when I don't have enough leverage with my fingers, and to crush barbs.

 

 

[the reel ess]

I caught a bass once that had an offset shank (T-rig) hook in the roof of its mouth half rusted out. Most likely, someone broke off setting the hook. It was healthy and still eating. I kept and ate it though. It might be harsh, but I'd kill that fish to get my frog back unless it was some kind of trophy already. In that case, you could probably get your fingers to it. Killing an occasional fish is unavoidable if you routinely stick them in the mouth with sharp objects. Just remember the pliers next time.

[jr231]

3-4 lb largemouth is usually between 18-21" . With a nice mouth on it. You should have got the hook out. I never take no for an answer. 

 

I have never left a hook in a bass's mouth, ever. Unless you have hands like Shaquille oneal you could have got your hand on that frog. If the bass was as big as you said it was. 

 

Tough love from me. I'd have tore it out at all costs and then tried to revive it. If it dies then I'd take it with me but I'll be (you know what) before I leave a nice bass with a frog in it's mouth. 

[Black Hawk Basser]

I agree that I think you could have gotten the bait out with more effort.  But, no big deal, its just one fish, and we're all in the business of killing fish, inadvertently or not.