lipping or w/e its called a bass

[PWE]

I see many videos and pictures of people holding their catch by the "lip" of the fish - forgive my totally newbie and simple question, but how is this properly done from shore as you bring the fish in?  Lol, yes I am a newbie haha.

[Bass XL]

Bend your knees, reach out, and grab it.

[JayW]

Bend your knees, reach out, and grab it.

I think that pretty much sums it up! 8-)

[Yakfish]

Bend your knees, reach out, and grab it.

By the lip.  

Oh yeah...don't try it with pickerel.  

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

A little further info.

- When "Lipping" (yes, you used the correct term) a bass, you lip it and lift it straight out of the water, making sure the bass stays vertical.  (up and down)

like this

- If you are going to turn the fish Horizontally, there is only 1 main thing to remember, SUPPORT THE WEIGHT  by placing one hand under the belly or slightly behind the belly.

Like this (notice placement of right hand)

or like this

Another key point. A fish's immune system is an "external" one.  The slime on a fish is called the slime coat and is responsible for much of the bass's protection from bacteria, parasites, virus' etc.  You want to handle a fish as little as possible and never "wipe" them with your hand or even worse, a rag.

Before you let a fish go, place it in the water, supporting it by the lip and let it regain it's "breath" before you release it.  She'll fight to get out of your grip,...that's a sign she's ready.  A general rule of thumb here is, when you lift the fish out of the water, hold your breath.  By the time you can't hold it any more, the fish should be back in the water.

Hope this helps.

Also....anyone have a pic of how NOT to hold a bass?  I think this would also be very educational here.

[TheBeast]

And when removing the hook try and keep a hold of the lip or they will bite you, ain't that right Burley.   One of the funniest things I have ever heard on the boat I was still fishing Burley was trying to get a guthook out and all of a sudden he yells "Oww the (s)ucker bit me!"

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

And when removing the hook try and keep a hold of the lip or they will bite you, ain't that right Burley.   One of the funniest things I have ever heard on the boat I was still fishing Burley was trying to get a guthook out and all of a sudden he yells "Oww the (s)ucker bit me!"

C'mon Beast, you're gonna scare him!! lol....besides,...not everyone screams like gurly, uh, I mean,..Burley ;D

To explain....the bass does not "bite" it's food.  The rim of the mouth has a sandpaper feel.  A bass "crushes" it's prey in it's throat with bone like plates.  When reaching in deep to get a gut hook out, the muscles in the throat can contract and the plates put some pressure on the top and sides of your hand.  If you are not "in the moment", it can surprise you and catch you off guard.  It doesn't hurt, just surprises you and can trigger a "burly-like" reaction.

[PWE]

Thanks a ton LBH - this is exactly what I wanted to know.  My primary concern was in doing something that might accidentally permanently injure the fish.  This has helped me understand the correct method - and I had no idea bout the slime - again great info.  Sometimes understanding really simple stuff is important.  

thanks all.  

[Popeye]

I'd also recommend that you watch your balance when trying to lip bass from shore. Do you wear waders so you can get in water that's a few feet deep/from shore?? Shorelines and the rocks/grass/weeds that normally surround most ponds/lakes are usually very slippery and can be hazzardous. Just a thought.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Good point sailor man.  A couple more....

-Be very careful if using lures with treble hooks.  One head shake while you are going for the lip and you could have 2 lbs of angry critter attached to you by sharp hooks, not fun.  

-ALWAYS have a good set of long nose pliers with you to expedite the "out of water" time and to assist with any mishaps or gut hooked fish.

-When shore fishing, do not drag a fish to your feet (again, the slime coat issue).  Lift and lip.

[.dsaavedra.]

Also....anyone have a pic of how NOT to hold a bass? I think this would also be very educational here.

heres how not to hold a bass....i cringed when i saw this at the bookstore..... :-[ he has that thing's jaw cranked so far back

[Bass XL]

Also....anyone have a pic of how NOT to hold a bass? I think this would also be very educational here.

heres how not to hold a bass....i cringed when i saw this at the bookstore..... :-[ he has that thing's jaw cranked so far back

As much as I like Ike, you are correct.

[Dan:]

Bill Dance does it all the time as well...

[Bassin_Fin@tic]

Also....anyone have a pic of how NOT to hold a bass? I think this would also be very educational here.

heres how not to hold a bass....i cringed when i saw this at the bookstore..... :-[ he has that thing's jaw cranked so far back

or watch any tournament coverage for that matter : :

[procraft68]

The trebel hook thing is exactly why I carry a kit to give myself a stich or two if I need to. Docs say I do nice work. ;D Super glue works well to but make sure you put your fish back in the water or livewell before worring about a little of your own blood. Tight lines, Snag

[georgiabassfisherman]

couldnt have put it better myself LBH