Bass Tips Save The Slime

Thu., April 15, 1999

Tips for the catch-and-release bass angler to store away:

Big and fragile: The larger a fish is, the more care is needed in handling it. Fish weighing more than 5 pounds need to be supported with both hands or a net. One hand should grasp the lip while the other supports the belly. A big fish grasped only by the jaw can suffer internal injuries.

Hidden death: The leading cause of delayed mortality in bass is secondary infections from injuries. A knock on the side of the gunwale not only knocks off the slime coat, but causes cuts and bruises. The injuries are left open to the bacteria that thrives in the warm water of a live well.

Watch the mouth: Much is made of how a fish’s jaw is grasped. Injuries can occur if the jaw is bent - a common method of displaying fish. The heavier the fish, the more the chances for ligament damage or even a dislocated jaw. Jaw injuries often heal; however, they can cause disfigurement that impair the fish’s ability to feed.

Minimize damage: On a deephooked fish, when the hook can’t be removed without damage, cut off as much of the hook as possible before releasing the fish.

Save the slime: Fish should only be handled with wet hands. This prevents unnecessary removal of the slime coat.

- Los Angeles Daily News

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