James Luning" wrote in message
...
Tonight I tried something different. I cut the line and pulled the hook
out
by pulling the shank out. The hook was a 3/0 offset. So the bend in the
top
of the hook caused some resistance.
There appeared to be no damage, but there was a fair amount of blood.

What are the chances of the bass surviving? Just an opinion, of course.


I do a couple things. If I can get my pliers on the hook I'll try to rotate
the hook so I can grab the curve either through the gill or down the throat
through the mouth. Then I just pull it straight out. If I can't get the
hook to rotate so I can do that or it won't come out easily I'll leave it
in. Whenever I get a bleeder I spend some extra time reviving him in the
livewell or in the water if turning him loose.

If a fish rolls over in the livewell I won't waste it though. I wrap it in
a plastic bag and tuck it into my icechest to keep the meat fresh. Most
tournaments will allow you to dispose of a dead fish yourself after weigh
in, and the one that doesn't I don't fish because I won't waste it if it
happens.

Bob La Londe
www.YumaBassMan.com