So everything I read discusses proper care when practicing catch & release. Heck, there are tons of pros out there talking about the "right way" to handle the bass we love to catch.

 

So why do I continuously see pros and amateurs simply tossing fish over the side? It always seems so callous to me and all the talk about proper care becomes lip service. 

That and holding them horizontal by the bottom jaw with one hand.  Do some research on that once....I used to do it till I read up on it.  Now two hands if they are horizontal.  If I can only use one hand, the fish is vertical.

most tackle can handle just reeling dinks in w/o worry of breakage.  they don't fight or wear themselves out so they can be 'tossed' back in. 

 

larger bass put up a longer fight/make more runs, and you have to worry about breaking line if you put too much pressure on them. they can wear themselves out to the point of exhaustion so its better to revive them b/c a musky could blindside them while they are trying to catch their breath/come to.

 

the terms 'dink' and 'bubba' are relative to where you live but it's probably better to measure them against ur equipment.  ie dink=anything under 3lbs on a MH rod w/ 15lb fluoro. you can reel them in quickly and toss'm right back.

 

basically if the fish is exhaused, revive him properly.  if the whole battle lasted 15 seconds, no need to.