Being rough with a fish, holding it wrong, laying it on dry boat carpet, on dirt, on concrete, bionic hooksets, etc, etc, etc, are all rough on a fish.

That's why I always just say, "use common sense".

It's great to be concerned about releasing a bass in a healthy state, but I also believe some people get carried away with the whole thing. It is "just a fish". If a persons sole concern in life is not to do anything that might possibly injure a fish, then why in the world are they out there trying to stick a sharp metal hook through it's flesh and bones, and drag it into a boat ?

Well said. If you get so wrapped up in a fishes well being, then actually catching the fish should make you regret the act you have just participated in.

And another thing; A bass could be drop-kicked back into the lake and still stand a better chance for survival than any of the ones that get taken home and thrown into a frying pan.

Peace,

Fish

now that's just funny right there 

I hate to watch those guys on tv handle a bass. They keep them out of the water too long and wave them around for the camera. Jerry McKinnis was the worst, he had a habit of running his hand down a fish and squeezing the tail.

I think Bill Dance is the absolute worst for "jaw jacking" larger fish, followed closely by B.A.S.

S. tournaments when those fish are slapped all over the boat.  I'm hoping McKinnis brings back the landing nets.