LMAO...

only problem is they don't like bass fishing?

What is seldom mentioned in these discussion is big bass (10#+) have the genes needed to produce another big bass, do we really want to remove this bass?

What is seldom mentioned in these discussion is big bass (10#+) have the genes needed to produce another big bass, do we really want to remove this bass?

That's gigantic. Around here a 4# is big.

IMHO, I believe it's better to properly document the fish, i.e. photos, measurements, weight, and then release it as soon as possible.

If you want to mount it, you are starting a long arduous process of meticulously caring for the fish until it's in the hands of the taxidermist; unless you know what to do, and how to do it, you could damage the fish. If you can't find a good taxidermist in your area, then you'll have to arrange to mail the fish. All-in-all, a big pain in the.........

Release the fish, and you may see it again A second catch is still a catch.

I usually keep a couple of legal bass everytime out for the wife and me. There are lots of reasons to go fishing. I just don't understand the release everything way of thinking. You spend a small fortune for boats and gear to catch them and let them go. If it's just the pull on your line that gets your blood flowing, how about tying a string on your dogs tail. He'll give you a much better fight than any bass.

I usually keep a couple of legal bass everytime out for the wife and me. There are lots of reasons to go fishing. I just don't understand the release everything way of thinking. You spend a small fortune for boats and gear to catch them and let them go. If it's just the pull on your line that gets your blood flowing, how about tying a string on your dogs tail. He'll give you a much better fight than any bass.

Why do you want to be mean to the dog? Snag the wife with a jerkbait and yell at the top of your lungs "It's A Hawg".

That should start an epic battle the second or third time you hook her!

In the meantime, don't worry about keeping a few for the dinner table. I have several lakes where I do the same thing and I don't feel the least bit guilty about it. A largemouth bass is no more deserving of misguided protection than any other game fish.

Why do you want to be mean to the dog? Snag the wife with a jerkbait and yell at the top of your lungs "It's A Hawg".

That should start an epic battle the second or third time you hook her!

I don't know about that. Are you sure it's safe? I'll try it but if things go bad, I'm telling her it was all your idea.

What is seldom mentioned in these discussion is big bass (10#+) have the genes needed to produce another big bass, do we really want to remove this bass?

It is after all your decision, I definatly agree with what catt is saying, you should consider all of the factors before making the decision to kill or release.

I do practice C&R no matter how big or small the fish, I do take photo's of the fish and the weight and document a small story along with the photo, at least the bigger one's.

Photo's are an inexpencive and most life like memory you can put on your wall in my opinion.

What is seldom mentioned in these discussion is big bass (10#+) have the genes needed to produce another big bass, do we really want to remove this bass?

When a bass grows to 10lbs, is it genetics or just a lucky survivor? Is most any bass capable of getting to that weight if it lives long enough?

Hey Bob, first off, only female can get to over 10 lbs.... or for that matter, over 4 or 5 lbs.

Then, among the fish that are left, even in a totally natural setting, in waters that receive zero fishing pressure, a relatively small % of Largemouth bass will grow to over 10 lbs. Some don't make it because they don't have the genes for it. But many more won't make it because of the natural mortality factor.

All of this said, to be honest Catt, although leaving the fish with the best genes in the lake is certainly a good idea, I personally believe that "this one 10 lb + fish, is far more valuable than any / all of its offspring", reason being, it has already beaten the odds to get really big. It might produce 200,000 eggs in its lifetime..... maybe 2000 of which had "the potential" to get to over 10 lbs, but still, its possible that none of them ever will" ?

To put a huge value on all the that fry, is like counting your bass before the eggs hatch.

Fish

When a bass grows to 10lbs, is it genetics or just a lucky survivor? Is most any bass capable of getting to that weight if it lives long enough?