Quote:
Originally Posted by LeCounts1099
Thanks, Bryan! 
Simply put, I can't imagine there being any valid argument that lifting 25+ lbs. of Bass by its jaw, can't but hurt it's chances of survival! 
Besides, despite what Bill & his Mentor say about "all fisherman..." Why weigh any Bass but what you're keeping/ killing?
I know I for one can eyeball any Striper to be released, even in- water mostly, in the deep night... & give you an accurate weight estimate within 2- 3 lbs. (max error on a bigger fish!) And I'll be closer to 1 lb. + or - most times I assure! (Forget what I've seen or not lifetime: my PB boated is 49 lbs.!)
Yes, my friends have tested this ability of mine-- & lost beers betting against me here! 
Bogas aren't necessary to either land... nor control big Bass-- nor to tell you what one to be released weighs! Experience & your eyes will do that for you fine!  (OR: if you must: weigh them in a large net... hooking up only the net- frame to the scale... still not as advisable as no weighing if releasing... but light- years more friendly to the Bass, than lip- weighing is!)
(Save the Bogas for pesky Blues if you must carry them!  Better than grabbing them by the eyes or hard around the gills as I see many do!  ) |
Great Post!!
I agree with all you have said but the problem remains that most guys only think they have see/caught a 30 # bass. I have seen guys with 25# fish that have bet me that it was 40#. They lost.
I also can eyeball within a couple of pounds but it takes years of experience to do that.
When Bryan and I were in the surf togther we would guess the weight of every fish we kept and were always within a pound or 2.
The boga is for the new firshermen who can't estimate yet. (Now the disclaimer so I don't get my a$$ in a sling)
Not that being a newbie is a bad thing or that using a Boga is a bad thing or asking a bunch of questions is a bad thing. There I think I covered myself.