OK so seeing how the stocks are deemed in trouble by the fish managers like we have been saying for quite a while now, maybe we can have a discussion about how we as surfcasters can avoid any undue stress or harm to bass we intend to release. I think we all try to handle the bass carefully but there are other factors like water temps, oxygen levels etc. Choosing not to fish catch and release in riskier less than ideal conditions is one helpful way to avoid mortality.
I think less chance of foul hooking a bass in another way. In this youtube, Dave describes a way to reduce the number of hooks on plugs so as not to add risk to foul hooking a fish. One front hook is pretty much all you need. He describes how adding a worm weight in place of rear hooks does not really effect the action and I think it is a really good idea.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_c...&v=09ByNzVOR0Y
There are other things we can do and also boat guys can do so maybe we can discuss it now that the bass are around again.
Running list:
1. Crush your barbs, one of the simplest easy things to do.
2. Don't weigh a large bass by the mouth on a boga. If you must remove fish from water, measure it quickly to calculate the weight or just estimate, the fun part is catching and letting here swim away anyway.
3.Plug fishing with single hooks whether it's like Outflow fishing describes or some other way to eliminate the 2nd belly hook or tail hooks.
4. Have the right weight gear for the job so as not to stress the fish out, don't fish the canal for large with a noodle rod another words.
5. don't use M-80's
6. limit your handling of the fish and the time it takes, if possible unhook it while still in the water.
7. Try not to fish catch and release in warm water temps