Something to think about.

[MAKAI]

I’ve read before where suction feeding fish don’t do very well when released after being hung on bogas. Something to do with cartilage separating in the lower jaw from heavy fish being suspended out of water. Seems they lose the ability to inhale prey and just eventually starve.
A study on barramundi in Australia that had fish suspended then returned to large pens had 50 out of 50 fish eventually die.
Couldn’t post the study from this ipad. Will try and put it up next time I’m in front of a real computer.
Just a curious read.

[Clammer]

?????????? there must be a reason Carp are weighted in a sling ><>

[MakoMike]

No fish does well after being hung vertically by its jaw. I have read that Australian study and I don't recall that they isolated a particular function that was impaired on the fish.

[MAKAI]

According to the Florida fish and wildlife commission they referenced the aforementioned barramundi study in how it relates to snook.
The fear is that by hanging large fish vertically, in addition to organ displacement and vertebrae injury the isthmus can rupture. This is a cartilaginous bundle of ligaments that connect the head to body. The connection is vital for gulping food.

I’ll try and link it soon.

Personally, on a few instances I’ve noticed sounds like knuckles cracking when lip gripping a big bass for a quick pic.
Fish chiropractic services.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

[zimmy]

I think there are a couple studies on it. Years ago when boga's got popular and those studies started popping up, I bought a sling. Only used it a few times cause I don't really care enough and catch big fish with enough regularity from shore anymore to bother dragging it along, but it is pretty cool. There is nothing in the anatomical design of a fish that indicates a 25+ pounder should be ok when held in a vertical position out of water and, on top of all that, suspended by the jaw. The popular quick shake to make sure the scale is reading accurately can't help either.

[Clammer]

for what its worth …….I know of a few fish that were just short of legal size …… keep them wet ^ hang them overnight

[MakoMike]

Originally Posted by Clammer

for what its worth …….I know of a few fish that were just short of legal size …… keep them wet ^ hang them overnight

And shake like hell!