handling bass from a boat

If I’m not fishing on the weekend, I’m watching the Bassmaster Elite Series  and OOD contributor Jeff Gustafson do his thing.

I find it interesting how professional bass anglers land their fish. It’s never with a net as they aren’t allowed in these competitions.

Belly grabs or boat flips are the usual boarding methods. Let’s break down the four common ways bass are landed and the pros and cons of each.

Netting

Pros

  • Keeps your hands away from the hooks until the fish is aboard and under control.
  • Easy on the fish as the net keeps fish contained and prevents flopping around in the boat.
  • Gives you added reach. This also keeps the angler safe from falling overboard.
  • Angling partner can assist.
  • High percentage option for landing the fish.

Cons

  • It’s a bulky piece of gear that takes up boat space and can get tangled on rivets, rods, etc.
  • You can poorly time a net job and end up losing a fish, focusing on the netting instead of the fight with the fish.
  • If you miss, you could catch the hooks on the net and pull them from the fish’s mouth.
  • Nets aren’t allowed in some tournaments

Lipping

Pros

  • Most stable grip on the fish.
  • Can quickly hold the fish up for a picture.
  • It’s easy on the fish.

Cons

  • Hands get close to the hooks.
  • Must get the fish under control beside the boat.
  • Can give fish slack line and lose it in the process. For example, boat-side jumps while leaning over.

Boat flip

Pros

  • It’s the fastest way to do the job.
  • You don’t have to lean overboard.
  • Hooks stay away from the anglers’ hands.

Cons

  • Your line can break.
  • Your rod can break.
  • The fish may not be hooked as well as you think and lifting it out of the water could result in losing the fish.
  • Flopping could hurt the fish.

Belly grab

Pros

  • Hands stay clear of the hooks.
  • It’s the most gentle way to handle bass.

Cons

  • Must get the fish under control beside the boat.
  • Must lean overboard.
  • Can give fish slack line and lose it in the process. For example, boat-side jumps while leaning over.

Originally published in the July 2023 issue of Ontario OUT of DOORS

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