I’ve been fishing for bass since I was just a kid, awkwardly holding my dad’s fishing rod as he reeled in another lunker from our favorite neighborhood pond. Over the decades, I’ve caught more bass than I can count and developed some techniques for safely handling these athletic, slippery creatures. While catching a bass is fun, the most important part is properly caring for the fish after reeling it in.
In this post, I’ll share how to hold a bass fish. Whether you’re an avid tournament angler or just getting started in your bass fishing adventures, the proper hold can make all the difference – so keep reading to learn how it’s done!
Why is It Important to Hold a Bass Fish?
1 . To Protect the Fish
Holding a bass fish properly is essential to ensure their safety and well-being. Improper handling can cause injury or even death to the fish, especially if they are intended for catch-and-release fishing. When caught, bass fish may struggle and move around vigorously, making it challenging to hold them securely without causing harm.
2 . For Your Safety
Not only is it essential to protect the fish, but holding them properly also protects you. Some bass species, such as largemouth bass, have sharp dorsal spines that can cause injury if not handled with care. These spines are located near the top of the fish’s back and can inflict painful wounds if touched or mishandled.
3 . To Maintain the Fish’s Slime Coat
Bass fish, like other fish species, have a slimy coating on their skin. This slime coat serves as a protective barrier against bacteria and parasites. When handling a bass fish, it is crucial to avoid touching or rubbing this slime coat to prevent damaging it. Properly holding the fish can help maintain its slime coat and keep the fish healthy.
4 . To Take a Photo
Holding a bass fish correctly is also important if you want to take a photo with your catch. Improperly holding the fish can make it look distorted and unappealing in photos. By learning how to hold a bass fish properly, you can showcase your catch without causing harm or damaging its appearance.
How to Hold a Bass Fish in 5 Easy Steps
Step 1: Know the Anatomy of a Bass Fish
Before learning how to hold a bass fish, it is important to know its anatomy. A bass fish has two dorsal fins, one on its back and one near its tail. It also has two pectoral fins or side fins, and an anal fin located between the pelvic fins.
Step 2: Wet Your Hands
Fish have a protective layer of slime on their skin that helps them fight off infections and diseases. Handling a bass fish with dry hands can remove this slimy layer and make it vulnerable to infections. Therefore, before holding a bass fish, wet your hands in the water.
Step 3: Support the Fish’s Weight
When holding a bass fish, it is important to support its weight properly. This can be done by placing one hand under the belly of the fish and the other hand supporting its back near the dorsal fin. Gently cradle the fish to prevent it from slipping out of your hands.
Step 4: Avoid Squeezing Too Tight
It is natural to want to hold a bass fish tightly, especially when trying to get a good grip. However, squeezing too tight can cause harm to the fish by damaging its internal organs or breaking its bones. Hold the fish gently but securely.
Step 5: Be Mindful of the Fish’s Spines and Hooks
Bass fish have sharp spines on their dorsal fins and gills, which can easily pierce through skin. Additionally, if the fish has been caught with a hook, be careful not to get hooked yourself. Handle the fish with caution and avoid unnecessarily touching its spines and hooks.
Holding a bass fish may seem like a simple task, but it is important to do it correctly in order to ensure the safety and well-being of both you and the fish. By following these 5 easy steps, you can hold a bass fish confidently and responsibly. Now that you know how to hold a bass fish, get out on the water and put your skills to the test!
Some Extra Tips to Hold a Bass Fish
1 . Do Not Squeeze Too Hard
When you hold a bass fish, it is important to remember that these fishes have delicate scales and fins. Therefore, you should avoid squeezing them too hard as it can easily damage their skin and cause them pain. Instead, try to hold the fish gently but firmly with your fingers placed beneath its gills.
2 . Use Wet Hands
Before you pick up the bass fish, make sure to wet your hands in the water. This will help reduce any chances of damaging its protective slime layer. The slime layer acts as a barrier against bacteria and parasites that can harm the fish. Keeping the slime intact is vital for their survival, so it is crucial to handle them with wet hands.
3 . Avoid Touching Its Eyes
Fish eyes are very sensitive, and bass fish is no exception. So, when you hold a bass fish, make sure to avoid touching its eyes as it can cause them discomfort or even damage their vision. If the fish is struggling, try to calm it down by holding it securely but gently.
4 . Be Careful with Their Spiny Dorsal Fin
Bass fishes have a spiny dorsal fin that can be dangerous if not handled carefully. These fins are sharp and rigid, so make sure to keep your fingers away from them. You can either hold the fish with its head facing you or wear protective gloves while handling it to avoid getting injured.
5 . Support Its Weight Correctly
Another important thing to remember while holding a bass fish is to support its weight correctly. These fishes are usually heavy, and if not held properly, they can easily slip out of your hands. So, make sure to use both hands and keep them close to the fish’s body for better balance and control.
6 . Do Not Hold It for Too Long
Lastly, it is important to remember that holding a bass fish for an extended period can cause them distress and even harm their health. So, after taking a few pictures or admiring the fish, gently release it back into the water. Remember, it is crucial to handle these beautiful creatures with care and respect.
Overall, following these tips will not only help you hold a bass fish correctly but also ensure their safety and well-being. So, next time you catch a bass fish, remember to handle it gently, support its weight correctly, and release it back into the water as soon as possible. Happy fishing! Let’s take care of our environment and preserve these amazing creatures for future generations to enjoy as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Precautions Should You Take When Holding a Bass Fish?
- As with any type of fish, make sure your hands are clean and free from any strong scents that may linger on them. This avoids both irritating the fish as well as contaminating the water.
- Be gentle when handling the fish, especially if you plan on releasing it back into the water. Rough handling can cause injury or stress to the fish.
- When handling bass, do not grab them by their gills or eyes as this can cause serious harm and even death.
- Wet your hands before touching the fish to protect its slimy coating, which helps to protect against bacteria and other contaminants.
- Use a landing net if possible, especially for larger bass. This helps avoid damage to the fish’s scales and fins.
- If you do need to hold the fish, make sure to support its weight properly. Bass have a heavy head and are strong swimmers, so make sure your grip is firm but gentle.
- Keep the fish close to the water when handling it. This minimizes the time it spends out of its natural habitat and reduces stress on the fish.
- Always handle the fish with care and avoid dropping it. Bass have air bladders that can be easily damaged, which can lead to their death if not treated properly.
Can I Use Gloves When Holding a Bass Fish?
While gloves may seem like a good idea to protect both you and the fish, they can actually do more harm than good. The fabric of most gloves can remove the protective slime layer on the fish’s skin, leaving them vulnerable to bacteria and other contaminants. If you must wear gloves, make sure they are specifically designed for handling fish and are made of a soft, smooth material.
What if the Bass Has Sharp Spines?
Bass have sharp spines on their dorsal fin and anal fin that can cause painful injuries. If you need to hold the fish, make sure to properly grip it near its tail or belly, avoiding these areas. If you do happen to get pricked by a spine, immediately wash the area with soap and water to prevent infection.
What is the Best Way to Hold a Bass Fish for a Photo?
When taking photos with your catch, it’s important to hold the fish properly to ensure its safety. Avoid holding the fish by its jaw as this can cause serious damage. Instead, support its body with both hands, keeping one hand under its belly and the other gently holding the tail. Hold the fish close to your body for a better grip, and make sure to keep it as low to the ground as possible in case it squirms out of your hands.
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the technique of holding a bass fish requires patience, practice and proper guidance. By following the steps outlined in this post, you can confidently hold your catch without causing harm to yourself or the fish. Remember to always handle these creatures with respect and care, as they play a crucial role in maintaining our ecosystems.
Whether you are a seasoned angler or a beginner just starting out, I hope this guide on how to hold a bass fish has provided you with valuable tips that will enhance your fishing experiences. So go ahead and put your newfound knowledge to the test on your next fishing trip!