For what it's worth, the folks at Sure-Life told me that oxygen deprivation stress in a fish can happen in as little as 45 seconds, even quicker in hot temps. I know from my own experience that when I've had a tough time getting a hook out when the water temp is above 85, I've had fish become severely stressed or die very quickly. Just my take on it, but I think what USA-1 is trying to say is that people who broadcast themselves as sportsmen to the general public should be aware of the image they project as guardians of the resource. Giving PETA and the other "anti's" ammunition to shoot us with doesn't make sense.

But I understand bashing USA for his post. It's easier to do than actually giving thought to a topic.

It's a fish. Filet, eat, mount, or release it. There's no reason to be upset unless you can prove they have feelings. Comparing a fish to a human being is just plain ignorant.

I saw a correction from Mr Perfect but no apolgy to Brian.

Who in this post compared a fish to a human? He said "stressed" as in causing a decline in physical well being.

the very original post

I certainly lose some respect for Barry every time he treats his catch this way..... Might be ignorance as he would't overstress or kill fish intentially surely. And No, just because he caught them does not mean they are His bass to do whatever. He always releases them so since he doesn't harvest them, they are not his fish.


Same for the supposed pros lipping and breaking and dislocating the jaws of their 10 lb + bass. ....

What about that Honey Hole guy. He's always holding them backwards, over his wrist. Now that's a jawbreaker.

this is a good reminder to always have your livewell cool and ready to go. put her in after un hooking her and let her rest for awhile. it gives you enough time to head to another part of the lake for the photo op, or treat any wounds with please release me as well. take your time with a trophy and get the pics you deserve while being the bass ambulance insuring the health of the fish.

WOW

+100000

Barry is a great guy. Met him when he did his show on Pine Creek up here last year. I think people need to use a little common sense when it comes to bashing someone else. How is this any different than swinging a fish onto the carpet and letting it flop around while you use the trolling motor to hold your boat position? Or measuring and weighing and photographing before you release? Come on man...lighten up a little.

I had a sports writer in the boat in April. Caught one over 6lbs off the bed, he had the fish out of water for over 5 minutes....I began to get antsy and nervous.

I set the fish back in, she sat on top right side up for about 1 minute then went down..

The guys with the cameras dont give a squat about the fish, just the story.

It is what it is as they say.

It isn't exactly like holding your breath. This study (although conducted at a maximum water temp of 75 degrees) had bass out of water for up to 15 minutes with no ill effects:

http://www.bassparade.com/science-fish-water

I don't think 90 seconds or 2 minutes is really that big a deal unless the fish is already injured/stressed so bad it's going to die regardless.