I would still prefer blindness over a broken jaw. I don't want to be a negative nancy but your logic is extremely flawed, lol. Most lakes here only have a few feet visibility, so sight is far less significant in comparison to the lateral line.

Has anyone ever caught a bass with 2 blind eyes? I think that is a logical question? I haven't.

I have caught one eyed bass and bass that have multiple holes in their lips...along with cull clip holes.

I have also caught bass with what seem to be a broken jaw....it seems week and opens oddly.

I think our C & R practices are working wonders.

My PB was caught a year and a half later. She gained .5lbs. When I caught her she was 11lbs 3oz during the spring. She was caught a year later in the summer and was 11 lbs 8oz. I'm extremely happy with my C & R practice. I just want to make people think. I'm not trying to sway people one way or another. Everyone has their opinion and is free to it! That's what makes it great!

We don't need new rules.....cause if I have to wacky worm a circle barbless hook I am outta bass fishing! I'll chase crappie and eat em!!

Here is one that lived through C & R. As you can see it's lower jaw has been broken....not by someone holding it.....but from a rather large hook or hookset. Most likely happened when it was younger. It's about a 2lb fish in the picture. She ate the mess out of that c-rig. One of those bites you wish would happen on a slow day! BAM!

I released his ugly mug to fight another day!

Caught at Lake o the Pines on a community hole. 10+ years ago.

I've watched a good bit of fishing shows and Bill Dance for sure holds them the worst. Every time he does it I just about cringe. Vertical isn't a huge problem, but when he turns the lip to horizontal and the gill covers fan out he's definitely not taking care of the fish. No argument can be made. He could do better.

guys this wasn't about Bill Dance... this was about education... it wasn't meant to start arguments over whether a blind fish is better than a broken jaw....

this was meant to show how holding bigger fish vertical without a supporting hand underneath can actually harm a fish.

that was all... now having said that, this has been the most entertaining post i have read in a while!!

Snake Eyes, Its not about blind vs. broken jaw.

Like I have mentioned there are many aspects of good C & R and holding a fish is just one of the many.

I bet several of the guys who posted here don't know a single thing about fizzing a fish. It's much more important IMO than a broken jaw. Because a bloated unfizzed fish will not leave the ramp....he will stay belly up and die within minutes. I spent one night after a jackpot derby scooping up 27 bass that needed fizzing. I tried to help several of them. BUT 27 dead bass ended up in a cooler.....everyone else left after they dumped their fish from their sack. BTW none of the fish were under 2lb....and they went up to 5 lbs. Do that math on that amount of weight (total dead weight of 27 bass) that wasn't swimming anymore!!

A fish with a broken jaw wouldn't get put in a cooler....since he can swim away.

Personally I think we need to look at other ways we handle and treat our fish....even the small dinks....cause one day they will grow up to be one of those you need to support (gut).

I also had a good time messing with you guys. I hope someone got a few laughs.

I've been around this forum for awhile....I like to make things fun.....nothing too serious.

Hey I love Bill Dance------JACK

www.mikelongoutdoors.com/proper-bass-handling/

More great info.

That's what Dave Campbell told me Hammbone.