Research at the Florida Bass Conservation Center is comparing handling approaches for big bass to see how different methods affect them. Whether held vertically by the jaw, or cradled in two hands horizontally, there were no notable problems with dislocated jaws or reduced survival. - See more at: http://www.thefishingwire.com/story/366849#sthash.96psyi1o.dpuf

So, hold those big girls up high and be proud when you snap those close up pics!

I choose to handle with care.

I'm ready to catch me a big ole SAL!

There are still going to be those people who scream "YOU'RE BREAKING IT'S JAW BY USING 2 HANDS MORON!"

Nice article. Considering that the study was performed at the Florida Bass Conservation Center, the people handling the bass during the study were experienced and very careful. They say the bass studied were over 8lbs; but I'd say you get into problems with bass over ten pounds and handling the jaw with a rotational force (something someone might do if in a hurry or trying to take pictures from different angles.)

Me too. I hold them by the lip like we have always done.

They will still say we killed them no matter what research shows.

I'll tell you what I see that kills big fish from now until June, Livebait fisherman from out of state or from in state for that matter. Or the big one here, holding a big fish out of the water while they fiddle fart around to get a picture for 5-mins... Not knowing how to remove a gut hooked fish from the underside of the gills to save it from bleeding to death... There are more stupid acts committed, these are just some I see while on Fork this time of year... It's ridiculous,, and not just on Fork, it's across the board imo..

I don't have to worry

If you eat them it doesn't matter

I've had both and the XI5 is much better in my opinion. I've had mine for two years and fish five days a week and have changed the battery once. I don't screw mine down in the tray, and never had it pop out, even on a rough Falcon.

Huh

Huh what?

Never mind, hit the damn back button!!! Wrong thread

If you don't support the body of batteries over 10 lb you will break the handle and it will die.