Wow..those bass fishing guys are not very friendly. Do I need a bass boat to post on the bass fishing forum? But thanks for all of the help. I can use the information that was given to me.

Naaa. You've got to understand. We get guys on here all the time trying to stir up s**t by talking about eating big bass. Sometimes they will just get on here and make up stuff knowing which guys to poke at.
Many of the guys here fish tournaments and it is an "unspoken" rule you don't eat the fish that make you money. Most guys here don't object to keeping a few keepers to eat but when you start with the big 'uns then you better duck and dodge or have a tough hide. Many people down here prefer to eat catfish or crappie because they prefer the taste over bass. Also, there is a fish consumption advisory (not a ban) in Texas:
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/publications/annual/fish/consumption_bans/

Sooooo, when you say you caught an 8 lb and 5 lb and didn't have any good casting tackle it is suspect that you were "Waving a red flag in a field with a big bull"!
(Unless that WAS your intention to begin with.)

Some of these guys think they own the fish in the lakes. Don't worry about them, they're harmless.

Fry that bass up, it's just as good as any.

We cook gar like this. Kinda like the other recipe. Cut'em down the middle and take all the guts out. Put butter and all the seasons you like, Then take a board alittle wider and longer than the fish, start by nailing the head to the board and then spread the fish out where its laid open an nail down the sides. Next cook it till it looks yum yum, throw away the fish and eat the wood. use the nails to get the splinters outa your teeth.

Most of the big bass will have worms anyway. They are usually yellow / gold looking, about the thickness of 10 hairs, and curled up in an O or C shape. They will be on the outside of the stomach, only visible after you cut them open. Round worms. It is best just to throw them back if they are over 2 or 3 lbs unless you want your gut and arse infested.

"They" say if you freeze and and cook them enough, there isn't a problem. I prefer not to eat something I know was infested.

Hi son, what? you have worms. Ugh. that was daddy's fault. You too honey? My bad sorry.

<BOINK> <Sound of fry pan on my head>

On the other hand, a smaller bass is great. Largemouth and spotted bass taste good. Search the internet for any snapper or sea bass recipe and they will work.

Fried, broiled, baked - all great.

After frying fish... like to 'bam' them with some Emeril's Original seasoning. Used to get it at Walmart... but, they did not have it last time I checked.

Gizzard. u should listen to bigron. This ia a great forum and most everyone is friendly and willing to give great advice. Im a saltwater guy and am still somewhat new to the forum but being that im from tx I know better than to ask a question like that.lol Man I seen that one coming as soon as I read your topic (question on bass) in the recipes section. These guys get pretty pissed when u start talking about putting some of their big girls on stringers. Have fun catchin the bass and take pics and post them but save the cats n crappies for dinner. Good Luck.