Gee, I wonder what slinging it around by the jaw over your head while screaming at it does to the fish...

Guys, there are a lot of good comments here and Im glad to see so much interest in this topic cause its important.

As many of you also stated, I have never felt like I have broken the jaw of a fish, but then again, the sign that I read said that you usually couldnt tell. Also, Im sure that not every fish with an injured jaw dies, but at the same time alot do.

The fact that we see so many pros holding fish in this inproper way tells us that there is just not enough people spreading the word. It also points to our human nature and how most of us dont care how our actions effect other things. We hold fish like that cause it is easier and looks cool but mostly because we have not been told the right way. It is not that much harder to take the time to hold the fish right, the recent Choke pic is a great example of the "right" way!

Keep spreading the word!

I was thinking the same thing on that Choke pic. That's how my luck would run.

So this isn't the way I'm supposed to hold my hawgs?

Nice fish, thats supposedly the right way to do it

I seen her many times in BPS, healthy as can be and fed fine. She was lucky though, i can see how manhandling them can be harmful

Using one example of a big fish being held wrong and not hurt is purely anecdotal and does not mean it will ring true for every fish held like this. The fact and message is that holding fish like this will cause injury more often than not. Also, how do you know that it never hurt this fish, did she call you at home? (l0l) She could have been badly hurt but just was a tough fish and eventually healed!

I guess great mind think alike, huh Bar? I do think we need to work harder to get the word out about this, however, there is no way to stick, fight, land, unhook, take pics, and release these fish without hurting them some. Have you ever had the bejeebers beat outa you? It takes a while to get back to feeling normal...same with the fish. Some don't make it. The best we can do is fight them quickly, touch them with wet hands, DON'T hyper-extend their jaw, whether she's a 2 or a 10, and minimize time out of water.

your absolutely right, there is always going to be some trauma but we can try to minimize as much as possible.

Spread the word!

I love these threads that start off with a guy asking questions about what others think or may have observed through the years so that they can expand their knowledge about the sport they love...

Then magically after two days and some internet research they are suddenly experts on the subject they were asking about just 36 hours prior...


Ken

+1 thats the way it happens, when they try to gap the mouth open to make it look bigger for the photo

I just leave 'em in the water,unhook 'em,and let 'em swim away. Minimal stress..........except for that hook exit wound in the top of their head.

I love these quotes from people whoe have obviously havent read the original post before they make theirs.

I dont know why you posted this comment cause it makes no sense! I was the one that started this thread and I asked no questions nor did I ask about other peoples experiences so I could expand my knowledge.

This was an infromitive post about how holding a fish a certain way can break its jaw, period! I am trying to spread the mnessage to you and others. I did not ask any questions whatsoever.

Moreoever, nobody is claiming that they are experts on anything, I am far from an expert, however; it is not that hard to learn how to and recognize the proper way to hold a fish so that its jaw dont break. Though I am not claiming to know everything, I am a pretty knowledgeable fisherman that spends about 20 hrs a week on the lake, so I think I know a little something about the basics. But, one of the points of this thread was how so many experienced anglers dont practice proper fish handling techniques! I conceded that I myself did not know the full extent of the injuries that could happen to fish because of this untill a few days ago.

It really baffels me as to why you would make a post like you did. This is a very informative thread with many good ideas and advice. People are taking it seriously. If you just want to berade people than go somewhere else. Also, next time make sure that your comments have some sort of rationale!