These are probably basic questions, but I'll ask anyway. these questions are based on what I have heard over the years, and not based on my research, so they may be myths.

1) Does it harm the fish to touch his skin with your dry hand? I've always heard that dry hands are almost the equivalent of "burning" a fish's skin. Seems like most of the pictures I see on here I see people touching the fish's skin and not always just lipping it for the pitcure. "Professionals" in TV shows seem to handle the body of the fish (i.e. skin) a lot too. So I guess the answer to this question is that it is o.k. to handle a fish with dry hands??

2) Many people hold the lower lip of a bass down when trying to elevate the fish to a position parallel to the ground for taking a picture (this can't really be done for huge bass). When putting so much presure on the bottom lip, I've always heard you could (and probably do) break the jaw and/or possibly part of the fish's backbone because of the stress that puts on the mouth area with most of the weight from the middle of the fish back to the tail. In theory, that would greatly hinder the fish's chance to survive. Again, I see people doing this all the time, so I assume it's not true.

What are your thoughts? Thanks..

Don't ever assume that just because you see a mojority of folks doing something it is the correct way. Ever heard the old adage "that's the way we've always done it"? Old habits die hard.

There have been plenty of threads on here about this subject (do a search) and TPWD's website has specifics on fish care and handling best practices.

Here is a list of tips and how to videos for Bass Consevation I put together to help bass fishermen take care of their catch.



http://texasfishingforum.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/4477471/Bass_Conservation#Post4477471

Bassin, I don't know how valid the myth is about touching the fish with dry hands. Personally I think its not accurate, if it were true then we in the bass fishing community would of heard of it by now. With that said as far as handling the fish is concerned its been my experience to get them back in the water as soon as possible since they are stressed from being caught.

With regards to lip handling I do agree that there is a potential to break its jaw. I use the traditional lip hold for all my bass but with the one 7 pounder I've held I made sure to support its body when holding him parallel to the ground.

Hope this helps.

Lip small fish, lip and support larger, be gentle with them , respect them. Kiss every fish you catch and thank it for the challenge and return it to the water safely.