Posted By: Ken A.
That's Not The Way to Hold a GIANT Bass! - 17.67 Pounds - 07/19/21 10:08 PM
I see lots of threads about the rough handling of bass by many and I do agree we need to protect our natural resource but sometimes we go a little over the top with the comments.
"She'll probably die now with a broken jaw" seems to be a sentiment that is thrown around a lot with SAL fish when the angler is seen holding them by the lower lip. Well, maybe not....
I found that famous pic of Mark Stevenson holding Ethel on Nov 26, 1986 at Val's Bait Shop the day he caught her. Not trying to stir the pot here. Just wanted to point out that a bass is a pretty hardy creature and even the giants can be held by their lower lip and still survive. I think most will agree that 17.67 qualifies as a Giant.
Ethel was approximately Ten Years old when she was caught but went on to live another 8 years in the big aquarium in Springfield Missouri at Bass Pro Shops. Ethel survived the handling by many folks that wanted their picture taken with her that fateful day.
Good memories of days gone by.
"She'll probably die now with a broken jaw" seems to be a sentiment that is thrown around a lot with SAL fish when the angler is seen holding them by the lower lip. Well, maybe not....
I found that famous pic of Mark Stevenson holding Ethel on Nov 26, 1986 at Val's Bait Shop the day he caught her. Not trying to stir the pot here. Just wanted to point out that a bass is a pretty hardy creature and even the giants can be held by their lower lip and still survive. I think most will agree that 17.67 qualifies as a Giant.
Ethel was approximately Ten Years old when she was caught but went on to live another 8 years in the big aquarium in Springfield Missouri at Bass Pro Shops. Ethel survived the handling by many folks that wanted their picture taken with her that fateful day.
Good memories of days gone by.