Two local bass fishermen who have caught and released many bass this year have noticed a lot of abuse on bass that have been caught and released. We have seen damage to fish where the hook or hooks had been viciously ripped out of the mouth, leaving large cuts and big gaping holes and a large sores.

This can be avoided by using a little common sense and treating your fish with a little respect and compassion. Slow down a little and look things over before removing a hook. If you have hooked a fish so badly that you can’t remove the hook without damaging the fish and leaving it deformed for life, get a good pair of side-cutter pliers and cut the hook or hooks and take out the pieces with a pair of needle-nose pliers.

Hooks are replaceable, but a good bass isn’t. Always practice “catch and release.” Don’t forget, you can always take pliers and pinch off the barb on your hook and fish barbless. It works perfectly, less damage to the fish and faster release that leads to more fishing time.

Remember that fish have feelings, too. Please, handle all fish with the utmost care. This includes sunfish, yellow perch, white perch, chubs and suckers, for they are all in the food chain. The better the feed, the larger the fish.

Catch and release all fish with tenderness and care. This will ensure good fishing for generations to come.

Ralph Everett and Peter Allen, Norway

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