Yum

[remi74]

From last week. When the floods subside, I'm gonna catch me some more fatties. Gonna post a pic of the fly soon.

[Chief Grey Bear]

Is that the sound of his jaw snapping that I hear?

[grizzly]

I second Chiefs question.

[Al Agnew]

Yeah, really don't want to bust your chops, but just to make you think a bit...it PROBABLY won't hurt a fish that size to hold it like that, but it's always better to err on the side of caution. Either hold the fish vertically when holding it by the lower jaw, or support its weight with your other hand (which, of course, you can't if you're using the other hand to take the picture). Allowing its full weight to bear down on that lower jaw WILL harm a bass that is fairly heavy.

Very pretty fish, though!

[remi74]

Sorry, thought Chief was poking fun and calling me greedy for smallies. Read it as "snapping jaw" like snapping turtle. The fish's belly was resting on my hand. But now it does look that it wasn't my best grip. I've seen some nasty pics and agree that a fish shouldn't be held in a manner than can hurt it. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

[Chief Grey Bear]

It really is a nice fish!

If I am by myself, I'll lay the fish down with the rod on a gravel bar. I think those make really nice pics. I layed one on a log one time and I really like that shot. I would post it, but I can't find it at this time. Al poses his on his paddle as he is floating.

And of course there will be detractors to this method also. They claim it wipes off the protective slime layer and that bacteria will invade the body and cause death. I don't necessarily subscribe to this theory. Fish rub against logs, rocks, and other items under the water all the time. When you lay one on the bank or paddle, you are not wiping them dry.