8.5 Bass

[Flysmallie]

It's not solely about that single fish. It's about genetics and the potential of its offspring to also reach trophy sizes. That fish has proven to have genetics that are far above the average northern-strain LM bass. Taking it out of the lake to hang on a wall ensures that a genetically superior fish has been lost, along with the offspring it might have produced.

I'm not saying don't eat bass. But why not eat the smaller ones that may not have the potential to grow to trophy sizes? Studies have shown that a very small percentage of bass actually have that potential.

Besides, a fiberglass replica will long outlast an actual mount and will look good as new 20 years from now.

I get that. But I will also say that people that have posted pics of regular keepers have been ridiculed as well.

I don't keep a lot of fish. I'm not some die-hard C&R guy I just don't like to clean fish. I would have let that one go.

I also don't like fish mounts. Not sure how a replica will out last an actual mount but I don't care for them either. I have a actual mount in my office from 1977 that still looks pretty darn good. If the clear hadn't yellowed over the years it would look good as new. But I think a nice picture would look a lot better.

[MOPanfisher]

If I caught that fish it would totally depend on my mood whether or not I kept it, and whether or not I had enough cajun seasoning to make it taste good. Otherwise I am sure it has reproduced more than once in its life, thus the genetics are still out there. Nobody seems to be upset when someone keeps an 8lb walleye, or 15 inch crappie, its just a fish.

[Chief Grey Bear]

It's not solely about that single fish. It's about genetics and the potential of its offspring to also reach trophy sizes. That fish has proven to have genetics that are far above the average northern-strain LM bass. Taking it out of the lake to hang on a wall ensures that a genetically superior fish has been lost, along with the offspring it might have produced.

I'm not saying don't eat bass. But why not eat the smaller ones that may not have the potential to grow to trophy sizes? Studies have shown that a very small percentage of bass actually have that potential.

Besides, a fiberglass replica will long outlast an actual mount and will look good as new 20 years from now.

I have to somewhat disagree. That bass has been spawning for years so its genetics have been passed on. I would estimate about 10K eggs for at least 5 years. And I believe that to be modest.

I also believe that every bass has the potential to grow to a trophy size. I think that man as well as other predators are the only limiting factors. And the amount of forage available.

[Bird Watcher]

 

Every time I try to help promote the Ned rig, I get pummeled for being infatuated with it.

Is that redundant?

[Ketchup]

Im not saying it wasnt 8.5lbs, but if so, its looks awful little for being that size fish. Or maybe my eyes are gettin the better of me. Good fish either way.

[5bites]

Im not saying it wasnt 8.5lbs, but if so, its looks awful little for being that size fish. Or maybe my eyes are gettin the better of me. Good fish either way.

Don't do it man! That's the other direction a big fish post goes. It's gone the two worst ways now officially lol.

[5bites]

If I caught that fish it would totally depend on my mood whether or not I kept it, and whether or not I had enough cajun seasoning to make it taste good. Otherwise I am sure it has reproduced more than once in its life, thus the genetics are still out there. Nobody seems to be upset when someone keeps an 8lb walleye, or 15 inch crappie, its just a fish.

To be fair walleye are stocked and from the mouth of the conservation themselves letting them go for reproduction does basically nothing at all. In Missouri anyway.

[5bites]

I have to somewhat disagree. That bass has been spawning for years so its genetics have been passed on. I would estimate about 10K eggs for at least 5 years. And I believe that to be modest.

I also believe that every bass has the potential to grow to a trophy size. I think that man as well as other predators are the only limiting factors. And the amount of forage available.

I won't say this often, actually I haven't yet and I may never again, but pretty much I agree with this.

I won't say EVERY bass has the same potential but I think the genetic thing is over played. Texas has proven that to me with the share a lunker program.

[Phil Lilley]

I'm sitting here trying to decide what to type. I've written it down twice but deleted it because it was pretty hard.

I'm mad.

It's threads like this that good people don't post on forums.

We may lose a dozen regular posters on the Stockton forum because someone kept a big bass - someone questions the size.

Come on guys...

[nitro]

this is the first bass I have kept in probably 20 years. I have released thosands of bass in that time, and will continue to do so. I have released bigger bass than this one, so I think I have done my fair share of conservation. I paid for my boat,tackle,gas,license and the lure to catch the old girl . thats all I got to say about that