The class syllabus was simple and straightforward.
Field sessions would be held rain or shine. As students, we could expect to trash our clothes and come home smelling like fish. And we all had two items we needed to carry with us at each session: a good pair of hip boots and a rubber-coated net.
As biologists-in-training, we all knew the importance of handling fish properly; our nets were the key implement. Our professors all carried their own nets, giving them names like "Eleanor" and "Big Pete." It was rumored some even slept with them.
As a whole, tournament bass fishing has always moved forward in the name of conservation and respect for the fish. The practice of catch and release led to state-of-the-art livewells in boats, the development and use of chemical additives, proper holding procedures and live-release boats. However, somehow, the way we initially handle bass has been somewhat left out.
Of course, as fans, we immediately think of the “no touch” concept being used in Major League Fishing. The obvious purpose is to reduce the amount of handling of bass caught in the event, thus creating a healthier overall experience. But, as any fisheries scientist will tell you, the result doesn’t really hold up to science.
As we’ve seen in these tournaments, many fish are swung aboard, fall off the hook, and crash down onto the floor of the boat. While this is certainly not intentional, and results in the responsible competitor being administered a penalty, it happens. And it’s terrible for the fish.
Another fact that must be considered when it comes to care and handling of tournament-caught bass is the amount of stress put on the fish. Science has given us insight into many overlooked aspects of fish care, including delayed mortality, and studies have proven that the stress associated with a prolonged fight can, in itself, kill a bass.
The best way to reduce this stress? Bring the fish in relatively quickly and scoop it with a coated net.
Sure, we have to consider other aspects of tournament bass fishing, especially with our made-for-TV example of MLF. Viewers like excitement, and it’s a lot more thrilling to watch a competitor wrestle a hawg aboard bare-handed than to scoop it up.
But in the world of TV bass, exposure and sponsorships are also key. I would think MLF would partner with a big-name net company, like Frabill, and introduce the world to the proper ways of handling tournament-caught bass. Frabill produces an entire line of nets dubbed as “Conservation Series” equipment, for goodness sake.
Looking elsewhere, I was blown away to recently learn that the Bassmaster Open circuits are, again, banning the use of nets. I really couldn’t fathom why, so I asked B.A.S.S., and senior tournament manager Chris Bowes quickly responded:
“After feedback from the competitors and review by the Tournament Department, Bassmaster Opens Rule #7 was changed to mirror the Bassmaster Elite Series rules. Many competitors communicated that because the Bassmaster Opens are the primary qualifying league for the Bassmaster Elite Series, the rules should be consistent.”
I can understand that. Like aluminum bats in baseball, athletes should become accustomed to major league equipment rules if pursuing a job there.
But I’m afraid B.A.S.S. hasn’t considered all of the variables. This season, one very special variable immediately comes to mind: Lake Erie.
If my memory serves me correctly, the last time B.A.S.S. disallowed nets in Open competition was 2006, when the fall Lake Erie event in the Northern Division was horrifically rough. I can vividly remember many stories following the tournament of competitors nearly falling overboard when trying to land their fish. Remember, Lake Erie has been responsible for many tournament rules being re-written due to its ferocious tenacity. The restructuring of the “Boat Operation” rules were a direct result of Erie and other big waters, and now allow co-anglers to fish from the back deck or seating area.
Therefore, while I fully understand the desire to make the Opens much like the pro tour, and I realize the excitement created for television when Elite pros wrestle monsters boat-side at places like the California Delta or Falcon, what we’re dealing with here is an entirely different scenario.
The immediate solution would be to allow nets across the board. It’s better for the fish, and for our image as tournament anglers. If nothing else, I see no reason why an exception can’t be made for fisheries where safety is a real concern. A 3-inch bass boat gunnel offers little peace of mind.
Nearly every form of fishing in which the participants are concerned with the health of the fish utilizes nets in some facet, from Rocky Mountain trout to the monster muskies of the North, from Caribbean bonefish to Alaskan grayling. Yet bass keep getting swung aboard, spending the next 10 seconds trying to kill themselves flopping beneath the console.
We’ve moved forward in many other aspects of the sport. For the sake of the bass, I hope we soon recognize the next step.
(Joe Balog is the often outspoken owner of Millennium Promotions, Inc., an agency operating in the fishing and hunting industries. A former Bassmaster Open and EverStart Championship winner, he's best known for his big-water innovations and hardcore fishing style. He's a popular seminar speaker, product designer and author, and is considered one of the most influential smallmouth fishermen of modern times.)
