Hook Left in Bass Question

Lobstercatcher229

In saltwater I have always heard that the hook will dissolve quickly if you leave it in a fish's insides.

Does a large bass have a chance of survival with a hook left in its stomach in fresh water?

Alex from GA

I've caught many bass with hooks in their gullet so yes they can survive. I have a pair of long hemostats that I'll go through the gills, turn the hook and push it out. I also use barbless hooks so it's easier.

Lobstercatcher229

Alex from GA wrote: »

I've caught many bass with hooks in their gullet so yes they can survive. I have a pair of long hemostats that I'll go through the gills, turn the hook and push it out. I also use barbless hooks so it's easier.

Thanks for taking the time to answer the question. I caught my biggest bass the other day, an 8 pounder, and was hoping that he would make it with the hook in the gullet. I didn't have hemostats handy. Your barbless hook suggestion is a good one, any make and model of barbless hook that you like?

humbler

Pinch down the barbs with a pair of pliers on the hooks you use. I do this a lot with trebles especially. Just have to try and keep a tight line on a hooked fish.

RiffRaff

Yes they will sometimes survive but i prefer to carefully remove them as stated above because the stuff that hooks are made of these days take a long-long time to rust out. If it's a big fish your hands will fit down the throat and remove like a fulcrum. Just be very careful with the gills.

Alex from GA

I use my pliers and mash the barbs down.

Buckeye John

I have switched to #1 #2 and 1/0 circle hooks and rarely have a bass swallow a hook now. It's usually right in the corner of the mouth.

Alex from GA

How do you use a circle hook with a plastic worm?