How to properly measure bass
THIS WEEKEND IS OPENING day for bass in this neck of the woods. Bass are much loved by most anglers because they are an aggressive fish that is relatively easy to catch.
Even so, I see many new anglers making the same mistakes over and over again when it comes to these wonderful, sporty fish. This happens typically when estimating the size of the catch.
The difference between a rookie and a seasoned angler lies in the degree of accuracy.
I think newcomers to the sport often fail in this regard because they get a little too excited – to try their new state of the art scale and measuring tape.
As a result, the memory of a 12-inch bass almost invariably remains the same size, sometimes throughout the entire season.
You won’t catch an experienced bass angler making this mistake, however. That’s because we know that, with the right scale, or, better yet, none at all, a 12-inch, 14 ounce bass, can quickly balloon to trophy proportions.
Personally, I consider myself a purist. That means I choose to estimate
the weight of a fish utilizing no basis of reality.
Yes, this is an art, but one that can be mastered by most creative people in a season or two. Even those of us who are only mildly talented in this important aspect of fishing can easily add at least three pounds to any fish and six to one that is over four ounces.
If you really work at it, you might one day be able to tell everyone about the world record bass you caught and released. Releasing is important, which is why I never fail to splash the water hard when doing so.
Needless to say, there is a trick to this. Personally, I won’t even try to estimate the size of a bass unless I have three critical conditions in my favour: a camera with dead batteries, no witnesses and a lack of conscience. Otherwise too many things can go wrong.
Having said that, I understand that some people need help to properly exaggerate fish size. My best advice to those folks is buy the worst scale you can afford. I look for one with weak or non-existent springs. As for tape measure, make sure you get one where the first 11 inches have been removed.
If you have those tools in your boat, the odds are good that you might one day be telling your fishing buddies about a seven pound perch.
By the way, a good fishing buddy is equally as important. For this reason, you should rule out fishing with highly religious people, priests, popes, cardinals or members of the judicial system – or wives, who are always underestimating things. My potential for success immediately comes to mind.
If at all possible, fish with politicians, lawyers, seasoned anglers or people who owe you large sums of money. Although I have never fished with the latter, in my experience, these types of people tend to nod their heads when you first utter outrageous weights.
If you must take photos, use a long arm and wide angle lens – or learn to be proficient with Photoshop. Again, I am old school, so I happen to prefer an artist’s rendition.
The point here is that the 12-inch bass you catch on Saturday need not remain that way. Angling is a lifelong journey and there is always room for growth.