The notable guys in the pics above might be fish catching experts, but they also might not be real well versed in the proper handling of large bass. It would be very interesting to get their opinion. Once they are made aware of this they might make some changes to how they handle their bass. I tend agree with esshup especially after hearing the speaker at the PBossIV Conference, the larger the bass the more likely jaw damage can occur to the fish by liping it. When I first heard about this topic it was explained that these fish live their lives as weightless individuals. When lifted out of the water, their total body weight becomes much more of a factor, especially if the fish is large and if lifted and or swung into the boat by the lip alone. I can see where this would be stressful. I know I would not want to be lifted by my lower jaw. I rarely catch big bass so the whole topic for me is rarely encountered.
