Here are a few of my thoughts on this topic. Other experienced big bass anglers will have thoughts about this.
1. It always makes me sad to see a deep hooked fish. Big bummer. I kick my self when this happens to me. I don't think many deep hooked fish survive, especially if they are bleeding. Swim away yes,,, survive 2 weeks not likely, even though you never see it floating. Often turtles and crayfish will attack a weak and struggling fish and keep it down before it is fully dead.
2. To help reduce your problem try using larger lures. Another thing I have seen done is remove one of the trebles. Be aware this may change the action of the lure. Compare and check lure action before and after.
3. My general rule is the warmer the water the easier a fish will die due to angling stress. This is because the fish during the 'fight' develops a large oxygen deficit (high lactic acid content) in the muscles which is why the fish tires. Lactic acid needs to be processed out of the muscles and this takes time and large amounts of oxygen in the blood. Less oxygen is present in water the warmer the water gets. Thus it is harder for fish to put high amounts of oxygen into the blood if lower amounts of oxygen are present in the water. Angling during the warmest water days of the year is risky, especially if you put a high value on your fish.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 07/24/14 08:00 PM.
