On Learnin's LMB, it looks like the hook drove through the eye socket.
I have also done that on multiple occasions on bass in that 1.5-2.5# range when using Texas-rigged plastic worms.
I finally got smart enough to throw a heavy set of pliers in my tackle box to cut off the barb end and slip the hook out without latching onto the eyeball. However, I was typically fishing in a big reservoir and never caught those bass again?
Questions:
Can "eye-hooked" bass survive that ordeal, or should they just go into the frying pan?
Any better advice than the way I am just cutting the hook in half?
Rod
When I know I'm going to be catching and releasing them I usually eliminate the barb with a file or Dremel and the hook will pull right out. I neglected to do that on this one.
I've caught several one eyed fish so I would think that if the eye was damaged that the fish would survive. I couldn't see any damage when I removed the hook so hoping this will not negatively impact the fish's health. Good advice about carrying the pliers and cutting the hook, I'll remember that!
Regarding the fish's lack of growth, I asked Bob Lusk, who explained that the fish is female. Female fish often channel all their energy into producing eggs, which can result in limited growth in length. This phenomenon is not uncommon.
