I've also trimmed the fins of both bass and bluegills for the past few years. Since big bass need big meals,rather than keeping six to 9" bass out of my pond,I'll clip all fins and put them back in the water.

Don't be surprised if you catch some of these fish again in the next few months. Even after a year when you catch one you'll find that the fins will grow back but will only be a short version of it's original self.

Like FirelsHot,if I clip a fin on shiners it usually results in a quicker strike from a bass.