Guys (& Gals), deviating from the subject just slightly...
We know that vertical hanging of muskie is ill advised if you are indeed planning on successfuly C&R. That seems to be a unanimous consensus.
So how come we see so many vertical hangs (photo's) of enormous bass? Wouldn't it also be in the fish's best interest to support its rotund girth, often weighing several pounds, which is usually distributed in a watery world? True they do not have the long spine of muskie, so does this make all the difference?
I have heard arguments on both side, including when these (big) bass are lifted from the water by their bottom jaw, sometimes at a slightly horizontal angle -- some say this can damage or even break the fish's jaw.
Just wondering what you all think, heard or know on this, as I think those lunker bass are worth taking care of, too. You can still get a nice picture while supporting the bass under it's girth.
W.