I don't know what's wrong with this bass

[jossswonk]

Does anyone know what's wrong with this bass I saw?

 

[MaloK]

While it's impossible to know exactly what happened.

It looks like a mouth injury that degenerated into an infection from the swelling of the jaw.

Maybe dislocated or fractured and secondary infection(s) took place.

 

[jossswonk]

Is there anything that can be done to help it? It can't currently eat very well.

 

[MaloK]

From the body shape it's been a while he has problem eating for sure.

I have seen veterinarian replace a dislodged jaw on fish, but they where large enough to be manipulated, And it was done immediately after the incident, the fish didn't live like that for prolonged period.

Trying a physical intervention will surely not end well. And I'm not sure I would medicate a fish that will remain with serious issues in life, even if it succeed.

I would consider to put humanely the poor thing to sleep

 

[Oldspartan]

I have seen a similar Bass when I hooked it. It had a small jig lodged inside it mouth. I removed the jig head and my rig of course and set him on her way. I doubt it survived but at least the immediate cause was removed so there was a chance.

 

[MaloK]

I have seen a similar Bass when I hooked it. It had a small jig lodged inside it mouth. I removed the jig head and my rig of course and set him on her way. I doubt it survived but at least the immediate cause was removed so there was a chance.

When I was 16-17 I caught a Pike in the St-Laurence that had the mouth literally filled with jewels.

It was crazy. The fish escaped so many times and survived with one more rig attached each time, that it turned into a monster.

It's head was large and the mouth and throat filled with the most incredible assortment of leaders, hooks, jigs, bobbits, and spoons. It's whole body was cutting square behind the head and thin as a snake from starving. Still was biting and fighting.

I killed it and eviscerated it and it was filled with fishing gear. We brought it home and showed it to all our parents and neighbours. It was simply impossible.

I have 2 buddies still alive that where there.

 

[Oldspartan]

When I was 16-17 I caught a Pike in the St-Laurence that had the mouth literally filled with jewels.

It was crazy. The fish escaped so many times and survived with one more rig attached each time, that it turned into a monster.

It's head was large and the mouth and throat filled with the most incredible assortment of leaders, hooks, jigs, bobbits, and spoons. It's whole body was cutting square behind the head and thin as a snake from starving. Still was biting and fighting.

I killed it and eviscerated it and it was filled with fishing gear. We brought it home and showed it to all our parents and neighbours. It was simply impossible.

I have 2 buddies still alive that where there.

I see to many people cut baits and run. They have little regard for the waters and its critters in my view. I have a friend who loves to fish at night for bass. He often catches bullhead by "mistake". He is also afraid of being horned, so he cuts the line and throws them back. I went with him one time and after seeing this scolded him and have never fished with him again. Unfortunately, he just cannot get past the fear despite being shown proper handling and even offered Kevlar gloves.

 

[GaryE]

That bass looks like the price of catch and release, or of a broken line.

Here, it's illegal to keep a "game fish" in a tank.

 

[MaloK]

I see to many people cut baits and run. They have little regard for the waters and its critters in my view. I have a friend who loves to fish at night for bass. He often catches bullhead by "mistake". He is also afraid of being horned, so he cuts the line and throws them back. I went with him one time and after seeing this scolded him and have never fished with him again. Unfortunately, he just cannot get past the fear despite being shown proper handling and even offered Kevlar gloves.

Yeah, the lazy catch and release... I never did that, Except the one that broke.

I unhooked massive eels, swearing all along, But I never let them go like that.

It's part of the sport, if you need someone to put your worm on the hook,,, It's not for you.