seems anglers are mindful of their handling, but when the adrenaline starts flowing as culling becomes necessary, carelessness can occur. Culling can be accomplished in a quick and safe manner, if you learn to follow an organized and efficient process that minimizes trauma and stress. My culling tools include accurate scales with an easy to read display, a black plastic culling bag with large grommets that allow hanging the bag on the scale hook (with the bass enclosed), color coded culling floats, and a balance beam for close decisions. When weighing bass, i first put them in a special black plastic bag (Bag-em Bass Bag) after dipping it in water. The bag has a large grommet for quickly hanging on any scale, and has drain holes so you are weighing the bass, not water. The bag minimizes movement of the bass, allowing for much quicker weight attainment, less trauma to the bass, and quicker return to the livewell. My scales (Cull-M-rite) save the weight, and assign a color to that bass. i use different culling float systems depending on the type of bass i expect to catch, and their size. The ones that create the least amount of trauma to the bass are the Bag- em culling tags, which are color-coded floating plastic “cords” with stainless steel spring clamps for attachment to the lip of bass. These clips require careful attachment, but when used properly are effective and less damaging to bass than other systems. i place these on the upper lip of bass over
two pounds, and on the lower jaw of bass (especially smallmouths) that are smaller. always wiggle the clip after attachment to ensure it securely nests in place. do not try to remove a bass from the livewell by grasping the plastic cord and pulling, as the clip will pull off. Use the cord to find and then grasp the bass attached to the cord. if your scales do not assign a color and tell you which fish is smallest, then a great solution are the ardent Smart Cull Floats. after weighing a bass you simply mark the weight of the bass directly on the culling float by turning the dials built into the float. These floats are sturdy and do allow removing the bass by pulling the float. When hundredths of an ounce make the difference in tournament standings and payout, a culling beam is important. i use a Bag-em culling beam because it has form-fitting bags to put the fish in, preventing trauma. Whichever system you use, develop your technique to minimize damage and time out of the water.
in the next issue, more on proper care for bass when photographing, livewell care, weighing and releasing.
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