Bass Teeth... Call Me Crazy 2025
BadContrakt reply :
I know that Bass are one of the easiest fish to hold with your index finger and thumb, right in the mouth. I do it with every one I catch. I 95% of the time don't use the net, I just loft them in with the rod. Without letting them lay down on the bottom of the boat (to protect their slime barrier) I usually put one hand in the mouth to hold the fish, and the other hand to get the lure out. Weigh him up, throw him back. Easy as pie.
However... Call me a whiner or call me a pansy... But when those fish start to wiggle, flop, or jar around while I'm holding them in the air... It's like course grit sandpaper that just rips the skin apart on my thumb. And trust me I've got a firm firm grip on them. It's not like a slack barely grabbing his mouth kind of grip. I put my thumb in there and get a nice firm grip as to not drop him when he flops. Yesterday I was fishing a pond and had a 2 1/2 Lb Largemouth actually draw some blood on my thumb when he flopped in my grip. I was so surprised.
This thread holds two questions...
Does anyone else notice Bass teeth being oddly sharp and a little intimidating?
Could it be that I just catch and hold so many bass, that now the skin on my thumb is weak and torn up, making it easier and easier for every bass to cut me? Lol
Kevin22 reply :
Play them at the boat a little bit longer so they arent so ticked off when you grab them. I'm not saying to take them to dead tired, but just let them get a little bit of that adrenalin out of their system before you grab on. Nothing worse than a ticked off bass with your thumb in his mouth.
BadContrakt reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 1:57 AM, Kevin22 said:Play them at the boat a little bit longer so they arent so ticked off when you grab them. I'm not saying to take them to dead tired, but just let them get a little bit of that adrenalin out of their system before you grab on. Nothing worse than a ticked off bass with your thumb in his mouth.
That's what I'm sayin man. They flop while you have them in your hand and wow... They can actually do some damage with those little tiny teeth. It's like sand paper.
BlackMagic82 reply :
I just consider it the sign of a good day...
anonbassman reply :
Not trying to be mean man, but...
Quit your crying bro, you're catching bass.
I know I had a good weekend if I look at my thumb on Monday and it looks like grinded it on a powersander.
If it really bothers you, just wear a glove or something.
BadContrakt reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 2:51 AM, jpb2187 said:Not trying to be mean man, but...
Quit your crying bro, you're catching bass.
I know I had a good weekend if I look at my thumb on Monday and it looks like grinded it on a powersander.
If it really bothers you, just wear a glove or something.
So if you were here to actually post something informative; you would've said "yeah my thumb gets torn up too."
Nowhere in the post was I crying or being negative. I was explaining what was happening and I was curious if others get it as well. So many TV shows and videos have people holding a big bass that flops around in their hand. I was just curious if their teeth are gnarring at their thumbs too, that's all.
However I did state that you may call me a whiner or a pansy.
flyfisher reply :
lol...it's called bass thumb and it is a good thing. Now i will follow the rules of your post and call you both a whiner and a pansy 
BadContrakt reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 3:25 AM, flyfisher said:lol...it's called bass thumb and it is a good thing. Now i will follow the rules of your post and call you both a whiner and a pansy
That's how it's done!
I've been fishing bass since early high school and I've never heard of Bass Thumb.
Maybe it's because all the people I fished with never caught anything. 
Dyerbassman reply :
Ok, you whining pansy, its called BASS THUMB. Enjoy it!
roadwarrior reply :
Lighten up guys...
"Bass Thumb" is macho, like battle scars. Wear 'em proud!
BadContrakt reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 3:27 AM, Dyerbassman said:Ok, you whining pansy, its called BASS THUMB. Enjoy it!
"Please....don't text and fish." Lmao!
Christian M reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 3:14 AM, BadContrakt said:So if you were here to actually post something informative; you would've said "yeah my thumb gets torn up too."
Nowhere in the post was I crying or being negative. I was explaining what was happening and I was curious if others get it as well. So many TV shows and videos have people holding a big bass that flops around in their hand. I was just curious if their teeth are gnarring at their thumbs too, that's all.
However I did state that you may call me a whiner or a pansy.
I don't think jpb was trying to offend you, I think he was just bustin your chops. I get bass thumb pretty bad too, it does get annoying but its just par for the course man...now post up some pics of those bass ya pansy!
BadContrakt reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 3:29 AM, Christian M said:I don't think jpb was trying to offend you, I think he was just bustin your chops. I get bass thumb pretty bad too, it does get annoying but its just par for the course man...now post up some pics of those bass ya pansy!
Maybe if I would stop spending money on fishing gear and my boat I would be able to afford a smart phone so I could GET some nice pics 
thechief13 reply :
You would not be cut out for noodling my whole arm gets bloody from it
lmbfisherman reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 3:29 AM, Christian M said:I don't think jpb was trying to offend you, I think he was just bustin your chops. I get bass thumb pretty bad too, it does get annoying but its just par for the course man...now post up some pics of those bass ya pansy!
I agree with what Christian stated about jpb, you pansy. I wish I had bass thumb days all the time.
Actually I meant to say, YOU ARE ONE CRAZY WHINY PANSY!
shimmy reply :
I always keep electric tape and superglue nearby. On long fishing trips, whether tightening the line lacerates your finger or the smaller bass (sharper teeth) are going nuts when you hold them, you are going to bleed in so many different places. Then the next day you will reopen the wound and get an even deeper cut on the same spot. Its going to happen if you are catching a lot of fish. Superglue the big ones, duct tape or electric tape the one's right below the thumb knuckle and suffer through the ones on the hand. People should shake your hand and know that you're a bass fisherman, not a wisherman.
Smallmouth Hunter reply :
The sandpaper like teeth are used to grip the scales of other fish and prey. In some lakes/ponds where there isn't as much bream, the bass' teeth don't get worn down as much and they can be sharp. I remember catching a bass a while ago that had a few teeth that stuck out further than other bass' and those teeth actually cut me pretty deeply. (don't worry, im not complaining lol 
)
I used to get the "bass thumb" too but I don't seem to get it as bad anymore. My thumb is just smoother after catching a few fish, not really filed down.
BadContrakt reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 8:37 AM, Crankenstein said:The sandpaper like teeth are used to grip the scales of other fish and prey. In some lakes/ponds where there isn't as much bream, the bass' teeth don't get worn down as much and they can be sharp. I remember catching a bass a while ago that had a few teeth that stuck out further than other bass' and those teeth actually cut me pretty deeply. (don't worry, im not complaining lol
I used to get the "bass thumb" too but I don't seem to get it as bad anymore. My thumb is just smoother after catching a few fish, not really filed down.
I was actually wondering if this could be a possibility. The pond bass that I was fishing yesterday are in a friends' boss's back yard and he stocked it a few years ago with Bass, Crappie, and Northerns. The pond is well maintained and always clean cut shoreline... No lily pads... Barely any weeds in the water... So due to their "stable and controlled" environment I'm guessing their teeth are a bit larger and sharper than natural bass.
Also the lakes I fish are quite a bit smaller than say... Mille Lacs lake just a half-hour north of me, which is pretty huge. So I'm probably getting "bass thumb" a bit more than the average guy.
that possum reply :
I'd rather have bass thumb than flathead hands. But, if you are getting bass thumbs, you're having a good day! Embrace the pain!
Darren. reply :
Bass Thumb is a badge of honor, wear it well.
aquaholic reply :
Ive got scratches but, i cant say ive ever been cut by a bass. You guys fishing in Chernobyl?
shimmy reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 10:26 AM, aquaholic said:Ive got scratches but, i cant say ive ever been cut by a bass. You guys fishing in Chernobyl?
posing with pictures and catching a ton (Minnesota) will take that skin right off your hand.
POPRG reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 1:57 AM, Kevin22 said:Play them at the boat a little bit longer so they arent so ticked off when you grab them. I'm not saying to take them to dead tired, but just let them get a little bit of that adrenalin out of their system before you grab on. Nothing worse than a ticked off bass with your thumb in his mouth.
No offense,but that is horrible advice! the fish is fighting for its life,doesn't know if you are releasing it or making it your next meal! Dont risk removing the very important slime coat on the bass. its gonna thrash around,its part of fishing..either accept it or take up golf!
I do agree OP,it stings like hell,i'm feeling it right now and my thumb looks like hamburger meat,but its a sign of doing something right! Hockey grip tape on the thumb works well!
smr913 reply :
You could get one of those neoprene thumb guards that I have seen advertised sometimes. Buyer beware: just like a fanny pack if your friends see you wearing one, you may never live it down.
GeorgiaBassBros reply :
I get it all the time, i love it. Just means your catchin a bunch of fish! Some fish will have more teeth depending on their diet. If they eat a lot of crawdads it grinds down their teeth and they dont tear you up as bad. I have a buddy that has a pond behind his house where there are almost no crawfish and they have some huge teeth on em. It just comes with the territory of bass fishin. If you dont want em tearin you up, i have seen some pros put duct tape on their thumbs
BadContrakt reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 10:40 AM, POPRG said:No offense,but that is horrible advice! the fish is fighting for its life,doesn't know if you are releasing it or making it your next meal! Dont risk removing the very important slime coat on the bass. its gonna thrash around,its part of fishing..either accept it or take up golf!
I do agree OP,it stings like hell,i'm feeling it right now and my thumb looks like hamburger meat,but its a sign of doing something right! Hockey grip tape on the thumb works well!
I think you're misunderstanding his post. I think he means to not reel the fish in the boat so fast. Let them wear themselves out a bit in the water and fight you for 15-20 extra seconds to get them worn down. THEN bring them in and un-hook them/photo/cheers/release.
And yes, my thumb also looks like an old wrinkley worn out chunk of skin right now too.
Thanks for all the harassment and tips. I think from now on I'll keep some duct tape in my boat so I don't have to be a CRAZY WHINEY PANSY on the forums. 
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 9:57 AM, that possum said:I'd rather have bass thumb than flathead hands. But, if you are getting bass thumbs, you're having a good day! Embrace the pain!
After a good night flathead fishing your hands should be covered more by bandaids than skin 
I don't get bass thumb, instead I opt to grab them by the back of the head or cradle them under the belly. I do on occasion get bass palm though, now that is the sign of a good day 
SirSnookalot reply :
Generally holding them by the lower lip stabilizes them. One of the nice things about bass, snook too, are no sharp teeth it's sandpaper and pretty easy fish to handle. If your thumb does get irritated put a band on or cut off the thumb from a latex surgical glove.
tatertester reply :
2 pages of back and forth, bass thumb , tired or not so tired bass, bigger teeth in a nice pond????, to whine or not to whine , that is the question?, and I'm all worn out just trying to absorb all this......Can you hear me snoring?
BadContrakt reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 11:21 PM, tatertester said:2 pages of back and forth, bass thumb , tired or not so tired bass, bigger teeth in a nice pond????, to whine or not to whine , that is the question?, and I'm all worn out just trying to absorb all this......Can you hear me snoring?
Fortunately no I can't hear you snoring. Sorry you feel that way champ.
J Francho reply :
Bass palm > bass thumb. 
You could always invest in a Fish Grip - they come in handy for toothy critters a well.
http://www.thefishgrip.net/
BadContrakt reply :
On 6/27/2013 at 4:23 AM, J Francho said:Bass palm > bass thumb.
You could always invest in a Fish Grip - they come in handy for toothy critters a well.
http://www.thefishgrip.net/
I saw a guy using the Fish Grip on YouTube and thought "Hmm that could be useful."
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 3:28 AM, roadwarrior said:Lighten up guys...
"Bass Thumb" is macho, like battle scars. Wear 'em proud!
I'm going to beat Long Mike to the punch. That should be proudly. Proud is an adjective. In the above sentence, it is an adverb, modifying the verb "Wear".
Revival reply :
I remember one day we caught close to 30 peacock bass. By the end of the day my thumb was mangled....and i couldnt wait to go home and show everyone! Mangled thumb = good day!
TALON7215 reply :
My son caught a bowfin and thought it was a bass..talk about a mistake..lol. I am an equipment mechanic and I turn bolts all the time, so I have callouses on the tips of all my fingers..just makes it easier. But, even still, when I first started, I thought they were going to take my fingers off..so your not alone bud lol.
BassAssassin726 reply :
Love getting some bass thumb! Means you're catching fish! Now get out there and give em a lip piercing ya PANSY!!!!
BadContrakt reply :
On 6/27/2013 at 9:52 AM, TALON7215 said:My son caught a bowfin and thought it was a bass..talk about a mistake..lol. I am an equipment mechanic and I turn bolts all the time, so I have callouses on the tips of all my fingers..just makes it easier. But, even still, when I first started, I thought they were going to take my fingers off..so your not alone bud lol.
Funny you should say that. I'm a small engines mechanic. Lol. Snowmobiles, dirtbikes, quads. Although I don't seem to get callouses... Just bruises and cuts from people's ratty ass machines. The famous saying around the shop is "SOMEONE'S GONNA BLEED!" when you're trying to get lose a tight bolt, spring, etc. Haha my job is actually enjoyable most of the time... We have a lot of laughs.
BassAssassin726 reply :
On 6/27/2013 at 9:52 AM, TALON7215 said:My son caught a bowfin and thought it was a bass..talk about a mistake..lol. I am an equipment mechanic and I turn bolts all the time, so I have callouses on the tips of all my fingers..just makes it easier. But, even still, when I first started, I thought they were going to take my fingers off..so your not alone bud lol.
I play guitar and drums a lot. My hands and finger tips are covered in callouses too. The little pads dont shred up as easy it seems.
POPRG reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 11:21 PM, tatertester said:2 pages of back and forth, bass thumb , tired or not so tired bass, bigger teeth in a nice pond????, to whine or not to whine , that is the question?, and I'm all worn out just trying to absorb all this......Can you hear me snoring?
Well,maybe you would like to visit howtoknitascarf.com,or possible housecats4me.com...i'm sure that would peak your interest more than the useless drivel posted on a...fishing website..!
BadContrakt reply :
On 6/27/2013 at 11:27 AM, POPRG said:Well,maybe you would like to visit howtoknitascarf.com,or possible housecats4me.com...i'm sure that would peak your interest more than the useless drivel posted on a...fishing website..!
+1
GaBankFisher reply :
I hope they bite the heck out of me tomorrow morning when I meet up with my brother at his pond/lake.
Grizzn N Bassin reply :
Bass thumb like RW SAID!!
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 6/26/2013 at 1:55 AM, BadContrakt said:I know that Bass are one of the easiest fish to hold with your index finger and thumb, right in the mouth. I do it with every one I catch. I 95% of the time don't use the net, I just loft them in with the rod. Without letting them lay down on the bottom of the boat (to protect their slime barrier) I usually put one hand in the mouth to hold the fish, and the other hand to get the lure out
What do you do with your other hand? Lol jk
BadContrakt reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 4:22 AM, AK-NJ1986 said:What do you do with your other hand? Lol jk
Uhh what? Lol
AK-Jax86 reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 4:26 AM, BadContrakt said:Uhh what? Lol
I was joking u said u use your one hand to hold the fish and the other to take out the lure, that's really the only way to do it so I was like what u do with your other hand
BadContrakt reply :
On 6/28/2013 at 4:38 AM, AK-NJ1986 said:I was joking u said u use your one hand to hold the fish and the other to take out the lure, that's really the only way to do it so I was like what u do with your other hand
Ahhh I get it I get it. Got me on that one.. Haha it's like unnecessary information. I gotcha.
basshole8190 reply :
I just loft them in with the rod.
recipe for disaster on decent or bigger fish. could result in lost lures/ fish or even broken rod tips
Dillypickle18 reply :
Bass thumb!
Shane_ reply :
I've caught one 2 pound bass that had especially sharp "teeth" it even peeled skin off my finger.
rangerboy reply :
dig the bass thumb... but there is always golf to fall back on.. lol
BadContrakt reply :
On 7/1/2013 at 12:31 PM, rangerboy said:dig the bass thumb... but there is always golf to fall back on.. lol
What's golf? All I know is fishing.
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