What Is Your Opinion On This Scenario? 2025
carpflyguy reply :
First, foul hooked fish don't count. That's obvious. I don't take pictures with accidentally snagged fish, and just unhook them in the water. If it didn't eat it, it doesn't count!
But I had a strange situation yesterday on the Alabama Rig...
Was fishing an A-Rig yesterday with 2 hooks and 3 teasers, since I can only legally use 2 hooks in a deep reservoir. So I hooked a big fish and I fish it it up right next to the boat... looks to be a 6 or 7 pound largemouth. It has the middle (and biggest) bait in it's mouth, but during the fight the second hook has gotten stuck into its side. Then it makes one last attempt to get away just as I am netting it, and the hook in the mouth pulls. But sine there is one hook still stuck in it, I am able to net it.
This would have been my new PB, but I don't feel right calling it my PB, since without the second hook snagging into it it would have gotten away.
What do you guys make of this situation? Legal fish or not?
Raul reply :
You said it, snagged fish don´t count.
LuckyGia reply :
You caught that fish ! Own it !
Dwight Hottle reply :
Yes that is a legal fish in my book. Often times fish have a hook pull from the mouth but another hook catches on the outside of the mouth or body. Congrats on your new PB.
K_Mac reply :
On 8/27/2015 at 3:17 AM, Dwight Hottle said:Yes that is a legal fish in my book. Often times fish have a hook pull from the mouth but another hook catches on the outside of the mouth or body. Congrats on your new PB.
I agree. Congratulations.
stepchild reply :
This could theoretically extend to baits that have multiple hooks, like crankbaits and jerkbaits. If a fish hits your lure and only has one of the trebles in his mouth, but as the fight goes on, the hook that was in its mouth is dislodged only to have another treble stick it on its side/belly/gill plate. As long as you land that fish, it doesn't really matter which hook was where, now does it?!?
I'd say the fish obviously tried to hit the lure you had out and, whatever happens during the fight happens. If you can get it in the net, good for you!
I'd say congrats on a new PB!
EDIT: Didn't see Dwight's post
NathanW reply :
Snagged fish most definitely count but A-Rig fish don't. Sorry bro.
Catt reply :
On 8/27/2015 at 3:13 AM, Raul said:You said it, snagged fish don´t count.
You set the rules & now ya want us to change it!
By the way I didn't agree with rule 
Turtle135 reply :
counts, congrats!
WRB reply :
It depends on your states regulations, if hooking a fish outside it's mouth is illegal, then it's not a legal catch, otherwise it is. One reason A-rigs are controversial; they inadvertently snag fish.
Tom
gardnerjigman reply :
I'd count it. You don't just drag an A rig into a big bass. They swipe at it and miss or come unbuttoned while getting stuck with another hook. I look at this the same as jerkbait fish. I have fish that will throw the hook in the mouth, but can't throw throw the one in their side.
Good catch.
BassinLou reply :
That fish counts. Congrats!!
Bankbeater reply :
It counts!
Senko lover reply :
If you hooked it in the mouth to begin with, not in the side, than yes it counts. Now if you had hooked it in the side and then it snagged in the mouth, that wouldn't have counted, although it would have been pretty cool 
offsidewing reply :
If local laws permit, congrats on your catch.
FYI, Everytime I see guys trying to foul hook a fish sitting on nests, I want to push them in the water.
the reel ess reply :
Don't be silly. That fish would count in a tourney. It's not like you snatched a hook across its back. It bit.
Jd_Phillips_Fishin reply :
If you weren't sight fishing then a snagged fish would count in my book.
OntarioFishingGuy reply :
I'll be that guy and say that I don't think snagged fish count at all. Having a hook pull and catch a fish in the side is a tricky situation, and my solution would be to simply not use lures that do this very often.
Catch 22 reply :
The fish was landed with a hook in a place other than in its mouth. It was snagged.
To count it as a pb would be bitter sweet at best. 
Plus now we know.
SirSnookalot reply :
Only your opinion counts. My opinion is I don't keep track of a personal best anyway, in your case the fish wasn't weighed, it's only a guess as to the size. If it isn't weighed it can't be a personal best for sure.
Jaderose reply :
I'd count it but the fact that you are even asking the question means you don't believe it does and you are looking for permission to call it good. If you have to ask to ease your own mind, it doesn't count.
MidwestF1sh reply :
I would say if there's doubt to you there's always going to be doubt so don't count it. If it was my fish no doubt it'd count. Just like a crank bait theres so many times you land a fish on a hook that got in them during the fight outside the mouth. Thefish went for it and had it in its mouth.
Drew03cmc reply :
Congrats bud, new personal bests are always nice!
TwoCan reply :
On 8/27/2015 at 4:10 AM, NathanW said:Snagged fish most definitely count but A-Rig fish don't. Sorry bro.
X2
EmersonFish reply :
From a technical standpoint, it depends on the regs in your state. I assume most places, if you are not sight fishing, a fish hooked outside the mouth is a legal catch. He attacked your bait, you caught it. In most tournaments, that fish would go in the livewell, which is significant.
I think in this case, what makes it a debate is your personal pause about the situation. It is a "personal best" after all. If you are not comfortable with it now, you never will be until you catch a bigger one.
Personally, I'm not sure how I'd feel about it. I think I'd feel more conflicted about the fact I caught it on an A-rig at all than the fact that is was hooked outside the mouth.
Jtrout reply :
I'd count it and be happy it didn't get away lol
Silas reply :
In my opinion using the A rig is really the issue.
I think our next tactic will be mimicking the Japanese Long Liners who let out hundreds of hooks at a time.
What's happened to the "sport" in Sport fishing?
Try a cast net or seine and be done with it.
I find It hair splitting to see if you can "accept" a fish when fishing with an A rig.
Don't mind me and my opinion. I'm just an ole timer who still uses ONE bait.
Now everyone get on with their "justification".
bassr95 reply :
I'd count it. I'm sure most people "count" fish that got the back hook of a jerkbait or crankbait in the side. For some reason people view the A-rig differently than other baits that might accidentally foul hook a fish during the fight.
lo n slo reply :
On 8/28/2015 at 2:24 AM, Silas said:What's happened to the "sport" in Sport fishing?
Sometimes I wonder
Jaderose reply :
A rigs. Don't own one. Don't want one
BaitMonkey1984 reply :
I don't count snagged fish. However, I would count this fish. In my mind it is analogous to catching a fish on a crank bait and having him become undone on the treble hook in his mouth but still landed on a hook up by the dorsal fin. Happens to me quite often.
Bluebasser86 reply :
Counts 100% in my book. One of my buddies caught one just shy of 7 (his PB) on a jerkbait a few years back that had one hook on the underside of it's chin. Never questioned that catch because the fish had obviously tried for the bait, he fooled it and landed it (just like you did).
Congrats on the new PB and don't listen to the A rig haters.
SirSnookalot reply :
Don't think the event is unique enough to question it 1 way or the other.
Lund Explorer reply :
Its been stated a number of times already, but here is the exact wording from the State of Michigan's fishing regulation book. Page 15 clearly states the rule. Notice the rule doesn't say anything with regards to had been hooked in the mouth at some point.
Hook-and-Line Fishing: Fish taken must be
hooked in the mouth. Fish not hooked in the
mouth must be returned to the water immediately.
bobh64 reply :
A- Rigs aren't legal in my state but a snag is a snag.
K_Mac reply :
It sounds like the fish was returned to the water immediately. This satisfies the legal question. While I am not a big fan of the A-Rig, this example is not a question of ethics in my opinion. He was only using two single hooks. If this had occurred while fishing an old-school minnow type bait with three treble hooks and the same thing happened, would anyone question the fish as a legitimate catch? I don't think so. Taking it to the scale in a tournament is a different question, although in most cases the fish would be legal there as well. The idea that this violates some sort of ethical "sport" fishing code seems a little self-righteous to me.
the reel ess reply :
Last night I saw Scott Martin keep one that was hooked in the side while explaining that it came unhooked and re-hooked. He counted it.
the reel ess reply :
On 8/29/2015 at 3:18 PM, Bluebasser86 said:Counts 100% in my book. One of my buddies caught one just shy of 7 (his PB) on a jerkbait a few years back that had one hook on the underside of it's chin. Never questioned that catch because the fish had obviously tried for the bait, he fooled it and landed it (just like you did).
Congrats on the new PB and don't listen to the A rig haters.
It's very common when the topwater or jerkbait bite is on for fish to smash the bait and get hooked somewhere outside the mouth.
SirSnookalot reply :
I don't think the issue here is solely based on how the the fish was hooked, but the size too. Had it been a 2 lb fish instead of a questionable PB that didn't appear to be weighed, doubtful the thread would have been started.
The mere fact that the OP is looking for outside justification says it all. If one is recreational fishing what does it really matter. Not like it was a near world or state record.
wnspain reply :
It's your choice, count it or not. If you feel you have to justify it in some way (e.g. asking others in a forum setting) you most likely don't feel it's legit. No hard and fast rules and there will always be a differing opinion. Go with your gut but don't dwell on it...go catch it's mom!
Subaqua Adinterim reply :
On 8/29/2015 at 10:14 PM, SirSnookalot said:I don't think the issue here is solely based on how the the fish was hooked, but the size too. Had it been a 2 lb fish instead of a questionable PB that didn't appear to be weighed, doubtful the thread would have been started.
The mere fact that the OP is looking for outside justification says it all. If one is recreational fishing what does it really matter. Not like it was a near world or state record.
Very well said. When it comes to issues of ethics or morals; if you have to ask, in most if not all cases, you already know the right answer to begin with.
In this case, it doesn't matter anyway. Become an official member of the UFFC (unofficial fish for fun club) and you will no longer have to worry about stuff like this. It's easy to join the UFFC, there are no forms or dues - just relax and have fun.
Canyon explorer reply :
IMPO If the fish was legally caught with legal baits it should count as your personal best . I vacate this position for all and any tournament or contests.
blckshirt98 reply :
I always go by Elite rules! A-rig doesn't count, snagged fish count as long as it wasn't a sight fish. So you only met one of the two criteria!
carpflyguy reply :
Thanks for the responses guys. Enjoyed reading them.
I don't normally use Alabama Rigs. In fact this was only my second time throwing one. I will not be using them in the future, but not because I have an ethical issue with them - just planning on using swimbaits all next year anyways.
I know I said snagged fish don't count, but, like someone pointed out, I thought this was an interesting situation. If I was throwing an A-rig and the fish was just snagged across the back, no chance I'm counting that fish. That's where I see people taking issue to the rig... just attracting fish to the point where they smash the bait and get snagged. In my mind, this is a bit different, since the fish was hooked for real for 95% of the fight.
On 8/29/2015 at 10:14 PM, SirSnookalot said:I don't think the issue here is solely based on how the the fish was hooked, but the size too. Had it been a 2 lb fish instead of a questionable PB that didn't appear to be weighed, doubtful the thread would have been started.
The mere fact that the OP is looking for outside justification says it all. If one is recreational fishing what does it really matter. Not like it was a near world or state record.
The fish was weighed. 7-1. Good size for up here. I know it's no record though. I posted this because I thought it was an interesting scenario, that has a lot of answers depending on your views, and was just curious to your opinions. I did enjoy the fight and the thrill of the bite, but PBs are still part of the fun of fishing for me, so I'll admit that was part of the reason I posted this. My mind is undecided... only thing to do is just catch a bigger one! That's where my swimbaits will come in!
Worst part is if I had had my regular net I could have netted it before the main hook pulled. I forgot that net, and was using a tiny net for trout.
ClackerBuzz reply :
if a fish fell over in the woods and nobody was around to hear it, would it still make noise?
i'd count it. what if a bass comes unbuttoned at the boat but ur partner has a net underneath and catches it?
it would be flipping awesome, would count and you two would be high fiving the heck out of each other.
your story isn't as glamours but it counts 
Bassguytom reply :
The fish had to take a swipe at it to get hooked. It counts.
Dogmatic reply :
New PB!
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