Select a state to find fishing and boating information:
Get A Fishing License
Get started fishing today, purchase your fishing license online, check regulations and more.
Register A Boat
Register your boat today. Learn how to register your vessel, boating laws and more.
One reason is bass are so popular is the magnificent bucket mouth handle, and the “Bass Thumb” that it creates.
Though many fish can be held at least partially by the mouth, no other freshwater fish is endowed with such a gratifying grip. Toothy pike or walleye will only be “lipped” once. Catfish jaw strength can be intimidating enough to grab a net. And when posing with tiny-mouthed sunfish, photos usually reveal a pinky out as if the angler were still nibbling a scone at a dainty tea party.
Though a slight injury, “Bass Thumb” is not an accident. It results from repeatedly lifting bass with a wet thumb. Tiny partially detached pieces of skin are created by gripping the diminutive, cheese grater-like teeth of the bass’ lower jaw. This strangely satisfying indicator of success, even days later, still serves as a reminder of time better spent.
Chris Lane, winner of the 2012 Bassmaster Classic showed off his Bass Thumb at a tournament a couple of years ago. My son is always proud of a little damage to his opposable digit. And his little sister once commented that her right thumb was getting a little sore from releasing bass. When I asked if she wanted to stop she said, “Nope! I’ve still got my left one.”
When someone asks, “How’s the fishing?” hopefully that thumbs up gesture will also display the impressive evidence of Bass Thumb.
Andy Whitcomb is a columnist, outdoor humorist, and stressed-out Dad. He says there are “people who fish”… and there are “fishermen”. One of the few things he knows is that he is a “fisherman”... To the point it could be classified as borderline illness. Sharing this obsession is rewarding, therapeutic. He likes to encourage people to “stop and smell the crappie." Enjoys catching fish, but gets a greater thrill out of helping someone else hook up. Born in Florida, but raised on the banks of Oklahoma farm ponds. Now relocated to western Pennsylvania. He has fished, worked, lived all around the US. He has a B.S. in Zoology from Oklahoma State as well... And he met his wife while electrofishing. He has been contributing weekly to www.takemefishing.org since 2011.
The largemouth bass is the most popular freshwater game fish in the U.S. Learn more about how you can identify a largemouth bass, where to catch it and what bait and lures to use.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
Sign-up to receive our monthly newsletter with interesting blogs about fishing and boating. Get fishing tips and tricks and read personal stories from anglers who live and breathe fishing and boating. Learn new fishing skills, boating resources, fishing etiquette, conservation and more.
Please complete the following fields to subscribe to our newsletter.
SUBSCRIBERS PREFERENCES
What information would you like?
Click on your state to find out where to buy a fishing license, types of fishing licenses available, age requirements, fishing regulations and fishing license online options.
Click on your state to find out how to register your boat, requirements, regulations and to get more information.