Ive never had a problem with a bass not eating. If you hooked the bass in the lip and transported the fish properly is should be fine. Like someone said earlier, bass are very hardy fish. I dont want to sound like a know it all but one true way to tell how healthy a bass is, is the size of its head/mouth compare to its body. If a bass has a small mouth and big body it is a clear sign that the fish has been eating a lot and is healthy and has been growing rapidly. The picture of that bass you caught has a huge mouth for its length. Maybe the fish is used to eating less frequently??? And my best guess on the weight
. 4 lbs at best, but a very nice fish indeed.
