Stones Question?
 

In anticipation of getting my first WSB, can you boil the head to get the stones out, or does boiling hurt them?

Boiling works, just be careful when you use the knife, you could chip or break them.

Thanks Makobob. Now I just need to catch one. I've been studying this site, and learning a lot, but only been out in LJ twice so far. Need more ToW (Time on Water).

i think if u send the head to hubbs they will send u the stones back in the mail

Hubbs collects sea bass heads for research purposes. They scan for an embedded tag that would indicate it was a hatchery fish.
If the fish is tagged, they will send you a replacement set of stones as they need to keep the originals for aging purposes. If the fish is not tagged they will mail you your stones.

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enter from the bottom of the head. break away the cartilage/bone and dig them out of the goop pocket.

Surf and Turf
 

Thanks for the good info. I don't mind digging them out myself, but its good to help the scientists with their study. I am wondering if I can pair the stones up with some elk ivories that I have...kind of a surf and turf combo?