Maybe by using it twice you could claim 4lb. 8 oz.

Smitty

Hmmmmm ??
Just  2lb 4oz.

How big?  Thanks for the tips Pat.  And way to stick to it....Being that you caught the fish twice, do you turn in two green slips??

I boated another SM from Washington today from deep water (64ft).  This one did not recover like all the others.  After several minutes of trying to revive it at the side of the boat I decided it needed some air removed from the air bladder. Now, I have never done this before but I was prepared.  I had the diagram and the proper needle on board. I hit the air bladder on the first try and let a little out.
The bass responded immediately and slowly swam down.  I remained in the area just in case.  After less than a minute it resurfaced.  At this point it did not look good.  I filled a livewell and let some more air out while holding the bass in the livewell.  This bass looked like a goner.  I ran both air pumps and closed the livewell.  After 30 minutes I said a little prayer and checked the bass.  Although the bass was inverted the gills and fins were moving and it responded when touched.  I let it go and it swam down slowly again.  I stayed on the spot for 30 minutes, no sign of the bass. 
I think that bass will be around for the next angler.
If you are going to fish deep, any time of year, be prepared and don't give up too soon. Their worth saving.