Gaff and Release on ESPN Today

[Swimmer]

I just happened to be watching ESPN today when Saltwater Sportsman Magazine Editor Spider Andresan's show came on. He was on a charter out of Alabama fishing for monster cobia, which needless to say they found. I thought they were looking for a world record cobia, but were in fact looking for the largest cobia to tag and release them. He and the boats captain and first mate had a great time catching and landing the fish. They used eels and a lead head jig setup spiced with some chunk bait. Both were quite well. They would cast from the tower and then climb down to the deck and fight the fish. I was amazed though when after seeing the cobia gaffed, naturally thinking they were keeping the fish to eat, the cobia was tagged and released. I would have thought netting would be more appropriate and less harmful to the fish. Doesn't this setup seem a little odd or am I the only one who feels this way? What do you think ladies and gents? Gaff or net that is the question.

One must wait till evening to see how the day has been.......Sophacles