Down at the Willows last night

[RIROCKHOUND]

You would think all of the above is true, but I took multiple fish in the 20's and low 30's last year that were among the best eating stripers I've had. I think it's all preperation, storage and cooking, fish size is irrelevant IMHO...
I generally view 36" as my eating limit, under that goes back for a swim... over 36" gets released too if I'm not looking to kill.

[Mike P]

Originally Posted by RIROCKHOUND

You would think all of the above is true, but I took multiple fish in the 20's and low 30's last year that were among the best eating stripers I've had. I think it's all preperation, storage and cooking, fish size is irrelevant IMHO...
.

I agree. We just had some fillets from a 25 pounder and they were among the tastiest I ever had.

I think the taste also gets affected by what they're feeding on.

[Slingah]

I just ate some of the best tasting filet-o-striper from a 36"

to stay with the thread...and answer your question.. I hardly ever plan on keeping a fish. I only keep a fish if I don't think it's going to make it...or maybe for a special occasion.

[tattoobob]

I think if it messures 28 and you want to keep it you can, if not well I am not going to say a thing to no one, I just mind my own business

I was sitting in my little boat with my Daughter and a man was fishing from shore with his two little sons he caught a 14 inch striper and keep it, my daughter kept saying tell him dad, I told her I am not saying anything to him in front of his two sons if he has enough brains he should know the rules of the game.

[Saltheart]

It would depend on two things. How long it took me to catch it and how bad I needed a fish. If I had hungry people to feed , that fish is a meal. If I could take it or leave it , I'd have gone for something bigger to take home , something obviously over the limit without even measuring.

[MrHunters]

Originally Posted by Saltheart

It would depend on two things. How long it took me to catch it and how bad I needed a fish. If I had hungry people to feed , that fish is a meal. If I could take it or leave it , I'd have gone for something bigger to take home , something obviously over the limit without even measuring.

After I thought about it for a while thats how I took it.

[piemma]

Originally Posted by RIROCKHOUND

You would think all of the above is true, but I took multiple fish in the 20's and low 30's last year that were among the best eating stripers I've had. I think it's all preperation, storage and cooking, fish size is irrelevant IMHO...
I generally view 36" as my eating limit, under that goes back for a swim... over 36" gets released too if I'm not looking to kill.

I agree!! Had my kids home over the weekend and we had grilled bass and baked bass. I have never been able to tell the difference between a 15lb and a 30lb fish as far as taste. Maybe 28" fish taste better but I won't take anything under 15lbs.

[t.orlando]

Originally Posted by piemma

. I have never been able to tell the difference between a 15lb and a 30lb fish as far as taste. Maybe 28" fish taste better but I won't take anything under 15lbs.

Ditto on that