Fresh Bass

[ThrowingTimber]

If I plan on it being a table fish. I cut the gills at the base where they meet. Once its bled out, then I do it up

[Bass Babe]

Seems like I go with hacking the thing up right upon returning to the house and cramming whatever I'm not gonna eat the next day into the freezer. So I wouldn't put an hour limit on it, but I'd say eat it the next day or freeze it.

[Nebe]

on the rare occasion i keep a fish for the table, i fillet it down at the boatramp in gansett.. i keep a few ziplocks in the truck for the occasion..
you cant beat a freshly filleted bass, plus if you rinse the blood off with fresh water, you spoil the meat, so the salt water is much better.. .

only problem is that youre supposted to keep the frame for proof that is over 28"

if i was to bring it home whole, i would gut it at the very least.... it will last days if you pull the guts.