Your Take on Catch and Release?

[Flaptail]

I have no problem killing a legal fish as long as there is a definite use for it meaning someone consuming it. I killed a couple larger fish this year after requests were made by non fishing friends who enjoy the taste of bass something which I do not.

That said I have had several fish in the 30 pound range that I could have killed or entered in the catch and release for the Striper Cup and a pin but unless they push the upper end of forty or more (sigh... one can only hope here on the Cape) they won't end up on a scale.

Unless you love to eat bass or sell commercially in season, keeping them to show off and take pics of is not my bag. Besides when you don't eat them or have someone on line ready to pick it up for them to consume they are a pain in the ass to try and unload.

But that's me, it's personal choice. I have caught and released thousands of them, usually sending them on thier way with a sincere thank you. That's my favorite way to get rid of a bass I caught.

[nightfighter]

I'm with Steve (Flap) on this subject. Eaten bass once this year. Will keep a fish ONLY if I know it will be on a grill by the next evening. I pay back property owners who give me access by delivering fillets to their house. I can knock off two to four properties with a 30# fish. (I am way behind on that score, as I have 28 properties I can access.) My family enjoys it and the neighbors have become spoiled over the years, and almost expect it a couple times a season..... But if it isn't destined to be eaten immediately, it swims free.

I do believe there should be a slot in Mass. even though a 37# fish I ate recently was as good as any 28" fish I've tasted.

[fishsmith]

I get sick of em by late May, but have a list of friends who love fresh fish, so I keep my share.
Gutted and iced immediately makes for a meal.
Yesterday a 28" eeker swallowed the lure and was bleeding like mad. It will be grilled up tomorrow.

I'd love to see a slot rule 2 fish -
one between 24 - 28" and one over 36"