Re: 50 Pound Bass - Would You Release It?
 

You'd be surprised how hearty these fish are. In most cases if the fish is not gaffed you can revive it by lipping it with your thumb and putting it over the side into a moving current to get water through the gill plates. If she is really tired or you are on a party boat put it in the landing net and let her sit and regain her strength. If that does not work at least you know you tried.

Re: 50 Pound Bass - Would You Release It?
 

To each is own... It is a personal thing.. We are spoiled this day and age, no question about it.. I have caught, released, and killed my share of fish over 50, my biggest 57, had more then one 50 in the same day...


It is not like the old days, us young people do not really cherish the striped bass fishery that we have. Guys like Joe murray are the true sportman, they kill and eat it all, every bit of it. If your not going to eat it, do not kill it, that is my motto.. I kill everything because i need to feed joe murray..


I would say take the 50 and enjoy it, you might never get another one, especially if you fish party boats or charter boats, if you fish private boats, release it if you wish, you will see plenty over 50 if you fish enough..

Re: 50 Pound Bass - Would You Release It?
 

DEAD.... not a hypocrite.... :D

Re: 50 Pound Bass - Would You Release It?
 

Ron,
Great policy for those willing to release big fish.

Keefe

Re: 50 Pound Bass - Would You Release It?
 

I would release her after taking lots of pictures and getting all the measurements so i would be able to get a wall mount of her..

Re: 50 Pound Bass - Would You Release It?
 

Take a pic then yes

Re: 50 Pound Bass - Would You Release It?
 

I Have caught them before, nice to let them swim free.
They are just doing there job eating, no sense in killing them get pics !!!
:)

Re: 50 Pound Bass - Would You Release It?
 

I kept a big one like that a couple of years ago, was sorry I did afterwards.

Re: 50 Pound Bass - Would You Release It?
 

Block party PHILLY style:eek::D

Re: 50 Pound Bass - Would You Release It?
 

I would photo and release.

I haven't kept one striper yet this season,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
And yes I've caught plenty of keepers this year:cool: