Whatever happened to “Catch and Release”?

[JoeP]

I don't think there is a really good reason to keep a large fish. With the apparent shortage nowadays of those very large fish I think that every one we can keep alive is better for the fishery.

If the reason to keep a fish is to eat it, I agree that keeping 12-20 LBers or so is a better option. If the reason is to mount a personal best, I think there are enough places around to get a "fake" mount done that will duplicate the fish in a lifelike manner with just an inches measurement & weight estimate or picture if that is available. I don't see the point in killing a big fish just to mount it.

Personally, I don't keep any fish - both because I'd rather see them swim away & because I never feel like leaving my spot to go put the fish down & then having to clean it in the middle of the night.

[GBOUTDOORS]

Pete-G the experts would be DR John Reardon head of marine bio at U-Mass 30 yrs, #^&#^&#^&#^& Hickney Mass division of marine fisheries, Gb Jr marine bio Mass division of marine fisheries. Now I am not saying they are right but me being just a dumb old fisherman will bow to thier years of knowledge and work in the field and go with it. That and it does seem to make sence to me,and every time I ask I get the same answer also as you said they say that the eggs from the older larger fish do not do as well.