MMOUSE

Sounds like you are careless to me. You caught 1 fish and realized that your chosen technique and handling methods had hurt a fish. Why did you wait until you had caught 2 more before you switched? I have been fishing C&R for 5 years and can only think of 1 instance where there may have been a mortality issue. The difference is that I fish using methods that I know will minimize the chances for mortality, and handle the fish with extreme care. C&R when done properly is fine.