I'm 9 years old.....I get a fish to the bank that is an absolute monster.....I'm sorry, I'm keeping it. Do you really think that in the heat of the momment that kid thought about, or for that fact even knows or cares about a gene pool?!?!?!? I don't think so. Is everyone who fishes as smart as some of the folks on this board....I don't think so. Give the kid a break!!! I glad he caught it and I'm glad he kept it.
Good luck and tight lines, Jeff