To be honest, I didn't understand the rule for years. I used to think 'grading' was OK, as long as the fish was not hooked badly. And I considered myself a law abiding citezen. I just really thought that I could c&r, picking the ones that probably wouldn't make it (not based on size really) until I had 5 fish in my possession. Now I know better. But I think the regs should state in beg letters "NO C&R WHEN USING BAIT".