I would just like to point out that when you are using bait- unless the fish is hooked in the lip, the chances of it actually surviving being released with bait NOT very high.

Unfortunately, just because a fish swims off, that does not mean it is going to survive and in most instances it does not. A lot of people tell me when I am checking anglers - "the fish swam off" but then the next day you will see dead fish. Even at Klineline I have seen when a fish is released and it is doing its best to swim but by the time I walk back around the lake it is dead.

If you are using bait and the fish is legal, it should be kept.

stace