50 Pound Bass - Would You Release It?

[Njmat567]

Originally Posted by Bucktailboys.com

I know that we are all in search of the 50 pound club but wondering how many people would take some pictures and release it? I am still trying to catch it and know what I would do...

Here is a great question ... What about a party boat fish with pool money involved... Toss away a 40lber and 120 bucks or take the beast....

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by spearo

Never kept anything over 25lbs, and yes that includes a few 50's.

I release primarily for two reasons, ok maybe three. Big girls keep the stocks healthy, they taste like shit and that intangible one, like Gerry, I can't quite put my finger on. Emotional connection with the fish? Not sure but, I feel sad every second I keep them out of the water and can only really celebrate once they are swimming away.

Had to make the same choice with a 40 a few years back... Thought about keeping the fish but with some lobbying from a friend on board we released her instead.... As I thought about it more, it would have been a very somber ride back to the dock otherwise. Seeing that fish swim away was a thrill I will never forget.

[HDMarc]

A 15 to 20 pounder is like eating veal, anything 40+ gonna taste like bear meat...send her back after the photo op, but to each their own

[BCinerie]

50lb plus fish is old taste like a board! They take a good pic
But if she was gut hooked or mishandled
It is crab food. So if
I caught one, and she was handled
Correctly and would survive then back she goes, if not then keep her
And take lots if pics!

[PeteyHD]

I would release it as long as I wasn't fishing in a tournament or on a party boat fishing the pool. The meat on a 50lb fish is going to taste like trash. Its going to be soft and oily and you will regret killing it. I haven't caught a 50 pounder, but some 25-30 lb bass still aren't the best eating. One thing I can guarantee is if I killed one for the pool or tournament the meat would not go to waste since I have friends that will still enjoy eating it

[Capt. Debbie]

Never caught a striper close to that. I immediately said release. But had second thoughts. SO I honestly said- not sure

[Skolmann]

Still looking to break the #40 mark. That being said, if it was my first #50+, I'm not going to lie, I'd be inclined keep it. If I'm fortunate enough to catch any additional #50+ then they'd definitely be released.

[Flygaff]

I would release. Not that I am likely to encounter the issue. My best is 34. My buddy caught a 43 on my boat and kept it, but I don't believe he would again.

[bigal427]

If I was in a tournament and it was a money fish I would keep it. But think you should release any thing over 30.

[jmurr711]

I would tie it to my roof & drive back to philly & eat every inch i could. I have caught & kept 40lbrs before & ate every piece of fillet & cooked the head I thought it was delicious, & I used the carcass in the garden but i can accept I am the bad guy