50 Pound Bass - Would You Release It?

[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...

[Canyonfish]

Quick picture and release. Of course no bass near 50 lbs is in any danger from me as my pb is only 27 lbs.........

[Steve-O]

I caught a 54 lb last year on a party boat. Mate gaff the fish so I t wasn't going to make it. It taste like a piece of wood. No matter how you cook it. I tried blackened, lemon butter, poaching. Smoking, pan searing, deep frying. Nothing seems to have the flavor and texture of a nice 28.5

Would you like a skinny 28.5 year. Or a 50+ fatty with a pot belly.

[hammer4reel]

RELEASE IT

Would take the time to swim and revive it after some quick pics. and watch that giant broom tail slap away with a smile on my face.

Been fortunate enough to see a few go back unharmed to allow another person the same joy catching a fish of a lifetime .

There is NO WAY the person who keeps one is ever going to hoot and hollar while eating it , like he did while catching it .................................

[Gerry Zagorski]

Interesting, controversial and somewhat emotional topic here.....

I would release it.... For those of you in the same boat, I'd be interested in hearing others opinions as to why we are so protective of Stripers and have no issues keeping other fish for the table like Fluke.

In my case I think some of it has to do with fishing through the 70s and early 80s when the Stripers were hard to come by. These fish and the people that chased and caught them were put up on a pedestal. Having said this, I have and still do keep a few smaller ones during the year for the table, but when it comes to one of the big girls I feel differently. Why do I feel this way? Can't really put my finger on it.

BTW - To each his own and I have no issues with people taking their legal limits of fish. It's a personal choice. I fish a lot and for those that only fish occationally, I totally understand them wanting to take some fresh fish home but here again, I feel differently when it comes to taking a big fish. I know a lot of people like this.... A small Striper comes on the deck and it goes right into the box without a thought.... A bigger one comes on the deck and the guys are standing around arguing about releasing it and getting pretty emotional about it. Why??

[addictedtobass]

Couple pics and off she goes. Memory that lasts!!!

[Jay]

Pictures and release.

[Topeka Boy]

MY p/b is 33lbs but if I was lucky enough to catch 50 lb fish I would surely release it.

[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.

[Michael82929]

Catch one first.. then decide.. it's easy to say until you hear that THUD hit the deck.

People who have caught 50's know what that thud is.