This is an anecdote to the linked article below regarding the huge SMB caught on the St. Lawrence River. As we all know, there are huge bass lurking in many of our waters and we always try for our personal best. What happens to our “personal best” is important to both the angler and the fishery. The prevalence of catch, photo, and release assures enjoyment to the angler and preservation of the species. The angler did the right thing and did not “ice” the record fish. But, traveling 75 miles across the river, captive in a live well, stresses the fish and also assures it does not return to its original habitat/environment. How can we be sure the fish survived? WOW–weigh on the water tournaments must continue to be encouraged and many tournament sponsors and anglers are heading in that direction.
Read the full article: ‘I Wasn’t Going to Kill That Bass’ – Tournament Angler Releases Possible State-Record Smallmouth