Do you think it really matters?

[jflood]

I have heard and/or read that you should kill the fish immediately after catching them. If you plan on eating them then supposedly it helps with the taste Is it supposed to taste leff fishy

[eye hunter]

I have never heard that, I have heard that bleeding out fish helps with the taste, I guess that would be Killing them right away.  but I never thought you could improve the taste of a fresh caught perch.

[Bugman1964]

I don't know about the taste issue, but in Maine if you are going to keep a fish you must kill it immediately. It is the law.

[hardysf]

If it is the law what way do they suggest killing them. Bleeding them through the gills?

[Bugman1964]

No suggestion on how to kill them, just that you have to immediately release the fish or kill it if you keep it.

[Kyle_]

on the rare occasion i keep fish, i like to take extra preparation to make sure the fish tastes its best

what i usually do is bonk the fish immediately then slit his throat and rip out his gill rakers...that takes out a good amount of blood
then i gut them on the ice

[bigfish_1556]

So no use of stringers in Maine or what?  So much for keeping 'em fresh until ya get to shore.......What a bunch of bleeding hearts Interesting.  What happens if they catch you with a live fish in/around the boat?

[jflood]

not to sure i can gut fish on the ice in nys

[A- bomb]

What does maine define as keep? Alot of times i throw a few in the livewell (boat of course) and at the end of the day may keep a few or all. I might realease a few or all live ones.  I understand the livewell causes stress but not near as much as a cutting board or fillet knife
How do the bass jocks deal with the livewell issues? kinda off topic just curious.

[sodussut]

keep them on ICE, winter and summer!That's why ice fishing is so great, no need for a cooler.