Thread: Live bait choices

[quote author=the original pier pest link=topic=1737.msg16402#msg16402 date=1343868368]
I though Florida changed their laws this past spring to allow anglers to keep one over slot.
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Florida did make a change concerning reds, but it was to double the limit within the slot from one to two in certain regions of the state. The limit above and below the slot sizes still is zero.

[quote author=Johnny come lately link=topic=1737.msg16410#msg16410 date=1343871234]
Anytime Im down there I never see anyone release a fish. I see people give them away. Does anyone ever release?
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Perhaps you aren't noticing the ones being released. I have caught literally tons of reds, so I'm really not interested taking a picture of one unless it has something unique about it. I also see no need to keep it out of the water long enough to show it off or make a big deal over it. I understand the need or at least the want that a first timer has to take a picture, weigh, measure and show it off a little. I support their right to do that and think it is great for practically every aspect of fishing. I'm far from alone in having caught numerous reds and having no desire to make a big deal over them. I like to get my fish in quickly and get rerigged to possibly catch another one before the school vacates the pier. I generally just break them off at the pier so I don't have to take the time to net it and release it. I have no problem losing 50 cents worth of hook, leader and swivel for each fish I break off. So if you aren't paying any attention to me specifically it would be hard to notice me releasing a fish. That is even if you noticed me catching one. Now if I have a lure that I would like to get back then I will net the fish, unhook it and get it back in the water ASAP.
[quote author=Peaches link=topic=1737.msg16429#msg16429 date=1343894264]
I throw back 99 percent of my reds .. I love the lOok on peoples faces as they say" are you letting that go?!"

Let em live
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Now getting a picture of that look would be worthwhile.

[quote author=Pier#r link=topic=1737.msg16432#msg16432 date=1343905102]
Meaning no disrespect but I don't "throw" them back.
Rather I put them back in the net and lower it down to revive the fish and let it swim away.
It might rub a little slime off but it seems to be less stressful on the fish than the impact of the 'two story belly flop' I've seen employed at times :

just sayin...

And yeah, I luv that look of "You lettin that go?!"
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I agree, give them a lower and don't be a thrower. If you've got to get the fish over the rail and intend on releasing it, that is the most practical and humane way to do it. If there was an absolutely fool proof method of dropping or throwing a red over the railing where it would land head first every time than I'd say go for it, but there isn't so lower them back in the net folks.

I usually catch the croaker and ground mullet on a single hook bottom rig with dead shrimp or squid.

I like to slowly lower them into my cooler.
Usually in a plastic bag to keep the slime from getting all over.
My family loves redfish and like the fact that in Alabama you get to keep one oversized.
If not for that, the opportunity to catch a slot fish is not too good. (for me)
Being down there a couple weeks a year I am happy to take any fish (king, red, spanish) that someone doesn't want.
Nothing I cooler goes to waste.