Bass should be kept and eaten every now and again. For instance while I was fishing for gills with the wife yesterday at Wilgreen I noticed a SOLID 3 to 4 pound male protecting fry. He was VERY agressive and I told my wife I was going to try and catch him for a picture and release him back with the fry. I had him on for a sec but he came off. After that I just let him be. Now if I had caught a three pounder while fishing for the gills by accident I probably would have cleaned it since I was cleaning fish anyways. Bass meat in my opinion is very good and easier to clean than a catfish or bluegill or small crappie. I just dont fish or eat fish as much as I used to.

Shawn