Before I start, just a reminder this is my OPINION:
Can someone answer me this (as if I don't know the answer already), do SOME fish die in cooler water temps? To insuate that fish don't die in cooler temps is misleading. I've seen 'em floatin in November from "jump" fishin. I know...I know LESS of them die. Survival rates are better. I have been informed many times from MHall about, " Hope you released those smallmouths, it takes 'em a long time to get big...etc.." after posting catching 5 keepers or something. Informative....maybe...opinions...just what it is....opinions. Our departmant of Fish and Wildlife does a great job and when they tell me NOT to eat a smallmouth..I won't, but until then IF I want to keep some to eat...I will within the legal limit.
Anyway, my point is as a neutral person on this particular subject..I see it as criticizing and not as informative. Opinions are opinions, NOT proven facts. While everyone here will admit that there is a greater CHANCE of mortality in higher water temps it doesn't give someone the right to criticize others for doing what they love within the law. You know maybe Rich and others release ALL of their fish. Do we all do this?.....I don't think so. So when we all keep just one to eat we have killed alot of fish collectively (Not a MAYBE or an opinion but a for sure knife in the gut dead fish). Rich, good luck in your future fishing out west. Stripernut, always look forward to your calls and text reports. Anyways a great discussion and remember to always treat others with respect on the water or not.
Tim
bassmaster