Would you take a 11 pounder for the wall??

[GeoFisher]

I'm NOT trying to start a fight here. When I first started fishing seriously years ago, I always figured I'd put a couple skin mounted fish on the wall. Every time I catch what I consider a decent wall mounter, I convince myself I will catch one better sometime.

AS of today, I don't have any on the wall. I think if I stuck a 11, I would get a ton of good pictures, and let her swim.

What do you guys think.

Later,

Geo

[MagikSmallie]

I'm NOT trying to start a fight here. When I first started fishing seriously years ago, I always figured I'd put a couple skin mounted fish on the wall. Every time I catch what I consider a decent wall mounter, I convince myself I will catch one better sometime.

AS of today, I don't have any on the wall. I think if I stuck a 11, I would get a ton of good pictures, and let her swim.

What do you guys think.

Later,

Geo

Well, I've let a 12.02 LM and a 7.04 SM swim away, so I think I'd let an 11# swim too!....unless it was an 11# brown fish!!!

[know1]

I wouldn't, but it's for a different reason. I just don't see the appeal of having a fish on the wall.

I'd rather have a bunch of pictures and perhaps a video of the fish.

I'll never come close to anything that size, though, so it's likely not an issue for me

[HawgHunter75]

I haven't approached an 11 yet either, 8.5 is my best to date. I don't know about you guys, but there is no better feeling in the world to me like sticking a pig...snapping photos/videos of her, admiring her a bit, and watching her swim off.

To me, that is what being a true sportsman is all about. I'm not fishing to eat, or to decorate my wall (not to say I have totally discounted the possibility of having a replica made), but I enjoy the challenge of it.

I'm also not harping on anyone who does keep their fish, to each his own. If you catch it, do what you wish with it.

Different strokes, for different folks. :-)

Just my 2 cents worth.

[artcarney_agr]

It would go to the taxidermist, plain and simple. Catching a bass of that size is fairly stressful on it, and more than likely would die shortly after, so why let it go to waste?

[09Z7SC]

I'm NOT trying to start a fight here. When I first started fishing seriously years ago, I always figured I'd put a couple skin mounted fish on the wall. Every time I catch what I consider a decent wall mounter, I convince myself I will catch one better sometime.

AS of today, I don't have any on the wall. I think if I stuck a 11, I would get a ton of good pictures, and let her swim.

What do you guys think.

Later,

Geo

Personally, I would be more inclined to take pictures and measurements and get a replica mount. Nobody will know the difference except you. I don't understand why someone would take a fish under 10lbs and have it mounted anyway. That fish has a lot of life left in it in most cases.

[firehead36]

I would definately let it go...and get a replica mount. It may be stressful on the fish but at least it would have a chance. It has no chance in the freezer. But, if a man wants to keep one that big that is his decision, it is just a nice feeling to watch those big ones swim away.

[18RangerZ520L]

Release her! Get a bunch of good photos and get a replica.

[Luveatnbass]

That thing could feed many empty bellies. I dont understand the meaning of throwing away all that food. Some of you sound like a bunch of liberals, "Save the fish!"

[18RangerZ520L]

That thing could feed many empty bellies. I dont understand the meaning of throwing away all that food. Some of you sound like a bunch of liberals, "Save the fish!"

I'm actually a hard-core conservative, I can't stand liberals.....

[Luveatnbass]

Release her! Get a bunch of good photos and get a replica.

Conservative – believe in personal responsibility, limited government, free markets, individual liberty, traditional American values and a strong national defense. Believe the role of government should be to provide people the freedom necessary to pursue their own goals.Conservative policies generally emphasize empowerment of the individual to solve problems.

Hmm...You're a conservative? Not really adding up.

[offdtop]

That thing could feed many empty bellies. I dont understand the meaning of throwing away all that food. Some of you sound like a bunch of liberals, "Save the fish!"

Well I got a big belly and could probably eat it in one or two meals.... don't know about 1 fish feeding "many".

I have a conundrum on this, cause I agree with Art - good chance it could die but after mounting a couple skin mounts early on I've decided I will not do it again. Not because of "save the fish" but a couple tails broken off while moving really stunk!!! But I also feel that the big girl may live and spawn at least one more time and that is the genetics we want in the lakes to get decent sized fish. Too many 2-3 pounders swimming that those who eat them can fry up (I'm cringing while typing that but hey to each their own).

Replicas now a days are super nice and don't run much more if any than skin.