Quote Originally Posted by DarkSkies View Post
A lot of it has to do with the water temp, time out of the water, and the way you hold the fish, but I would appreciate it if some members would chime in and talk about their best advice.

Apparently some people have different opiniopns than others. If one person learns to do things differently because of this thread, it's worthwhile to have the discussion.
I read somewhere that the warmer the water is the less chances the fish have of survival, so you should get them back quickly, as in a few seconds. Anytime we used to fish for largemough bass in summer heat, we would bring them to the side of the boat, and not lift them out of the water, just do everything while they are right there, and let them go. And Bill Dance, did you ever see the way he releases LMB? I think that's plain lazy. It's not like you have to treat the fish like a accident victim, but for Pete's sake, bend your fat azz down 2 feet and reach a little closer to the water, will you?