Shore lunch

[Tsoukan]

So I like my shore lunch...

So if I am out fishing and the bite is on and I am catching an array of sizes which ones to keep and which ones to release - with conservation in mind. I like eating fresh fish and want to ensure that I do so responsibly so I can continue to do so until I can't pick-up a rod anymore.

So my question is for bass, pike, walley (assuming no slot is in place for the water being fished), what size should always be released and what size would be best to keep.

For example, if I caught a 2lb, 3 1/2lb and 5 1/2lb bass, which one(s) would be the keeper(s) and which one(s) should be tossed back to breed and make more fish for lunch/supper.

[bucketmouth]

Consensus would be to release the larger fish (breeders) and eat the smaller ones.

[troutnmuskiehunter]

ditto....plus, depending on which body of water you caught the fish on, there would be less contaminants in the smaller fish which in turn will prolong your being on this planet to catch more fish for many, many years....

[Tsoukan]

I guess my question is at what size is a fish considered a breeder?

[Tsoukan]

Thanks for the replies, but smaller and larger are relative terms...

I guess my question is at what size would a fish considered a breeder?

[bucketmouth]

Depends on species, but I know I'd rather eat a 15" walleye than a 24" walleye. The younger the fish the less contaminents as TMH eluded to and the better the taste IMO. I don't eat pike or bass but I'm sure the same can be said. Now conversely, it's the same concept with panfish but the bigger ones yield bigger fillets and are easier to filet and thus are harvested more often than the younger ones (I'm guilty of that one myself )

D.

[troutnmuskiehunter]

if you're that hungry that you feel you have to have a shore lunch and you've caught a fish within the slot range keep the smallest fish

This was your original question...no?????

They're all breeders!!

[seanshuntin]

In most if not all sportfish , the most harmful of contaminants accumulate in the bellyfat .. I can't speak for everyone but I trim these sections out however the larger the fish the better the chances that there will be traces of contaminants in other areas as well.... I agree with the consensus though ,, keep the smaller fish for consumtion and put the spawners back...........

[Mr. T.]

They have this guide you could follow,

Guide to Eating Ontario Sport Fish

I picked one up at LeBaron's earlier this year but they don't have anymore on display.

http://www.ene.gov.on.ca/envision/guide/

But you can download it at the link above.

[1lastcast]

I have to respond to this.

All fish are NOT breeders! Walleye for example in the BOQ will not breed untill the age of 4 - 6 yrs. I think that puts the average fish at 4 years to be 1.5 lbs. So eating fish in the 2 lb range would be best.

[uberfish]

In general, eat the small-ish ones and leave the big ones for continued spawning. Large, old females produce more eggs and these eggs are larger, better supplied with yolk - all which leads to better hatching success.
without being too boring (I hope) here goes. Walleye breed in Ontario at about the same size (44 cm, 17 in) but different ages. Females mature at about 3.5 years in S. Ont but closer to 5 years in N. Ont. Smallmouth in L Ont mature at about 12 in and 4-7 years old. Pike mature at 2 years. This is based on studies by NYDEC and MNR.
I don't keep a lot of fish but I always let the big ones go. This causes huge friction with my better, but more predatory half. She likes eating fish.

[Tsoukan]

Thanks for the replies. Now I have an idea of what is safe to eat for both me and the fish populations.