I saw that show and it also made me sick. We have come along way in catch and release, but that shows we also have along way to go. IMO, bass fishing is a true american sport and is growing and we need to educate people (especially the young) on the need for catch and release and the need to keep the water systems clean. I do not feel we know enough on which size to keep and what to release. I have seen some fisheries devestated by certain slot limits and size limits that were supposed to improve the fishing.
If you want some fish for dinner, take some light tackle and catch panfish. This can be great sport. They are over abundant everywhere, reproduce like rabbits, and taste better than bass, or better yet support some american workers and buy some fillets at a local market.
IMO, killing bass in todays world is unnecessary and does not make sense. To do it just because we used to years ago is very shallow thinking. Many things used to be done in this country that proved to be wrong and were changed to provide a better future for all. I release all bass as quickly and as unharmed as possible so my son and future anglers my also experience this great sport.