Fish spoil faster than one might think so if you are going to keep any fish I would go from hook to ice.

I usually keep the fish that around 1-1.5 lbs. I think they taste better than the larger ones. I find the bigger 3 lbs to be mushy especially when the water gets warmer. I will usually only keep bass if they are likely to die any way then I will try to catch 2 more smaller ones. I think sunnies taste better though i have started bringing an ultra light with me now.

I will usually use my knife and stab them in the head that will usually make short work of them. a bit messy though

When I go to my mothers pond, so far we keep anything we catch. it is 3 years into the first stocking and the fish man there told us we need to thin the herd a bit. Besides that, I will keep 1 or 2 <4 lb Bass if i get any and most catfish, and panfish.

I will kepe them alive in my portable livewell until it is killing time. Can't get any fresher than that.

Fillet knife does just fine. The 12 or 10 ga. works better if you place the barrell to the left side of your head and the fish just above your ear on the right side. Count to three and pull.

Fillet knife does just fine. The 12 or 10 ga. works better if you place the barrell to the left side of your head and the fish just above your ear on the right side. Count to three and pull.

Demostration please.