scsims and others - Add to your sampling list - fish traps - which come in all sorts of sizes, mesh sizes and shapes. Since scsims has small fish the wire mesh, cone end traps will work good to sample the small bgill(1"-3"). Opening sizes can be modified.
LM bass do not readily enter traps whereas SM bass usually will not hesitate to enter a fish trap. Hyb bgill also readily enter fish traps. Manyh oif teh minnows and shiners readily enter baited traps. Yellow perch trap well.
Determining fish survival can be very nebulous. Fish are very good at not being seen or observed expecially if the observer is moving or somewhat active. Water clarity also has a big part to play in this "game".
scisms - there are way too many variables for me to guess about the percentage of survial of your fish. For sampling small LMbass (3"-6" long) I use a small hook (aberdeen No. 14 to 10) baited with a piece of worm, a tiny foam float (1/4"x3/4") or a very small thin pencil bobber, no weight, light line 4lb-6lb. Other live baits such as small minnows (1") may also work.
