That is a good question. I plan to take the knife and scaler with me the next time I go.

I have so many in the 4-6 inch range that need to come out I guess. I think I have LMB in there to eat that size but maybe there are just too many.

Most of them are GSF and they went nuts the other day when I threw the food in. I filled my feeder up before I left.

While fishing there I just used a 10ft rod with a tube jig and the fish just hammered it. Was a hoot trying to maneuver that long rod around the trees.

But back to the gills and keeping them. Mine are starting to get plump again so that makes much difference when keeping them to eat.

So I like I said I plan to clean them while there and just toss them in a cooler with ice to keep them good until I get back to the house then I will rinse and soak them in salt water for a day or 2.

I have kept LMB from 7-10 inches and some of them I could even fillet since they were so thick. So like others have said personal preference on size to keep, and what goals you have makes all the difference.

Thanks