For those in the know?..What kind of stress is involved in releasing fish when caught through the ice.. I would guess handling is as important in cold weather as in hot weather...
Good question... I hope someone chimes in who knows the answer! My thoughts.....When I'm ice fishing I'm typically using light line, which translates into greater time spent playing the fish, at least that's the case when something larger than what I'm expecting latches on to my jig. Is it time enough to be considered detrimental to the health of the fish?? I really don't know.
I will also say I've noticed that winter fish appear to live longer on the ice. I've had a catfish or two freeze solid enough to hold them out straight by the tail.....only to see them begin swimming again when placed in a bucket of water.
The BG's that I release all seem to swim off with no apparent ill effects, although who can say how they fare after some time has passed. Also, I see very little (practically nil), instances of deeply hooked fish in the winter.
