I 2nd the do not release CC after hook caught. Been removing for 2 years now after catch and release. Only could catch them when hand feeding table scraps, bread, etc. They would all come, and chow down. Smoosh some bread on the hook, or piece of meat, and wham. Got greedy last year, and caught 3 at one feeding.
Not 1 CC showed up for tablescraps for over 1 YEAR, I thought they died from winter. The majority of fish are from 1997, and 7 - 9#. Fed for many years weekly. In july I had 1 show for a couple weeks, then 3. Last weekend 4, then 10. Fed tablescraps, and caught 1 each day. Drag them out quick, and keep throwing food out to keep the others busy. This is in a 5/8 acre pond. Have not caught 1 in years with bait on a hook, or specialty CC baits. Even had to take sinker of line before I got any. The fight is incredible like a steelhead but they start rolling.
