I handle fish nearly everyday in large numbers. The suggestions are merely to maximize survival by minimizing potential health issues.
It's not a cut and dried deal but error on the side of caution provides the best possible outcome.
It's a numbers game that includes a very substantial amount of time, labor and of course cost- a very substantial monetary investment that most anglers are never exposed to.
I have no dog in this fight here but I respect the judgment of the owner's requests and I have enough experience in fish handling, including State tournament mortality studies, to say this is a very realistic request.
FYI, Tourney mortality studies show 20-30% mort is about the norm.. by collecting random fish from these tourney's and held in controlled conditions, often times it exceeds 60%.
Last edited by Snipe; 07/14/23 12:56 PM.
