I have not kept a bass in years, but would if I wanted a mess of fish to eat. A lot of the bass fishermen that thank it is unholy to keep a bass thank it is just fine to find a nesting bass and fish it until they it is caught put in the livewell haul it 15 20 or even 50 miles to try to win a little or lot money then release it and try to tell us it will go ahead and nest as if nothing had happened to it. I have had these same fisherman tell me that if they hook and land a striper they cut it open and throw it back. To each his own I love bass fishing also crappie and striper fishing, I am thankful for the good lakes in our area. Take what you will use (with in the law) and return the rest.