SD Bay...plastics

[Irishman]

Had plans to paddle to the bait barge but my charger crapped out on me last night. It was nearly to hot to hold so scratch that plan. This worked in my favor this morning though....after launching at shelter island and paddling out the line of sport boats and private boats at the receiver was nuts.
I fished a large swim bait on the bottom, similar set up as if fishing live bait and it did the trick. Three halibut, all about 18 - 20 inches, but still a result. I was bummed on having to release one of the fish in a condition that I knew it was not going to make it. It inhaled the bait and had lodged in its gut, while bringing to the side of the yak to measure it was bleeding badly. Did my best to release it with minimal harm but no good. What's the story with releasing a fish that is under size but obviously not going to make it? I was tempted to keep it but DFG have been at the launch, saw the guy today is his truck scanning the boats with his binocs.
Had a great time and also nabbed a nice sandy on my 10lb set up, was a good fight. No pics as all fish were C&R
On the water at 5:45 and off at 1pm. Distance was from shelter island to half way on Zuniga jetty and back in.
Cheers

[Widgeon]

As far as I know, you have to release undersized fish, even if they are doomed.

[Ricsen]

Good report and lots of fish on the plastics. Way to go.

[Ricsen]

......and although tough, the release on the injured undersized halibut was the right thing to do....

[alanw]

Release of an injured undersize fish is the ONLY thing to do.