We stayed at LFM, the 12# was weighed in there. The fish was released but don't think it survived. It was found by the boat slips struggling. It was strange it was strong and healthy but wouldn't swim off, my buddy said he believe the rib cage/spine may have been broken. He said it felt funny along the side.

We stayed at LFM, the 12# was weighed in there. The fish was released but don't think it survived. It was found by the boat slips struggling. It was strange it was strong and healthy but wouldn't swim off, my buddy said he believe the rib cage/spine may have been broken. He said it felt funny along the side.

Don't think it was an air bladder issue, we both have fish for a year or two. That was our first thought, maybe it was just the fish's time.

I'm no animal rights activist or anything, and I love to hunt and fillet a mess of crappie. it wasn't the fishes "time" by any means. Big fish from deep water don't like to be handled like that, it takes a toll on them. Ive never understood why guys drive 20 mins back to the dock to take a picture or weigh a 12 lb fish. Carry scales in your boat if you want to know what it weighs. Unless you have a potential state/lake record and have a 18lb fish whats the point? There are 12lb fish caught in this state almost daily. It may be a fish of a lifetime, but you don't have to drive it all the way to the marina if you plan on releasing it anyways. If youre going to keep a 12lb fish and eat it that's fine, you caught it. Just my .02. I doubt the guy thought the fish would die, but you can bet it wasn't just coincidence.