Stripaholic, I def see your point of view ...we did have small discussion bout it but ended up keeping it...but we did catch a spawning female 31 blue cat and released her soon after pics if that makes you feel better!?

Nice and congrats fish-on! By chance, did you pull a tape or can estimate length on that fish? TY.

Good fat fish, I support the Stripaholic theory, a double digit fish being taken all over the various lakes of Texas reported or not and before long we are boasting a 7 # fish. It is what it is!

REALLY !!!????!!!!

Let's all remember that the clients hear the recommendations of the guide, but make the decision to keep or release based on their own need and experience. Those of us that have caught several big fish, often are inclined to release them so that others can experience the thrill. People that have seldom caught big fish make the decision from a different perspective. They decide in their own personal way. That is the way it is and the way it should be. Regardless the pictures show a couple of really great fish and is a tribute to the productivity of the of Lake Tawakoni. It also made a lasting memory for a young fisherman. For all we know, the young man caught the fish and was tasked with deciding if he should keep the biggest fish he had ever seen or let it go. He also has his own view on the situation. Let's just celebrate the great success and wish that others are challenged with the same decision.

Nice fish Fish-on730. BTW. fish-on, you're the one that catch the fish. So do whatever it is you want to do with and enjoy it. Don't worry about what these other people here complaining and whining about it. No one complaining that guides and their clients taking picture with all these fish laying on the dry deck with a big smile. Tight Line!!!!!!

If my guide tell me to throw back the big fish, I'm going to tell a BIG FAT HELL NO.......ENJOY!!!!!!

Dr. Whiplash,
The last time I came into your clinic you told me to take two Advils and call you in the morning. It looks like you need to recommend something for those that are having cramps on this thread.

This 11 lb is great that's the 2nd one I have seen in 2 weeks come from Tawakoni plus an 11 lb striper.

Double Dee I see that .... I've got no remedies for haters Haters gonna Hate! It seems that the Catch and Release Police on this forum normally targets young dads and small children There's big fish All over this forum but you don't hear from them but on occasion what's up wit dat? And to claim they've NEVER kept a double digit hybrid/striper is funny. So 'they' should never live bait fish ALL summer long cause of the HIGH RISK of killing that double digit fish Oh hey I just found a remedy !!!! Fish with Lakeguide and not worry about it....that's what this thread was about to begin with...and for that father and son fish of a lifetime. Thanks Fish-on730 for sharing.
And I will repeat that I have no problem with keeping or releasing. The problem is practice your preaching on your own thread. Don't rain on a perfect pic of proud fishermen. The End.

I agree with you Dr. Whiplash. +1 on Lakeguide! The man knows how to put fish in the boat! Save some money on your insurance deductible and book a trip with some of the great guides on Tawakoni to learn the lake and catch a few DD fish. Then you make the call whether to release or not. I can't seem to catch fish these days so release after catching has not been an issue lately.

Wow..... I just saw this. Good example of why I rarely post anymore.

The fact of the matter is trophy fish are kept at the catchers discretion. Makes me no difference at all. Mainly because hybrid don't reproduce. They only live 6-8 years on average and a trophy is going to be close to the end of its life and more than likely never caught again anyway.

The best way to produce a trophy is to stock stock stock... Its all in percentages. That's why guides like Joe Read, myself, Greg, Jimmy all donate and spend a lot of time raising money for Lake Tawakoni Sportsmans Association. We stock the lake to replace ten times what our customers take home in a year. The state stocks even more.

But to be very clear - I wish it was all Catch and Release. I hate cleaning fish, and I never keep them for my family. Its way easier and cheaper to go to Long John's

I agree with every word Matt just said...except the last statement ...as much as I like to eat I'm not a fan of Long Johns !

If you keep all the 8 and 9 pound fish there will be none to get to 10 or 11 pounds !!
If you want to keep fish that's your choice...if you want to release fish that's also your choice... Personally I don't care...just don't keep more than you will use!!!!

This young angler must be all of 7 years old and I would like to say good job young man very nice fish Congrats !!!

To bad a great accomplishment had to be brought down like this !!

Trent you should apologize to this young man !! I don't know who made you the hybrid striper police anyway.

I'm one if the original "haters" from the west side

I will be glad when the weather gets to some kind of normal, that way everyone is on the lake fishing I stead of behind the computer screen arguing and carrying on like a bunch of Nancy's!! LMAO

It's the smile on that kids face that matters most! IMO that fish was the biggest fish in the world that day! Congratulations!