I should note that I also fear people screaming about release mortality too. Though I believe the release mortality to be very low (especially in the colder water) and the slot will reduce overall mortality, it is only going to take a few photos of floating big fish to tug at some's heart strings. The battle over C&R will heat up again too.
You may want to call DNR and ask, but I believe a tail squeeze is the correct way to keep yourself out of trouble.
__________________ 250 years of Eastern Shore heritage.
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