BigBendFishing.Net

My standard response is get a kayak so you can fish somewhere else.
As much as I have to say about this issue I'll spare us all with just my "vote".
Release the fish.

CS, you try and keep the young man on the straight path ..... we don't want him put'n clorox on his greens and vinegar in the wash'n machine

Gottcha SR.

But you CAN put greens in the washing machine.

I have to admit my behavior depends on my mood. My brain tells me I should return them to the sea, unharmed, as they are just another natural part of the food web. Also, they didn't ask me to catch them. So, I usually release as safely (I have been stuck, and never again!) as I can. Sometimes, though, when I have caught a bunch, I gut them and throw them back, thinking the live, but gutted cat will draw off the rest, maybe like piranha, and get away from me. But, that ain't right, and I know it! Thats the "bad" EJ coming out.

EJ

My dad swung one over the gunwale one time and it stabbed me in the knee cap. That's the only one I've release harmed, very harmed.

If I catch 2 or 3 catfish in a spot I leave. When they get really bad I have found that if you butterfly a fairly large pinfish the catfish can't get it down but the trout and reds can. The hard head cats will pick it up and run with it but they will drop it. If a big sailcat comes along your drag is going to sing.
I don't want the slimey things in my boat. In fact I usually cut my line above the slime because I have heard that the catfish slime on the line will keep other fish from biting. Sounds possible to me I sure don't like it. No since taking chances.

If yall would just fish with artificials, you wouldn't have all these ethical quandaries .

Artificial or natural does not seem to matter when you are in 'em. Usually dark or churned up water. Release 'em and move somewhere else.

I've caught them on top dogs to silver spoons the only thing to do is leave.

RC, yea, I've caught them on topwater and especially a grub & CT.