We've released a lot of 16-17 inch fish this year and I know others have done the same. I can honestly say that nearly every one of the fish that we've released has swam away and appeared to be in no worse condition than any small bass or other species that I've released. I also haven't seen a lot of small walleye floating around dead so I am wondering if there is some data that leads people to believe that these smaller fish are not surviving after being released. I actually feel a lot worse releasing small perch as I doubt that many of them survive.

Not trying to start a big debate or anything. Just trying to learn. I've never been in a position where I had to throw back so many "keeper" sized walleye!