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Random Quote: I had a few words with my wife, she had a few paragraphs with me.
Does it really matter how the fish dies? If you feel bad about killing a fish then you shouldnt be fishing. I would have to say that the least painful way to kill them is with a "bang stick" or an electrically-charged harpoon. Both kill the fish instantly.
When I was spearfishing I needed to kill fish as quickly as possible because struggling fish really attract sharks. I also think its humane to try to kill an animal as quickly as possible. The best way to do it is to stab a pointy knife into the fish’s brain. Stab the fish between the eyes and angle back so the blade goes where the ears would be (if fish had ears). You’ll know when you hit the spot because the fish will quiver when you hit the brain.
Another thought about cutting off the fish head....don't do that in Georgia waters (I don't know the rules in other states).* You are supposed to return to port with your catch in one piece, not mismembered or cleaned*and dressed.* This allows the DNR, if they stop you to inspect your catch, to accurately ID and gauge the size of your fish.*
Quickest way i find (not necesarily less painful) is a beautiful billy i made of 3 feet of heavy gauge lead pipe with a rope leash, three strikes they´re out... I just have to worry not to hit the deck with it.
On a charter I took this summer, the mate was using a black rubber hammer. Finished em off right quick. Best part was if*you missed the head, you didn't beat the snot out of the*deck. On some fish he would cut the jugglar and bleed them.
__________________ 2003 Boston Whaler 255 Conquest w/ twin 200 HPDI's
I've never been a racist. I don't like the white half either.
The least painful way I have found, is to keep your thumb out of the way when you are hitting them with the fish billy.
Seriously though, I think cutting the throat where the gills come together under the chin lets them bleed out and they die pretty fast. I keep a 5 gal.bucket half full of water for smaller fish,and just make the cut and stick them head first into the bucket till they are bled out,then put them on ice.
__________________ If you argue for your limitations--Sure enough they are yours
to me is several reasons to kill a fish u intend to eat quickly ...1 is the humane side the other is to ensure the meat isnt stressed and doesnt have blood all thru it ... down under we ''IKI...JIMI'' sharp spike into the brain kills them very very quickly .. then u cut thier throat and bleed them .. im mainly refering to manageable reef species here ... spanish macks .. toothy critters ..etc .. for safety a quick swipe to the head with baton type thingo ...
least painful way to kill fish? 
