Background...

I fish a local pond fairly regularly. It has a very high level of toxic
metals and other contaminants left behind from tanneries and mills.

I have caught numerous bass and pickerel with lesions and sores.

NOTHING CAN BE EATEN.

This spring I seem to be deep hooking more fish than normal. Usually I am
able to lip hook 85-90% of the time.

Anyway. What should ethically be done with an inedible fish that has been
gullet hooked?

I clipped the line on two yesterday and left the hook in the fish and
released 'em. With the quality of hook materials I doubt they just melt away
like the old wives tale tells us.

Today I tried surgery on one. The patient was alive when I got the hook out
but bleeding badly. I watched her struggle and die.

Any ideas????

I already crimp the barbs when I fish this pond.