Catch and Release Staging Kings

[Offshore IV]

What is your process for catching/releasing staging kings? Reason I ask is because most times once the king reaches the boat it is almost dead. I'm talking about the mature kings specifically. 

[Sk8man]

They are half dead when you hook them or at least the process has started. It is a major reason I stop fishing them after they start to blacken up...I figure let them spawn in peace but I know that isn't a very popular view for many folks especially the people looking for egg sack material..

Edited September 12, 2018 by Sk8man

[HB2]

Secret is to land them  fast . 

 

I release a lot of mid September  lake and steam kings that swim away strong.  

Edited September 12, 2018 by HB2