Certainly I an speak only for the SE, but down here mortality rate for bluegill is not usually a problem; a more common problem is over population and a stunt population with lot of small fish. B.A.S.S. has done such a good job of selling C&R in lakes with sunfish, particularly bluegills and more so crappie, not enough fish are taken to maintain a healthy population.

Fish placed in wire baskets are usually released into hot oil.