Hehehe. Some others in the club know this is my favorite controversial Lake Washington subject!
![Grin Grin](https://westernbassclub.com/yabbfiles/Templates/Forum/default/grin.gif)
I say without a doubt, release them back into the water alive.
There are a few things to consider about squawfish, aka the politically-correct northern pikminnow. First, in Lake Washington they have never been shown to be detrimental to salmon populations. It is even debatable if they are really a problem in the Columbia River. They're also a native fish. They were here first, so show them a little respect, no matter how stinky and slimy they are.
One of the most important considerations has to do with WDFW regulations. Check them out! Northern pikeminnow are listed as a game fish. It is illegal to mutilate or kill gamefish without actually keeping them for food or other personal uses.
And finally, I am always annoyed that we pay so much reverence to one fish, the bass, that we often wouldn't even think of eating one. But then there is one ugly, slimy fish that doesn't fight very well, and eats some other fish in the lake, like most fish do, and we want to bonk it on the head for no good reason. It seems like a general lack of respect for nature.
There is my rant of the day. Yes, it felt good.
Chris