Went for a fish a couple of weeks ago targetting bream with a small popper in a nearby saltwater/ brackish creek. I sure was stoked to catch two nice bass around 35cm, (no bream though) and they put up a great little fight before being released in good health. I think I'll be chasing them more now that I know they're around.
Thanks fellas, yep they are a special fish indeed and too valuable to end up on a dinner plate I reckon. Barbless hooks help a clean release too.
ps forgot to mention I also caught myself that day when I got the lure caught on a tree and gave it a tug to retrieve it. It let go and flew back at me like a bullet, right into my leg (ouch)! Lesson learnt there...