Why should sunfish larger than 6 inches be returned to the water after seining?

Returning sunfish larger than 6 inches to the water after seining is primarily beneficial for selecting for faster-growing traits in the population. By allowing these larger individuals to breed, the genetic characteristics that contribute to quicker growth rates can be passed on to the next generation. This selective practice can lead to a population that exhibits more desirable growth rates, which is particularly important in managing fish populations for recreational fishing and ecological balance.

It’s also relevant to consider the influences of larger fish in the aquatic ecosystem; they often serve vital roles as predators and contribute to controlling the populations of smaller fish and other aquatic organisms. However, the primary reason for returning larger sunfish is to promote genetic fitness and growth potential in future generations.