Jeff,

The guilt was getting the best of me too. I got this idea from my buddy who works at Scripps Institute. It worked for most every fish except the one's who's eyes were just completely blown up and foggy. I think those fish don't stand a chance no matter what method you use to release them. The milk crate works well. Only downside I see is that it takes up a little room on the deck. Other than that, you get a goof feeling when you pull it up and the fish is gone.