When the temperatures rise, not only in the lake, but the air temps as well, there is only one thing to do. Ice down your catch! Nothing worse than trying to fillet mushy fish.
Some will say, ” I have a circulating livewell.” Well guys, so do I. The only times I actually use it is for tournaments where the rules require it.
Some guys say, “I dont have room for a cooler to throw the fish in.” To that I say, then pack the well full of ice.
Others folks will say, ” I like to switch out some of the smaller fish.” To that I say the smaller ones taste better, besides if its cooking outside, more than likely you are cooking inside! You dont do the body good to be sitting out in the sun all day long, sunblock or not. When summer hits, I love to be on the water by six, and off by 9 am. (fish willing)
Basic fact is that you will just have better fish to eat, if you get them on ice right away. It really does stand to reason when you consider all the footage on the fishing trawlers, what do they do with their catches right off the bat? Pack on the ice. When you are pulling fish out of 70′ water, the better tasting the fish when the body temps can be lowered as soon as possible.
This works for all panfish including perch, walleye, pike and all the salmon and trout species. Leave the bass in the lake lol.
Good luck