[aofisher]

I don't believe the rules say that you can't release a fish after you put it in your livewell or on your stringer. What they say is that those fish count toward your limit.

 

[aofisher]

From a man who knows a thing or two about keepin'!

I have a PhD in keeping fish!
Occasionally, I have put a fish in my livewell to give me time to grab my tape, scale and camera. I think that's better than leaving it on the carpet while you gather your stuff. I haven't kept any fish in my livewell until I get more fish for a picture. Not taking the high road here and not bashing the OP.