I've mentioned this a few times on here before but it bears repeating. For releasing large deep caught bass, a great method is to use a torpedo sinker attached to the string on a marker bouy. Lowering the weight into the fish's stomach, then releasing the fish and paying out the line until the fish regains its equilibrium is an extremely simple non intrusive way to release big bass. In my experience, it works 100% of the time.

I am bringing it up again because I finally took a picture of the very simple rig you need to have on hand to release the big ones. I hope to get some 'how to' photos up in the near future, assuming of course I can catch something big enough to make it realistic ;)

http://cms.calfishing.com/files/Images/articles/freshwater/trophy_bass_care/release_weight.jpg

Don't just stare at the picture and think oh, that's a good idea. Go get a torpedo sinker, tie it to a marker bouy or a string or just keep it handy. Whatever you do, go and get one and keep it with you. You'll be so stoked that you did when you send a big floater back down and you feel her come to life and swim away.