Wow.. I wish I had just one of them critters. I'm in the process of carving one (out of wood) and need one for reference. We don't have them in any of the lakes that are close by. I've only carved two fish so far.. you can see them at my picture site..
www.picturetrail.com/chips. I believe the fish are under "Latest Carvings". The B'gill I've started is about 8" long. The shape is easy but the details of the head/gill plate area are tougher if I want to do it right
Anyhow.. I'd probably sprinkle some cajun spice on it and go for it with a mild wood.