I think it would depend on water temp and air temp. That shoot we had on Clinton when the water was like 95 degrees and the air temp was 98 degrees..... I think those fish starting decomposing before they were all the way dead. [:-][

] Air temps of 60-70, I'd put fish on ice within 3 hours of thier demise if I were going to eat them. No way I'd let 'em go 12 hours. [:'(]
Then again, what do I know... I tried eating some canned pumpkin yesterday. It was the most metallic and sour pumpkin I ever tasted. I kept eating it... thinking maybe it was just my imagination. Finally, I had enough and went and looked at the can. It expired back in Dec of 2001. Hmm..bleagh. Neither K or I can figure out where that can came from. It's like the canned goods fairy came and switched it out on us.
.....anyhow, if the fishes eyes are foggy looking and it doesn't smell fresh, don't eat it. Don't eat waaaay over expired canned pumpkin either.