I never catch enough fish to worry about keeping them fresh at the river. I usually clean it right away, stick it in a plastic bag and head home.
I see a few guys put the bonked fish on a rope stringer (through the mouth and gills and secured to shore), and toss the whole fish back into the river to keep cool. Once they are finished fishing, they pull the fish out of the water and clean them before going home.
I am done for the season. Flying out to Portugal tomorrow for vacation. I fished a couple hours every day Sept 1 - 10, usually incoming tide. 4 fish landed from 7 hooked. Average about $7.50 per fish based on price of license. Prior to the season, I bought three pinks from Costco for 24 bucks for average cost about $8 each.
Enjoy the rest of your pink season.