my wife made an interesting point as I was telling her about this thread. wouldn't the fish already have spawned at least once or twice, and with the same logic, would it be worse to bonk a young smaller steelie not knowing how it will develop, pass on its genetics, given a chance to live long enough? I just thought it was a very interesting and valid point. I guess if it was young and never had a chance to spawn, it would be a terrible loss, so you fish experts, do fish get that big before their first spawn?

I was on the Hoh Wednesday and Thursday, wanted to stay Friday but couldn't. wished I was there to witness that catch.