I defense of my husband.....he had 4 other buddies who all whooped and hollered when this fish was caught. After a 45 minute struggle to reel it in, and the encouragement, if you were in his shoes, you would have done the same. He is now having it "mounted" next to Bambi in our living room. I can tell you, I HATE hunting and fishing, but he loves it, and its better than some other things he could be doing.
My husband catches and releases ALL THE TIME and is very environmentally conscious and loves/protects nature at all times.
No one would believe him, had he not banked this fish, and I can bet you, if you were in his shoes you would do the same!!