For the record, I've personally never killed a wild steelhead, but that does not necessary mean that given the right set of circumstances that I wouldn't. I like to fish and I like to catch big fish, then I like to brag about the big fish that I caught, but I'm also carefull to be a responsible Angler. Fishing, catching big and bragging about it are all part of what makes it fun IMHO, I get absolutly thrilled when my wife or daughters catch fish especially big fish, they put me to shame when it comes to bragging I don't fish to purposely catch small fish. My family also loves to eat fish, we eat lots of it. Of course I would never consider killing and eating threatened or endangered fish of any species.

I do tend to believe that genetics have a role when considering fish size, it's one of those things that just seems to make sense, but I also believe that there are other factors that may have even a bigger role, such as feed, habitat etc. but in reality I really have no idea, I'm just guessing. Is there any scientific evidence that genetics have a major role in the size of fish? If so where can I find some information about it? After reading the Salmo g. post, I seem to be almost totally on the same page, but I would like to find out more facts regarding who and how a healthy run is determined. Who is disputing WDFW and what are the "qualified counter-arguments"? I totally respect the personal choice not to kill wild steelhead of any size and considering our situation here in WA I'm sure it make sense in most cases and possibly in all cases, but one problem that I always struggle with is that I would personally have a problem criticizing someone else for having a different opinion (the guy that wants to catch a big fish from a strong and healthy run and keep it). If I personally take the stand that all wild steelhead should be released under any circumstance, then why would that same opinion and argument not be just as valid as say for a healthy run of Humpies? What makes a wild steelhead any more important than a wild humpy or a wild chum or a native cutthroat trout? Should we just start releasing all wild fish of any species even if that stock is healthy and can support a limited and responsible harvest? I have a hard time relating to the argument that "It's only a humpy, so it doesn't matter". I don't see the reasoning there.

I totally agree with Ryans comments about "Limited Kill" and his comments about the 4 fish limits. I think that this type of management is what gets our fish in trouble and that responsible management along with good sound science is what is needed. I have a hard time believing that sport harvest (keeping a big fish), managed responsibly can be accountable for the future demise of our fish runs. I think that in the past years there were many, way to many abuse's of our resource by many parties that got us where we are today. I also understand what Ryan says about people just being concerned and I think thats great, we should all be concerned, but forming opinions and laying blame based on emotions rather that facts probably is not a good thing.

TVhost, what I know regarding the record humpies is that there have been more than a couple of fish caught that have broken the state record and that at least three applications have been submitted for the state record. I have heard that one of those may be bigger than the fish Avis caught. I also am not aware of any other submissions for the IGFA world record pink other than Avis's. I think it may be possible that we end up with a situation where Avis holds the IGFA record and someone else gets the state record with a slightly bigger fish than Avis's. Sounds strange but it is possible. I think we're just going to have to wait and see how this all works out, it may be a couple of months before we know for sure. Whatever the outcome, I'm just thrilled that Avis caught a record fish. She has literally been on cloud nine

Sheesh, what a long winded post, but for the most part, so far I feel that this thread is very good. I appreciate your replies.

My opinions above are just that and it's very possible that I am just full of BS That's what Avis keeps telling me anyway! But this has always been a issue that has interested me and one that I have found to be very divisive among sport fishers and that can't be good for any of us.