Desertdrifter,
I agree with you that would make me angry as well and I'd be posting that guides name all over the place and recommending people NOT hire him.

1. never net fish you intend to release
2. no barbs, no bait and no trebles
3. never remove the fish from the water
4. have the camera ready before landing the fish it's life is more valueable than your glory shot
this is common sence

On the other hand even that 18lb hen that you described still has more of a chance of spawning that one hit on the head with a stick