Personally, I think the challenge of landing a steelhead on 4 # test would have everything to do with the size, contour and available cover of a particular hole along with the softness of the rod, and less to do with the fisherman. It doesn't sound all that interesting to me, anyone can baby a steelhead. I hope people using 4 # leaders are targeting hatchery fish. Many of those great rivers' steelhead runs are mostly or entirely native and I think fishing 4# test would not be ethical there.
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If every fisherman would pick up one piece of trash, we'd have cleaner rivers and more access.