Jacob, the only reason the smaller bass towed the steelhead around in a pool is because the steelies are smarter, and enjoy a nice ride. Actually, if that is a true story, I'd bet a big box of Krispy Kremes that it was a hatchery steelhead after it had swam a few hundred miles in from the ocean and then tens of miles up strong currents into a hatchery pond for the 'contest'. Besides, HBP asked for a comparo of fish that commonly reach 15 pounds. A 5 lb. smallie might be pretty tough, but I bet a 5 lb. pirana, heck - even a 5 lb. goldfish, might outfight a smallie. They just wiggle fast and pull a little bit of 4 lb. test line out. Then it's time to giggle over it. Geez. I also bet a 5 lb. mint bright fresh northern sock or 5 lb. true native skamania summer steelhead, fresh into the lower river, would kick a fresh 5 lb. smallies ass all over the place. Grrrr.

As for those S*** R. 'Critters' Dan, I'm going to be trying some of those big nates up there next month. I wonder if an overweight bass could swim up those long rapids?

As for 15 lbs., the 'dogs' are tough but I bet a mint bright steel nate right out of T-Bay salt into a lower river hole will give an all-around fight equal to any fish. But I haven't tried the albacore out there yet, and heard they are a beeyotch!