Not having been there, the only things I might have suggested would be to revive the fish longer( I know you mentioned it was landed quickly) and if possible cut the leader between the tandem hooks. Also, if he knew it was hooked that deep maybe not netting it would have helped? Being fin clipped and hooked deep sounds like a date with the bbq to me.
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Theres only two things that smell like fish... and one of em's fish.