How, when and where has a lot to do in the equation of which of these fish I would prefer. But then again I have been fortunate and am very thankful to have had both. Looking back though, I'd say the most memorable of these fish were the trophies that were released.
One standout was a mamouth king taken off a kelp line in 30 feet of water, 15ft from the boat on a quick retrieve to rebait. The awe and astonishment of the take and long battle was completely overshadowed by the look in my sons eyes as he held the beast quietly in the water for a while and then slowly released it, asking if we really had to let it go. That fish still lives on for both of us today and we can both see it as clearly now in that moment as if it was today.
Conversely, because of my ignorance and greed, I am also reminded daily of what has now become a very bittersweet memory. My first "trophy" steelhead was a stunning wild 20+ chrome hen steelhead taken from a beautiful stretch of a river that is now closed to fishing in order to protect what remains of the run. Not possessing the faith or patience to wait to catch a large buck, having since caught a number, I elected to have that hen mounted. It is a skin mount and it is spectacular. Even my wife insists that it hang in place of honor in our living room for all to see. But to me, as perfect as the mount looks, it will never do justice to the moment that magnificent fish and I shared, a moment I tried and failed to keep for myself.