Mike -
While from your discription it sound as if you had tangled with Mr. Ironhead it could have been a large Dolly - I have had some treat that cruelly or worst.

Regarding the lost of the fish - after much experimentation for me a second hook set seem to provide little benefit and often resulted in a lost fish (broken leader, pull the hook out etc). You didn't mention the size of the hook you are using. With most steelehad size spoons i generally used 1/0s however when in doubt I perfer larger to smaller.

I'm sure that the fish got that old heart a beating. Bottom line somedays it is just the fish's turn to win.

Tight lines
Smalma