I think almost everyone would keep a fish like that if it was their first big one. I kept my first monster halibut, but would not keep another that big if given a chance.

For one it was not all that good eating and for another I have done that now. But damn few anglers woud release their first truly monster class fish.

Why is his halibut diffrent then a 30 lb steelhead? Because the halibut population appears to be well managed and there is no reason to worry about their extinction as there is with too many steehead runs.

Way to go Ryley. Get a tail mount done and keep smiling every time you look at it.