Tailed it with my gloves on, and brought it up the bank for the old guy. Went back down to rinse out my gloves and wipe off my tape and the dude had left--didn't even hear him go. My fault, perhaps, for not making sure that fish was released...and yes, the frustration burns, because I release ALL natives, even when I don't have to, and to think I helped a guy take a nate ILLEGALLY sticks in my craw. I bow my rod in shame.