Howdy Snagly,
Like in baseball, as long as your hitting your weight, keep on playing. If not, there's always golf. As far as when you can consider a Steelhead caught, if you C&R. It's the point where you could point it's head to shore and max pressure the bouncing beauty on the rock's. For good release, of course you find the softest spot to subdue the fish. You know the fish will run the first time it feel's gravel. The second time in I use a technique which end's a pointless struggle amongst the rock's, sticks ect. Like when you first connect, I'll lift up in order to keep the fishes head above water. (as much as my line will take) The result for me, is a confused fish basically out of breath. Wet your hand's before grabbing the mouth & penduncle(skinny before the tail) at the same time. Home Run ! (remember it's not cool to dig the cup up when you birdy)