I like catching big fish and love to see what is actually out there. I couldn't care less about having my name on the record books, though some rationalize, saying that the fish deserves it. If I caught an obvious record I have no idea what I would actually do.

If my guide insisted on keeping the fish? Probably agree to take it in, alive, if at all possible. But do you remember that scene in Dirty Old Men where Ann Margaret releases that giant walleye while Walter Matthau freaks out? That would be priceless.

I mean, it sounds plausible. But if it really was caught in 2008 and the IGFA hasn't approved it then it's probably sketchy...

I can't justify killing a fish to get my name in the books. If it was a record fish and it didn't make it, then sure, but otherwise healthy fish I don't intend on eating go back after a grip'n'grin.

Not for me, but if that's what you need to measure your "manliness" then go for it. A few years ago I caught an accidental flounder on fly that was about the size of a toilet seat. I bonked him on the head, but not for the record. I have a serious weakness for broiled flounder with crab/shrimp stuffing.

I know all three of the guys in this photo, i was their. These are two of the best Guides in Florida and one of the best fisherman is have ever had the pleasure to meet and guide ( i am a guide in Wyoming ). The dates are correct, and the fish did die after the fight, but, was honored by being mounted real, not plastic. This fish will be honored and appreciated for the rest of time in Mr. Swerdlows home. I was honored to be their and see and know all three of the great people. The bonefish weight is 15 lb. 8 oz. CONGRATULATIONS !!!
DON WACKERMAN

If you are not going to eat it throw it back. Take a picture and some measurements and set it free to grow and fight another angler.

I like and abide by the ideals of fly fishing, including catch and release. However, how much bigger does anyone think this bone will get before it becomes shark food? I am no expert, but imagine this fish is much closer to the end of its life-cycle than the beginning. Perhaps there is a better, more technological, way to register records that would involve not killing the fish? That is where we need progress - in the record registration process. The imitation mounts aren't super realistic yet either. texasflycaster

Hey fellas,
You have a witness here that the fish died. Also, a reference to the character of all the anglers. If these guys do this all the time. How many big toads do you think they HAVE released over the years? Because I do know alot of guides and fly anglers in that area, I tend to believe that if the fish hadn't died, they would have released it. I do have an opinion about killing for records though. My pop and I released 5 potential world record Rooster fish off Baja a few years ago. Our guide was the current record holder in that line class. When the guide asked my dad if he wanted to enter a 50+ as a record on 10# test and told him we would have to kill it, to my total amazement, the old man said "let her go". "That's to beautiful a creature to kill for a piece of paper to hang on your wall!"he said. After releasing the beast we hooked and landed 4 more over 50(2 each). It was my best day of Rooster fishing in 20 years with over 30 landed (23 on fly). The best day for the guide to date, too. The best part was watching the big fish swim away into the Pacific to get bigger! We saw fish in the 90 to 100lb range that day.