30lb Monster from the Quinault!

[Jiggy]

I think the fish was headed for the upper river...too late for most hatchery fish even on the Quinalt. No it doesnt look like a good fish to eat but then again the guy is getting it mounted so that isnt really a problem for him. The guides on that river have a big client base b/c people want to catch huge steelhead and that river gives them the opportunity to catch/keep one. Hopefuly one day they will learn the art of catch and release so big quinalt fish dont end up like the 100lb kings that used to run up the elwah. Hopefully the next 30lber i hear is caught/released by a guy on this board.
Jiggy

[fishingtechnician]

Thanks for the extra pic bobber, I didnt' see that one yet. The only ones I saw were of the dorsal down. It does look like a nate.

[SteelheadKid]

With all the ethical arguments put aside for a minute...

That thing would taste horrible.  Not only because it is a dark boot, but because a 6 year old buck like that is equivalent to a person who is 120 year old body builder.  The meat of those fish will never be as good as an equally dark fish in the 5-15lb range.

I've eaten a 70lb king before.  Dime bright.  Fresh from the water, tasted like crap.  I would trade all the meat for a 3lb jack king in a heartbeat.

[Jim W]

With all the ethical arguments put aside for a minute...

That thing would taste horrible.  Not only because it is a dark boot, but because a 6 year old buck like that is equivalent to a person who is 120 year old body builder.  The meat of those fish will never be as good as an equally dark fish in the 5-15lb range.

I've eaten a 70lb king before.  Dime bright.  Fresh from the water, tasted like crap.  I would trade all the meat for a 3lb jack king in a heartbeat.

Same with Butts give me a nice 25 - 60 for eating. barn door size fish are just that  eating a barn door. LOL

[Brian]

Good discussion fellas, time to put this one to rest!