Had a 26 to 29 inch hatchery buck nearly open up a size 4 7989 on me. Did manage to tail him... Well... actually I managed to grab his tail 3 times, only to have him shake free of my grasp. The barbless hook finally pulled free as he drifted tail first through my legs. Ever have a steelhead come flying back upriver through your legs? I highly recommend it... It's breathtaking...