I respect that. Makes sense to me. Like you said if she was taking it home to eat... makes sense of course considering even then it was within size limit. However, as a fisherman myself I get annoyed when people tell me to release my catch. Especially when I catch a big fish. I get it for some it's just a sport and some practice catch and release. I get it, but I fish for the sport and I love to eat fish. Heck I pay for my annual license every year, I pay for my daily fishing permit, and all fishes I keep that I catch are always according to DFG size limit and bag limit regulations. All caught by the mouth with bait and/or lure. I grab a copy of the DFG handbook everyyear and update myself on all changes if any, I follow the handbook, and laws accordingly. I really get annoyed when people tell me to relese my catches, I can't help but feel that it's a racial thing as the ones that always tells me to do so and in a few occasions threatened me to do so but failed, they're all are white. Not intended at anyone just simply telling what happens to me yearly at the local lakes. What you experienced well makes sense to me, and you did do the right thing by not putting the fish into their bucket. I've mentioned or rather informed to some folks before about size limit and bag limits before in an informative and kind gesture. Especially when I see some folks just keeping everything they catch. I mention it just to make sure they are aware of the laws and regulations. Some people really just aren't aware especially with the changes each year. But unfortunately some are poachers like you say.