when i had the bait shop, when we could sell out back in the 70's, i had a customer who just wanted the largest eels i had when the truck came in.
fished nights, from a boat for bass. he did very well.....
put them back alive. i do have grandkids.
as your hair gets whiter, your gear gets lighter.
i would definitely vote to keep fishing it... ya really just never know what could eat that thing. its pretty crazy to catch that when youre expecting something COMPLETELY different... good work!!