My 1st

[Little Round]

This was the pic I was looking for. I have never been so worked by a fish. I felt like I was going to puke, and it was so strong I had to put it back in the rod holder. It was up past 22#'s at strike, and with 500yards out it is a lot of pressure. You could hear the line and the rod going wannnn waNNNnn.

[animal]

Sounds like a great trip overall.With 22 lbs of drag,at strike,and (not knowing your fighting drag setting)The drag is doubled if half the line comes off the spool,add in the drag of the line against the water,and it must have worn a good hole in the fishes mouth.
If you were at anchor,and didn't wanna get off,I guess you did the right thing.I like a lighter drag setting,normally.Did you see what it was?Maybe a big Swordie?
Great report,thanks for sharing it.