I agree with it taking some of the merit out, too. One solution would be to disallow triploid fish for State Record status.

But then what to do about the other fertile brood fish that live and are fed for YEARS in the hatchery before being released? Maybe they could be tagged. And if the fish has survived a full year outside the hatchery before being caught, it can be considered "wild" again?

I'm glad they release them. If these giant fish are nearing their life expectancy, it sure would be a SHAME to not give folks a chance at fishing for them.