Few rules for me when fishing for trophy HSB:
Use heavy tackle - MH-H action rod, Braid, Stout barbless hooks to help prevent fish exhaustion.
I only fish for them when water temps are below 80ish to reduce risk of mortality. I have not lost a HSB to date I'm aware of, but again, I follow this rules strictly. No HSB fishing in July/August.
TJ, a fish with this much fight and beauty deserves to be caught on the most sporting technique available, and that is on a fly rod.
My weapon of choice is a TFO 8-10 MiniMag loaded with a 11 wt 330 gr bass taper fly line - simple 16 lb leader.
If it took you 5 minutes to land this fish you were just having too much fun..
Land them quickly - resusitate and release.
I agree - no fishing July/August or when water temp hits 80 degrees.
I have caught hundreds of pond HSB on the fly - none on conventional tackle - lost only one IIRC but I have an O2 live well.
My favorite sport fish - on the fly.
Have fun - nice fish!
George
Edit;
WOW - my fish calculator says a 27 inch HSB should weigh over 10 lbs - now I understand the fish in the fight - haven't caught one that big!
G/
