Any guide worth his salt would never take FULL credit for their angler hooking a fish. The angler, under the guide's knowledge of the water and conditions coupled with what ever technical advice he or she has given their client, AND THE CLIENT DELIVERING THE PRESENTATION is the cause for success. It's a team effort. Said team deserves a photo, if one is desired at all. But most importantly the safety of the fish is paramount. Which is why the first (and sometimes only) photo taken of a steelhead has me holding it for my sport. I coached the fight and capture, I tailed it, I was an intergral part of the team (my client knows it) and , oh yes, safety for the fish is paramount! The less handling the better. I've held thousands of the ball of muscle that we call steelhead. My client, even the experienced ones, have held far far fewer. I am keenly sensitive to the fact that the client may want a photo with just them and their prize. But more important to them is that they capture it on film at all. By me holding it for that first pic or two insures they will have documentation. After that if the fish is doing well, I will teach my guest how to hold the steelhead, and assist in transferring it to their hands for a quick solo shot. Interesting that out of the zillions of times I've done this, the clients' favorite pictures are those with me holding the fish. The fish looks better -- I know how to hold it correctly. Hence a better represenation of their prize.
As for not liking guides, yeah we're a pain in the ass clogging up the river, teaching (most of us) river etiquette and lore, expsosing people with deep pockets to the Natural beauty and biology of the river and its diverse, sensitive ecosystem instilling upon them the importance of keeping it in tact. Sometimes we even make them a better angler - personally I'd rather fish around skilled anglers that move than clueless folks who are just occupying space. Everybody desereves a fair shake: we go to school, we get trained for our jobs, we take golf lessons, we get coached in sports, some of you take pottery class etc. What's wrong with hiring the services of a fishing guide? Many folks don't have the time and/or are not geographically living in prime fishing country. And what's more, I have made some incredible everlasting friendships that I would not have had I not been guiding. Hiring a guide is not for everyone, neither is paying to watch a proffesional sports team play ball. It's what makes the world go 'round. Best of luck on the water my friends. Be safe.