regarding the specimen thing. there are many diff ways of doing things (conventional, tempo, specimen, feeder, match angling) there is no rite and wrong. each person makes there own choices. just becuase something is diff doesnt mean its bad/wrong/rite/good/ etc
specimen angling uses the UK sytle of fishing and equipment. the main focus is on conservation of nature/dams/fish/etc. so that it will remain intact for many generations to come.
With all the netting programs and fish being kept/cooked/killed and water polution etc, fishing wont be around for the next generation to enjoy, and thats way specimen guys care about how a fish is handled and released and will not share there info with just anyone (as some people will miss use this info)
just because a fish swims away doesnt mean its going to survive. (fish found floating/dead didnt just die from nothing)
There are many conventional anglers that practice catch and release (thats awesome), but there are very few conventional anglers that practice fish care/safety.
Using one hook will give you the same chance at catching a fish and a better chance of landing the fish and landing it unharmed.
specimen guys arent sensitive and arent picking people out or wanting to fight with them, etc, they are just passionate about the sport and its future well being and conserving it for many to enjoy later on.
a specimen guy will help anyone out who is serious about fish care/safety/conservation/etc and who is willing to learn and adapt.
remember todays catch was a gift from another angler. and you safely handeling, caring for and releaseing a fish is your gift to another angler.
just my 2cents.