Wow 15-18 ounds is an awesome brownie, I had no idea they got that big in the USA.
Have you got pictures to share, I'd be real interested to see them.
I've been out two days ago, guiding an American guy, caught 6 Browns and two king Salmon. (All on fly.) And lost a few more.
The browns were 3-5 pound, and taken on Dry/Nymph combinations.
I'll get some pictures on this board, once I have my films developed.