Speculation:

Perhaps the removal of the large dominant predators (previously eating and terrozing smaller bass) enabled the LMB to tackle the small/intermediate BG much more effectively. Your observation on increased LMB aggressiveness goes along with this. I would expect an increase in the number of small to intermediate LMB as well, but perhaps the have been too busy reducing the BG population to be observable by angling.

What is the condition of the larger BG?


"Live like you'll die tomorrow, but manage your grass like you'll live forever."
-S. M. Stirling
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