As always, interesting & fact based analysis! But I recall Bob Lusk saying that he got a call about a pond that was not producing enough lunkers to suit anglers, even though they were assiduously harvesting LMB up to 4 lb. Bob told them that bass must get to 4 lb if they are to reach 8 or 10 lb. Very few YOY LMB ever reach 4 lb mark without being eaten or diseased along the way, so they shouldn't be harvested if trophies are desired.
Of course, so much depends on forage & fertility of the BOW, and even predation from cormorants, otters, herons, etc. Perhaps a lake absolutely loaded with big LMB might be enhanced by harvest of 4 to 6 lb fish. If so, I humbly volunteer my services!
