"what you are doing is selectively targeting "larger" fish species, whatever they may be. This is not an ecologically sound method of fishing either."

I don't feel right killing a bass (kelp, sand, largemouth, smallmouth, etc.) for many different reasons. Their average size is only one of the reasons. Another problem with calicos is that they grow very slowly. Targeting fish that are not only a "larger" species but also grow quickly is much more ecologically sound than killing smaller fish that don't grow very fast. Yes - you get more "bang for your buck" - that's exactly why it is more ecologically sound.

"a better philosophy might be to catch and eat fish that happen to reproduce faster than other species."

Great point - another reason why I won't kill bass.

"Another point I want to make is that there is a huge difference between freshwater and saltwater bass. Unlike our native saltwater bass (i.e. calico, sand, spotted), the bass that are caught in local lakes and reservoirs are most often non-native, farm-raised, genetically altered fish. In my opinion, conservation of these freshwater fish is not as critical."

Please don't take offense to this but where did you get your information? If you're referring to trout you're correct but if you're referring to bass you're way off. Nearly all freshwater bass fisherman will agree conservation of freshwater bass is extremely critical.

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You can't catch tomorrow what you kill today - please practice catch and release.