if i'm fishing for these things i want to bring home some meat. anyone have any input as far as targeting these smaller fish that we'll be allowed to keep. is there any way to target them or just a crapshoot?

Paul most of the fish we will see where you fish will NOT be 73"+. BUT they will be 65-72" based on last years class size.
Bars and plastics usually/tend to weed out most giants. Some will becaught but the sharpies use......................?????????

What Matt said.
I'll add, increase your speed trolling.

i thought they were going to let you take 1 at 27-59, but it looks like it's 1 less than 73". do i have that right? i was talking about targeting those 27-59 fish. the last 4 years evrything i've been catching is 65+/- inches