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Im not sure if I buy the genetic argument completely. I dont have the years of experience necessary to make an accurate judgement. Are fish these days really smaller, or are there fewer big fish? There were always fish that were genetically heavier than others per length. Is the average size of 46-48 inch fish dropping? It seems hard to get one to break 40 pounds these days, but are we really catching enough of these fish to know? There certainly arent many 50 inch fish taken each year to give an idea as to whether they weigh a pound per inch.
It would be possible to see greater numbers of large fish, but different management techniques are necessary. The 1989 year class (38 inches or so) was the first strong year class out of the drought of the 80's. If protected by a slot, you could find quite a few 42 inch, 24-30 pounders not too far down the road.
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