I understand what you are saying! If I had to drive hours and I got the big one I would want to keep it also... I am very fortunate to be able to decide at 3PM at school to meet at the boat at 4PM ... just that I grew up 1 mile from the lake and have fished it for 40 plus years and have always been able to get enough for my freezer ... I never liked eating the big ones only the firm petite ones for me!!