I'm a fan of catch and release but slot limits are a thing for a reason. If it's a managed lake then following the limits is what they want you to do. Some of the big ones have to go to make room for the next gen.
Anyway, awesome catch, OP. The mount looks really nice.
Hey Zesty, thanks for your input. It's not a public managed lake, it's private. Very few get access to this 90 acre lake. The angler in question and his family are no longer allowed. The owner found out about the catch and removal and is beyond livid. They pride themselves on the monster bass that are caught there. Come to find out he doesn't allow anything to be removed over 2 1/2 lbs. I personally didn't know that at the time. I was allowed privileges as a trade off for some work I did for the owner for free. Upon my asking to fish the lake, I made it clear I don't keep fresh water bass any size. In the one year I've been fishing it I've caught 15 bass over 5 lbs 9 bass over 6 lbs 2 bass over 7 lbs and have no idea on the 3 and 4 lbers I've boated. I guess my point being is I think they know how to manage their lake. The biggest bass caught and released was 16.2 lbs. I didn't see the fish but have seen photos. So to each his own, but I can still fish the lake anytime I want to. Tight lines to you...