I've eaten LMB on several occasions. My kids like it. I don't. I prefer walleye, perch. And pike for freshwater. I've had smallmouth, and when my uncle prepared it, it was delicious. He's passed, and I haven't had it since.

Whatever floats your boat.

 

Simply pointing out that most lakes in this country provide anglers with a renewable and nutritious food source.  Maybe someday you will have the chance to visit a place where you'll have the chance to see what so many others already know.  Properly taken care of and prepared, I think you would be pleasantly surprised.

i'm sure they are good eating , catch and release is what i do , period

If you fish lakes with slot limits , the managers want you to keep the small bass. Slots are designed to improve a fishery. They dont work without public participation.   

Either slit their throat or rip out the gills and leave them in a bucket of water for 10 minutes then put the fish on ice in a cooler.