First limiting factor is that there was no guide...these are landowner tags doled out by TPWD (not my land, not my tags, but it's hard to keep me away from a hunt of any kind). But you're right- I don't think it's the most sporting way to go, and you have no idea if you're getting a mature animal or not. The only way to handicap that aspect is to hang the bait higher off the water in hopes that only a big animal can reach it.

Needless to say the 22 Magnum hasn't been pulled out since. My choice is a .45 ACP with 230-grain FMJ in the event that I'm asked to handle the shot.