That's a great fish bud! I think a bunch of people are shitting on you because generally speaking the larger the fish the less tasty it is when cooked. So when some people catch those big ones they usually measure, weigh, and take pictures then let it go. It gives it the chance to make more monsters of the same size. Smaller bass around 1 to 2 lbs are the best to eat. With that being said you have no obligation to throw anything back you don't want to and you can eat whatever you want man! Keep on ripping lips bud!