Smaller fish that steal baits or have to be fought, landed and released are considered nuisances, potholes in the road to the next truly huge catch. As compromise, some anglers upgrade their tackle just enough to raise hopes but not so much as to discourage strikes. Their numbers stay good, because even relatively young, small predators will climb all over prey nearly their size. Bass barely longer than your hand have no problem slamming wide-mouthed into bullfrogs or rats, even though they may choke on those big meals. In fast-growing young largemouths, aggression overrides all other senses.
Saltwater is no different.
It isn't unusual to catch a speckled trout and redfish not much longer than a standard-issue lure. Big fish eat big meals. To catch them and them alone, quit throwing potato chips and start throwing baked potatoes. Everything a fish eats provides it with a measurable amount of nutrition, which it eventually converts to energy. That same fish must use its stored energy to capture and kill and eat and digest its food.