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Woof, you are either really smart or really full to let that one go LOL, IMO crappies get sweeter as they get bigger unlike most fish and that would be on my dinner plate for sure
"Like I said, I've been fishing this particular spot for over 25 years, I like to try to do what I can to manage it the way I feel is best..."
Well Dots, my freezers always pretty good and stocked up, so I like to let the big breeders go....I figure not only do they go a long way in sustaining a good fishery, but after surviving my filet knife for SO MANY years they deserve another chance! Like I said, I've been fishing this particular spot for over 25 years, I like to try to do what I can to manage it the way I feel is best. It gives me MUCH food on my table EVERY season, and makes me feel good to practice "selective harvest". The type of genetics found in a true slab Crappie do not exist in ALL other Crappies...These good genes will likely carry on in SOME of the offspring that fish rears. Not all Crappies can and will attain large size if given enough time to grow, especially in the northern regions.
And that is why ladies and gentlemen this guy is a true sportsman. Cheers,Ice Beard