What size range is "keeper" for crappie?

[OnAFly]

Caught an 11 on a metro lake yesterday. It was a by-catch while fishing walleye, but nonetheless, I did catch an 11" crappie in the metro.

[John478]

I wonder how many guys like me just took out the tape measure and measured their hand???

Busted

[LightningBG]

I wonder how many guys like me just took out the tape measure and measured their hand???

Me too

I've always used my hand as a guide, but never really knew how long it actually was.

[Hoyt4]

Anything under 10 goes back. Keep 10 and over.

I'm also another guy that catches 11 and bigger crappies in the metro area. Lake is only a few minutes from my house. Sure fun when those slabs come up the hole and I don't have to dry 3 Hrs to catch them.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

That's funny, Krabby...I completely agree. I'm more apt to keep smaller panfish than I am larger ones, but I do always worry what someone will think if he sees my bucket.

Id rather see someone keep a limit of smaller fish than flaunt their limit of 12-13"+ fish.

It can really depend on the lake but 95% of the time Id say 9-11" is about the range for me.

If Im on a more remote lake and the fish average much larger and I keep say a 12" fish, Ill keep far less fish since they have more meat to them. I dont fill my freezer with fish. But honestly I think the smaller fish fry up and taste much better.

[KrabbyPatties]

If Im on a more remote lake and the fish average much larger...

There's a reason that's usually the case.

[Ringtailhunter]

I usually keep what I bring up when fishing deep water. I don't think they fair well coming up from 35' and then being released. That is if there is no slot.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

There's a reason that's usually the case.

Yes Im well aware of what you're getting at... But like I pointed out, the 5 or so crappies I might take maybe once or twice a year isnt going to crash the fishery. I pointed out I dont have any need to stock my freezer and practice C&R on 95% of my trips. Also I dont announce a good lake/bite to a bunch of people or on a HSOforum.