Slot limits on crappies?

[Carp-fisher]

Has there been any discussion on slot limits for crappies...say something like a 11 to 15" protected slot? Just curious. I caught and released 10 or so crappies this season over 13" and found the experience to be pretty gratifying. I would think that large crappies play a very valuable part of natural Minnesota lake ecosystems. Any thoughts?

[Eyehawk]

The same goes with bluegills that releasing the bigger ones does help out the population and makes the size of the school bigger. Crappies are about the same but I dont know it would be hard to do a slot limit on either a crappie or bluegill. If they did they would have to do a minimum size and a maximum size limit, meaning you have to release all crappies under 10" but you may keep anything over 10"-13" and everything over 13" must be released. Bluegills would be harder to put a slot on, cuz your average 1/2 lb bluegill is 8 inches, so the minimum size could be 8" and the maximum size could be 9 or 9 1/2", thats only an inch but you do want the bluegills to get to a 1/2 lb to eat but you want to release the 1 pounders and 3/4 lbers. Just my opinion.

[fisherdog19]

In most lakes, when you get a 13+ inch crappie, it is most likely over 8 years old. At that age, their spawn is not very viable. I would imagine that the 8-11 inch fish are the most productive spawners, but am unsure.

[DEADhead]

There are many lakes with size limits on panfish in Otter Tail County. Many of them have 10" or 11" minimum size restrictions and/or reduced bag limits.

Some panfish regulations are designed to reduce stunting and encourage the harvest of smaller fish. However, I believe selective harvest is probably the most effective management strategy to produce trophy size panfish.

I would suggest that you contact you Local Area Fisheries Office and discuss with them your support for a slot limit on panfish.

[Eric]

I totally agree with a slot on crappies as well as sunfish. Not on every lake just those that are known producers of larger panfish.

Eric