Stupid Panfish question

[Schnauzer]

Nearly 100% of my fishing has been for walleyes and bass. Even growing up, with a family cabin on the west side of Mille Lacs, there was little opportunity for panfish (except perch).

Now that I have a toddler and a pre-schooler, I want to introduce them to some fishing where they won't get bored right away. We did a little pan fishing last year but I just released everything. So... my stupid question:

What length would you consider a "keeper" sunfish and crappie for eating in northern climates? Being used to bigger fish, they all seem too little to me and I know that isn't the case. I'm aware of the old 'as big as your hand' measurement but I'm looking for something a little less subjective - like length.

[jerryr]

My general rule of thumb for crappie is 9" minimum. Some lakes have that as a minimum length and some even have 10" as a minimum length. Be sure to check the local rules. Good luck!

[youngeye]

Agree with above. Crappies smaller than 9-10 inches aren't really worth keeping to me, about the same for sunfish. Anything smaller than that is really a pain to try to clean. Good Luck

Youngeye

[IaCraig]

As far as Bluegills go, I like to have 8 inchers or better. With the kids I'll keep 7.5's once in a while to make them happy, but I do not use an electric filet knife on any that small. If you take time with a conventional knife you can get a decent fillet.

With panfish I find that an oven recipie or pan fried works best. They are a little too thin to use a deep fat fryer at 370.

Panfish and kids are a great combination.

have fun!

IaCraig

[eyedoktr]

I have to agree with the 9" rule. In NY, crappie have to be at least 9" to be legal. Bluegill and perch can be any size but I really don't think you get a nice fillet until they are at least 9". I commend you on your thinking regarding keeping the kids busy. I've taken many kids fishing and they do tend to get bored real fast. Even a 4" fish keeps them (and me) happy.

[Tom B]

If you are in Central Mn, skip the sunnies and head to the Horseshoe chain near Cold Spring and Richmond. I take the kids there and go after catfish, usually find them in the 2-5 lb range and the action is non stop. My girls won't fish for sunnies anymore, say they don't pull hard enough.

Tom B

[Cangl]

Whatever you feel comfortable cleaning, smaller fish are harder to fillet and add up in a hurry as you have proably found out. Old method of frying them whole comes in handy for smaller fish Start by scaling, heading and gutting, then slice down along the dorsal(sliced each side the dorsal can be pulled out) roll in spiced flour and pan fry, leave the tails on for a crunchy treat. Small perch :) lend
themselves to this "smelt recipe" the slice up the back helps cook the fish evenly bluegills arn't bad either ;) Walleyes for breakfast today. The trout that are in season are to big to pan fry here in Michigan. Brookie breakfast's hmmm its been awhile.