I think everyone here will agree that a crappie really isn't worth taking home until it has 'shoulders', and they don't get big across the back until they are about 10". That's why Jake referred to 'self-regulation'. But there are so many fisherman who want to take fish home no matter what. They take the fish we pass on. The MDC is very pro-active on our reservoirs in regard to balancing fishermen/women demands and keeping a healthy population. The years when there are fewer 10" + fish around usually mean there has been a very good year class previously....during those years, some of us hardly see bigger fish, but you can bet they'll be back!

One reason for that length is that in Mo a 9" fish is sexually mature and able to spawn. What if the length was raised and we had year after year of high recruitment? We may have lakes overrun with 8" crappie.....potato chips!

You haven't stomped any toes that I can tell, but some toes are bigger than others and just can't be missed....keep asking good questions and thank you for your service!