there is no rule i know of on crappie, it is not legal to cull crappie anytime, you catch it you release it unharmed imedately or in the live well it goes. one of these days some people are gonna get caught culling. I don't like releasing fish caught in a tournament, I think the stress of the day, the weigh in, the release will kill a bunch of fish. should set up a cleaning station and clean your catch and if you don't want it donate it to someone/or thing/like church,nursing home,what ever.... go to bed now michael your getting wound up...............................