You guys should try to find some of the research done on Lake Weiss. They wondered too, and tagged crappie caught and released around 2000. Many of these tagged crappie were caught the next year. I used to be a member when I fished tournaments. Back then got a lot of there info, but don't have it now. Crappie released have a greater survival rate than others as they are easier to remove the hook with limited handling. The scars are typically from the slime coat being disturbed and parasites getting to the area. I have caught crappie with scars present, but very limited. I have caught them with torn lower jaws too. Also caught many with injured or missing eyes. Though, the most important thing to realize is the amount of eggs crappie lay compared to other fish. They lay between 17,000 and 21,000 eggs at the time with a 10% survival rate you are throwing back a fish that could produce around 2000 crappie the first year. Next year, someone catches and filets it or you get 2000 more. In 2 years the first hatch of 2000 or so is laying millions of eggs.