Panfish are prolific breeders! The lakes I fish are notorious for getting over populated easily. I have made it a habit to keep any "eater" size fish I catch, I let the bigger trophy size fish go. Perch for instance, anything over 12" I put back. I know I'm going to catch a ton of 8-11" fish that are perfect eating size. The same goes for crappie, I keep the 8-12" fish any thing bigger or smaller I put back. Jm2c