We can't keep any crappie under 9" here. I could catch a limit if it wasn't for that fact. 11-12" seem to be "BIG" around here. I occasionally come home with a couple slabs in the 12" range, but it is rare for me. I will say I have caught bigger crappie farther south in the state, and out of the Ohio River. I feel like I should be throwing anything 12" or bigger back to help the population size, but I like to eat em!