I am the opposite Don. I like the smaller blade for Crappie unless I am filleting a larger one. I use the 7" and 11" blades. I use the larger blades for Walleye, Northern pike, and Bass. I feel that I have more control over the blade with the smaller one. I don't care for too much flex when I am cleaning fish. I do use both small and large blades tho. EB