Intro to panfish, Need help!

[Thomaslepine]

I'm new with fishing the kawarthas and have some questions. First off I hear so many people talking about keeping bluegill. What size of bluegill do you guys keep? Been catching mostly 5-7 inch bluegill and wondering If it's that size that everyone is keeping. Secondly perch. What's the size people keep of those? 10 inches and bigger? I've been going out for crappie and catching plenty for eating but I have been wondering about all the other fish I throw back that I could be making into some tasty fish sandwiches. Thanks guys!

[fisherboy]

For panfish there are no size limits, so really it's up to you if you look at the fish and think you can fillet it and get some meat off it go for it. As long as you don't go over the limits your fine. Personally I'd say a keeper gill is anything 8 inches or bigger, perch I keep between 9-11 inches anything bigger or smaller goes back, and crappies the same in my opinion

[Motojoe]

Really up to you, personally, I only keep 10 inches and up, small one will let go, let it grow.

[Elrik]

also depends on application. Those that fillet will want to keep bigger fish than those that just descale and remove head, fins and guts. Than there are those that make soups or pulse to make fish paste....

[scro1908]

First of all..... If your having no trouble catching crappie than your doing great.

My rule of thumb is 9 to just under 12 inches for crappie to keep. anything under or over I personally throw back. That's just me. The bigger ones I measure, maybe take a picture and release to hopefully spawn. I love crappie fishing and hope to keep it healthy for years to come.

If you don't mind cleaning fish than 7-9 inch bluegill have a small fillet worth frying up. I was surprised at what I was able to get from bluegill this size once.