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Good bite on Milles Lacs


Pete Riola

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Man those are some nice crappies.
I can't believe they went back in the lake.
Any tips as where to find some like that this weekend?

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The biggest should always go back, keep more of the 10 inchers and the 12inchers and up go back. Same aplys to all species, Sellective harvest is the way to go. AJ

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Andy, don't take this the wrong way.
I wasn't looking for someone to tell me what I should do.
That is all up to you if you want to throw them back. Myself, I would keep one or two.

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  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

As you can see in the video we agree with Andy regarding Mille Lacs crappies. Toss the big girls back and keep a few of the smaller ones for the frying pan.

It realy helps to keep those big ones in the gene pool. We won't tell you exactly where to get them because too many folks would keep those big girls and downgrade the large crappie fishery. There are almost too many clues already if you watch the video carefully.

Of course, it's all about selective harvest. Everyone needs to make their own decisions and I would never begrudge those of you who want to keep the big ones for a dinner as long as you're legal. Just be aware of that when you want to take the kids or grandkids fishing a few years down the road and they are all small or very difficult to find.

Your decision does affect the size and quantity of the crappies in that fishery.

It's been my experiance that the better anglers are also better with selective harvest.

Be aware of your fisheries health and have fun while keeping it healthy.

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Rick...You were in my favorite crappie hole. I was keeping my eyes on you guys, I think I watched you for about an hour(through the whole area). Didn't see too many fish caught so I wasn't worried. That spot hasn't been to hot this year. The last couple years it was on. Got a different hot spot now. grin.gif

Good Luck

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What side of the lake do you guys get these crappies? The only time I have caught crappies on the west side is in the spring. I have fished the reeds and other places on the west side hard with no Luck. I got a spot where I can catch 6-10 inchers left and right but there are no big ones, I dont want to know your spots just what side of the lake. I will trade a crappie spot for a sunfish spot.

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