[clumsylunker]

Sorry if this is a ridiculous question. But what is this? A crappie? The shape is deceiving because I am holding its mouth open. It looks like a crappie, but was longer than I've seen them (they are usually more round). It is much bigger than any crappie I've ever caught (went from my elbow to my wrist).

 

[trigger22]

That would be a crappie. Nice catch

 

[clumsylunker]

Thanks! And thanks.

 

[Fish_Fiend]

Large white crappie

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[jerry condrey]

I think it's a large female black crappie.

 

[redspringsfisherman]

A reallllllly nice crapie

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[OptiMystic]

I am also thinking white because of the head and front of body. Crappie for sure. Nice one!

 

[trigger22]

The shape and color are poor ways to judge whether it's a black or white crappie. The best and most sure fire way to tell is by counting the spines on the dorsal fin. Blacks have 5-6 spines and whites have 7-8 spines.

 

[redspringsfisherman]

Got it backwards trigger whites have less black has more

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[trigger22]

Got it backwards trigger whites have less black has more

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True statement. I usually "have it backwards" lol

 

[redspringsfisherman]

Lol lol lol

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[Neilslure]

Black or white, its a slab crappie

 

[jerry condrey]

I change my vote! Did some research, and the dark spot on the end of the gill plate indicates white crappie, not black. The faint bars on the sides that the white crappie sports are all but missing on this specimen, so it's either a white crappie or a hybrid, which does occur. But it's certainly not a black like I figured at first glance.

 

[jerry condrey]

Found this, maybe it'll help.
http://ncpedia.org/wildlife/black-crappie-and-white-crappie

 

[BMBMKR]

white or black, and some hot house autry and you've got a good meal!!!!!