I got into a mess of crappie at my home lake a few weeks ago and kept 9 for a couple of small meals.  I usually do my meat fishing through the ice, and usually its bluegills.  They are, by far, my favorite freshwater fish to eat.

I rarely keep fish for eating other than during the ice fishing season.  The fish stay cold all day and there are no pesky mosquitos or black flies to bother me while I'm filleting my catch!   

 

I make an exception for the occasional walleye I catch by accident every so often.  I'll pull out the tackle bags that are usually stored in my live well and put it to use.

When the bass aren't biting but the catfish are running (that's now, for me, due to high water locally), I like to collect some fillets for the freezer.

 

This day's catch included blues, channels and flatheads, all caught on liver-baited jug lines.

 

Here's a hint from my wife: always season filets and put them in the fridge overnight before cooking.

 

Some of these made a very tasty lunch when pan sauteed and pecan encrusted.