myth or fact???

[jeepguyjames]

I have heard a few people say that once the water temp warms up in the summer time that crappie meat becomes mushy. Is this true? I am fairly new to crappie fishing and this will be the 1st year I actively pursue crappie through out the full year. I do catch and release most of the time (95% of the time). But from time to time keep enough for a meal or two. Any thoughts? Also I want to say thanks to every one willing to share info/knowledge/techniques, I have caught bigger and more crappie than I have ever in the past thanks to a lot of you guys. My 9 year old son and I have had a blast doing so. Hope every one has a blessed fathers day weekend, God bless all.

[AtticaFish]

I would say yes, the meat does get softer. Don't know about down south, but from early spring or late fall and winter in Ohio, it is much more firm. Summer meat kinda falls apart once it is unthawed.

Bluegill meat seems to stay pretty solid thru out all seasons.... I tell my 4yr old boy it's chicken and he buys it........ :D:D:D He says he doesn't like fish.

[jeepguyjames]

Ha ha attica!!! That's funny. Probably works cause every thing taste Like chicken ha ha. Got a good giggle out of that one. God bless.

[PawPaw Gene]

I have to agree, cold water crappie taste better. Of course that doesn't mean that I won't eat summer crappie, but I don't catch as many in the summer months and fish for the good tasting bluegills.

"gene"



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[slipbobber]

I agree maybe, there isn't much difference though, when it gets really hot I like to keep mine in a cooler with ice. much nicer to clean too. Try em see what you think.

[rockmike]

If the fish are taken care of properly, I can't see any difference.

[blairarnold]

I never have noticed any difference either.

[sparky]

Yep I say they do get mushy. I think it may be something to do with the oils in the meat. Tried the fish in the cooler with ice and didn't seem to make any difference, still mushy.

[thankfull]

I agree with Rockmike.

[Hillbilly910]

Keep them on ice, firms up any fish flesh. The longer they are in the livewell during the summer, the worse it will be. catching them out of warm water and cleaning within an hour or so, probably wont notice a differece, leave them in there all day, and you'll see a difference. Its a win/win situatuion to ice your catch down. if you dont wanna fool with all the ice needed, freeze some water bottles, and keep them in the livewell, keeps the water cool.

HB