I've never competed for catching crappie and have never been to a weigh-in. I was just wondering if the fish that are caught were released? Also, does the total weight decide the winner like in a bass tournament?

I have mixed feelings about tournaments for any species. The lake closest to home that I fish has a bass tournament going on nearly every day. The pressure on the lake is tremendous. I don't know that I want to see the crappie fishing pressured the same way.

I'm not trying to open up a can of worms here, and definately am not trying to be critical of anyone who fishes tournaments. I'm just trying to think of what is best for the resource. I've heard crappie replenish themselves very well, but I wonder if that would be the case if there were numerous tournaments on the lake. I would appreciate any insight on this subject that would make me more receptive to the idea.