Here in Rochester we had a bait shop that was two blocks away from the lake in town, Silver Lake, when the once-thought gone forever Giant Canada Geese were re-discovered. That bait shop owner kept aquariums with game fish fry that came in with minnow shipments. Crappie, sunfish, bass, pike, you name it, he at one time or another had it in his tanks. Crappies got huge while residing in the largest tank. 19" huge. He'd take these big fat old suckers down to the lake and release them when they got too big for the glass home. A friend and I winter fished the lake because the power plant on the river upstream of the lake released warm water into it and the lake stayed open all winter. Both of us had the occasion to catch crappies of 17", 18" and yes, 19". All returned to the lake.
Pictures? This was well ahead of cell phones or digital camera and in fact before the so-called instamatic cameras, so no there weren't any pictures. So Sarge, I believe you. I believe in God too and certainly haven't needed to ask him for photographic proof of any of his miracles like so many here seem to think an angler needs to provide. Its ironic that some here who yack of catching big fish never ever have a picture of such. Like I said, Sarge; I believe you.
