How have popular freshwater species like crappie historically been primarily viewed?

Answer

As something to be caught, not purchased commercially

A core aspect influencing crappie's commercial status is its deep cultural association with recreational angling. For many years, and continuing today, species like crappie, bass, and bluegill have been culturally framed primarily as targets for sport fishing rather than items to be bought off a grocery shelf. This historical context shaped the market infrastructure entirely around the tools for catching the fish—rods, jigs, and electronics—and significantly neglected the development of the complex, reliable food supply chain that would be necessary to bring standardized filets to high-volume retail outlets.

How have popular freshwater species like crappie historically been primarily viewed?
foodfishsalestorecrappie