Eric, I think you're on to something, WRT being weined on certain fish. I grew up on BG and channels, and still love to fish for them. Crappie only occasionally, as we, as a family, didnt have the cash for large rigs to go to reservoirs, and fish deep water. Oxbow spawning, was our experiences.
I hope the ole stripermeister, George, chimes in. He admits to thinking of gills as only forage, until recently. He has sure put up pics of CNBG with big shoulders lately.
BTW, I yearn to find a way for YP to be raised in the South. Never had Walleye, but know it is revered.