Page 4 - Crappie NOW - December 2016

By Tim Huffman

Y super-shallow water, sensitive, strong 14-

ou may have no interest in and 16-foot poles were designed. Special
crappie tournaments, or maybe dislike nets are available to net crappie caught
tournaments, but without a doubt they on long poles. Jigs and terminal tackle are
have an impact on how you fish. The better. Tournament fishing helped gain the
first is knowledge. We’ve learned from attention of manufacturers for the need of
tournament fishermen how to better quality crappie-specific equipment.
fish different waters, seasons, weather This series features three national
conditions and water conditions. We’ve tournament trails: Crappie USA; Crappie
learned the importance of adjusting and Masters; and The American Crappie Trail.
adapting. Seasoned tournament fishermen Part I is an introduction to the trails, their
have the knowledge and experience so history and their goals. The series will
listening to their stories, tips and tactics continue each month with discussions
help us catch more fish. about today’s tournaments, wrapped
Tournaments have influenced our boats, media, one-pole tournaments, male/
equipment. Many boats have special female and adult/youth divisions, one-man
features just for crappie fishermen. When tournaments, the future of national crappie
tournament fishermen needed longer poles tournament fishing and more.
for spider rigging clear reservoirs and for

Crappie USA
Crappie USA is the oldest, active
national crappie tournament trail. It was
formed in after Crappiethon USA, who had
held tournaments since 1983, decided to
drop the trail. Crappie USA tournaments
started in 1996.
Crappie USA General Manager,

4 Crappie NOW December 2016