Page 11 - Crappie NOW - July 2018

CRAPPIE MASTERS ONE-POLE ULTIMATE CHALLENGE

with a heat index reaching three digits. Water
temperature was 83 degrees with water The father/son team of Charles and Kevin
moderate to murky, clearing slightly each Rogers are known as jigging experts. The
day. Another major factor was fluctuating team helped popularize run-gun jigging with
water levels. ¼-ounce jigs, braided line, moving fast and
swinging fish into the boat.
The Event
Part of a photographer’s job when proved to be different but eased the pressure
covering a tournament is to get on the water when the fish came early. They had a two-
to get action shots of teams catching fish. day total of 20.91 pounds.
Our first team included twenty minutes of Several things led to the win including
waiting but no fish was caught. We repeated downsizing baits and using their Humminbird
that scenario, for less time, with several other Electronics and MinnKota trolling motor. The
teams. The bite was s-l-o-w. We got two good electronics allowed them to target fish while
shots and seen a few other crappie caught, the trolling motor allowed them to stay in
but to say the teams had to work for their fish one spot, on one tree, as long as necessary.
was an understatement. Underwater, non-visible structure was a key
The team of Barry Morrow and Chad part of their cover they fished. Their crappie
Maupin took the lead on day one and repeated came from five to eight feet of water catching
on day two to win the prestigious tournament. fish near the bottom. Baits included Beaver
They have been in the winner’s circle before Bottom Truman Tornado, Bobby Garland
and continue to prove their abilities. Baby Shad and MidSouth Tackle’s Wyatt’s
Day one, Morrow/Maupin weighed Blue Magic Tube.
10.13 pounds to take a narrow lead. They The team took home $8,400 for the win, plus
caught their fish late in the day. Day two numerous sponsor bonuses of around $1500.

11 Crappie NOW July 2018