Page 15 - Crappie NOW - March 2019

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

harles Bunting started fishing
tournaments when a friend persuaded
Chim to fish a telephone tournament in the
80’s. He joined a newly-formed Capital City
Crappie Club and says the older fishermen
taught him how to fish. He has fished national
tournaments since 1998.
Charles & Travis Bunting have been a power
force on the tournament trails for many years.
Charles, known by friends as Charlie, has a
major role in doing much of the tournament
pre-fishing, in-the-boat rigging and fish/bait
care. Being retired allows him time to travel
by Tim Huffman and prepare for the many tournaments they
fish each year.
When asked about fishing strength he Charles Bunting doing a seminar during the
quickly stated that it was being versatile. “It’s January Grizzly Jig Show & Sale.
about doing whatever it takes to catch fish.
I’m a solid fisherman and can usually figure
out a pattern and find areas with good fish. his job but most importantly helping others
But Travis has an out-of-the box thinking that catch fish.
really helps us adjusting to situations.” Fishing hero? “Not really, but Ronnie Capps
Charles’ two favorite lakes are Grenada, and Steve Coleman are definitely the crappie
because of the big fish, and Truman because icons.”
of the single pole fishing. Pet peeves? “I don’t like that some people
What keeps Bunting motivated? He and lie. I don’t like jet skis but I stay away from
Travis have won the national championships lakes when they are there.”
in all three major tournament circuits, Boat food? “Deer sticks and jerky.”
something no other team has done. He says Sports teams? “Cardinal baseball and
it’s the competition and he has always been KC Chiefs, but I’m not a big football fan.”
very competitive whether it’s been baseball, Tournaments a family affair? “Connie and I
basketball or fishing. He loves doing seminars have been married over 45 years and she has
and promoting his sponsors. It’s about doing always supported me in everything I do. She
has helped Travis and me in our tournament
Charles Bunting fishing. She’s made jigs. Now she sells jigs
at shows for us like at Grizzly Jig. She has
Born: 1953 always been the backbone of our team.”
Home Town: Jefferson City, MO Fishing highlight? “Without a doubt it has
Home Lakes: Ozarks & Truman been getting to spend time with my son. I’ve
Sponsors: BnM Poles, Humminbird/ been the luckiest person in the world to travel
MinnKota, Power Poles, Muddy Water Baits, and spend hundreds of hours in the boat with
many others him. We don’t always agree on stuff but at
Tournaments: 2005 Crappie USA National the end of the day it’s always good. I’m glad
Champs; 2012 Crappie Masters National we’ve won some big tournaments. We’ve got
Champs; 2017 American Crappie Trail to compete together and make many new
National Champs; 2007 National Point Title; friends. As far as awards, the Sportsman of
2009 Crappie Masters Mississippi State the Year Award was very special to me.”
Champs; Sportsman of the Year; many others How would you like to be known or
including Crappie Masters wins at Eufaula OK remembered? “As somebody friendly and
in 2017 and Washington Lake 2018 would help anyone who ask. Giving seminars
and teaching people how to fish.”

15 Crappie NOW March 2019