Page 12 - Crappie NOW - November 2017
P. 12
Story & photos by Ron Wong
either crappie fishing or sitting in a deer
The question that lingers in a lot stands. Mark was taught how to fish by
of fishermen’s mind is, do professional his grandfather and father. The only thing
bass fishermen ever fish for crappie they fished was for bream and crappie.
or any other panfish? While attending The occasional bass that was caught
some fishing tackle media events that was via fishing for crappie and as Mark
had both crappie and bass professionals said, they would always release them
attending, an informal poll was held back to the water. His love to crappie
with the question of as a professional fish continues now and he enjoys time
bass fisherman, do you crappie fish. on the water especially during the winter,
And vice-versa for the professional sometimes fishing with his dad.
crappie fishermen, do you bass fish. Mark’s favorite way to fish for
Interestingly, all bass pros responded crappie is using a Lew’s ultra-light
“Yes I like to crappie fish and take the spinning rod and reel rigged with a 1/16th
opportunity to do so several times a ounce Strike King crappie jig tipped with
year”. While some of the crappie pros a Mr. Crappie Lightning Shad. “During
responded, “No bass fishing for me.” the winter the crappie school up so
One of the main reasons that the crappie this method works well with me.” He
pros responded as they did had to do with will switch to a Mr. Crappie Joker or
the way a boat is rigged. Crappie pros Shadpole during spring when the fish
have crappie fishing specific equipment move shallow and single pole vertical
rigged on their boats whereas bass pros jigging for the crappie. As Mark said, “I
do not. For example, rod holders and love to feel the tick!”
drift paddles. Mark also has some other very
Having spent time with professional good reasons to crappie fish. “It gives
bass fishermen who like to crappie fish, me practice using my Garmin side
there are some very common feelings. imaging and pan optics electronics and
First of all, they all like to eat crappie. it helps maintain the feel of a fish biting.
Secondly, they are able to fish for This practice helps me for the upcoming
crappie during their off time from their tournament season.” Because Mark
professional bass duties to not only fills crappie fishes a lot of Mississippi River
the freezer but to continue to hone their oxbow lakes, he is getting a War Eagle
bass fishing skills by catching crappie. 1860 boat to better navigate the docks
One interesting common fact of bass and cypress trees. A couple of other
pros fishing for crappie, they all like to tips he left with me: 1) use a good filet
single pole when fishing. Let’s talk with knife such as a Buck and 2) add some
some professional bass fishermen about Country Bob’s dry seasoning to your
crappie fishing.
Mark Rose, a FLW Tour competitor, Mark Rose grew up crappie fishing with
qualifier for the Forrest Wood Cup his father and grandfather. He enjoys
numerous times, BASS Open competitor the quiet fun of chasing slabs during his
and winner of over $2 million loves to offseason from bass tournaments.
spend his off days during the winter
12 Crappie NOW November 2017
