Page 15 - Crappie NOW - June 2017
P. 15
The Future of Crappie Tournaments
“I think we are growing in leaps and bounds
but not in the tournament fishermen Alex Rude and Josh Gowan win a Ranger
numbers. I think Kentucky Lake has Boat worth $25,000 with the American
exploded with fishermen but tournament Crappie Trail. Good paybacks are good
fishing is not at the same growth. We need incentives for fishermen who compete.
younger fishermen in the sport and that’s
getting better.”
Louie Mansfield, Grizzly Jig owner, brought. I miss simple crappie fishing.
says, “I love tournaments but until the Those days are gone. But we are more
money is there they won’t be much bigger. knowledgeable and advanced so fishing is
Paying on the number of boats doesn’t work much easier with tournament fishing playing
unless you have over 100 boats at each a huge role in product development.
tournament. I also think electronics may Tournament numbers are steady and
hurt tournaments. The fishermen who have growing slightly so if our economy stays
the money and time to learn electronics has level tournaments should continue to have
such an advantage it makes it difficult for a slow growth. Competitors will continue
a weekend fisherman to compete. We see to become more educated and skilled. The
it all the time with the younger fishermen future of crappie tournament fishing? Only
who live and die with electronics having time will tell but for now it’s a great period
consistent success.” for fishermen to have the opportunity to
compete and have a shot to win some
Conclusion money and prizes.
I miss tagged tournaments and
Tangle-Free Tom from the Crappiethon
USA era. I miss huge tournaments with the - Tim Huffman
fun and excitement that weekend fishermen
15 Crappie NOW June 2017
