OPENING CAST OCT 2025
Early Fall Crappie Fishing
Just got back from a late summer fishing tournament near Shreveport, LA and a week later, to East Fork in Ohio. Got to fish both Cross Lake and a section of the Red River in Shreveport. The shad and crappie are starting to migrate with the shad to the back of creeks with the food.
Fishing and Hunting Heritage Preserved Through the Alabama Wildlife Federation
by Anietra Hamper
The heritage of Elmore County in central Alabama is deeply rooted in fishing and hunting, traditions that remain as vital today as they were centuries ago. At the heart of protecting that heritage is the Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF), a non-profit organization dedicated to ensuring these values are passed down for generations to come.
Join Expert Anglers on a Crap(pie) Shoot
by Keith Sutton
It was more years ago than I care to mention, but I was fishing on Alabama’s Weiss Lake, the self-proclaimed Crappie Capital of the World, the first time I saw the tactic used. My host, veteran crappie guide and pro angler Lee Pitts of Cedar Bluff, Alabama, called it dock shooting. I’ve heard other crappie anglers use different terms, including sling-shotting, skipping and arrow casting.
October Magic: Cool Air, Fall Colors and Crappie
by Tim Huffman
October is an awesome month for fishing, hunting, camping and football. Air temperatures are cooling off and lakes are less crowded due to the variety of outdoor activities in the fall.
Oh, did I mention that crappie are hitting almost any bait you put into the water?
Outdoor Writers Gather at Southeast Crappie Mecca
by Rob Somerville
Whenever I visit Reelfoot Lake I am in awe of the landscape, a perfect blend of nature that the Master Artist has blessed us with.
As your boat eases out through the calm, sunrise-lit water a blue heron screeches and takes off from a nest, high in a cypress tree – it is almost as if you have gone back in time.
Ron Wong’s Legacy Lives On
by Madalyn Roberts
Earlier this year we lost a legend in the fishing world – Ron Wong. Few have captured the essence of crappie fishing like Ron. His words and photographs have guided anglers not just in technique, but in connecting with nature, the peacefulness of quiet mornings on the lake, and the camaraderie found in every cast.
Lure of the Month: 6th Sense Fishing Clobber Minnow
by Terry Madewell
One key to catching crappie, or any game fish, with artificial lures is fishing a lure with a realistic profile of that species’ favored forage. For crappie, that is usually minnows, and shad are one of the more universal minnow forage species.
Crappie Basics: Kentucky Afield Reveals an October Crappie Sweet Spot
by Richard Simms, CrappieNOW Editor
How many times do you watch online fishing videos where the anglers are catching fish like crazy. They share their lures, their techniques and maybe even the exact time of year.
But they leave out what is often the most important ingredient – where are they?
Crappie Basics: Drop Shottin’ Fall Crappie
by Tim Huffman
October is a transition month for crappie. That means some fish are still hanging on deep structure while others might be moving shallow in search of bait.
Gerald Overstreet, tournament fisherman and Alabama fishing guide, says no matter where they are, the key is still about getting a bait to the fish.
Magical October Days
By Larry Whiteley
During the recent long, hot summer, most of my crappie fishing was at night under lights so I could escape the heat of the day. I had some successful hot and sweaty trips. The crappie were delicious as always. I am tired of the heat and humidity, though. I am ready for October.
Crappie fishing in October can be excellent! As water temperatures cool down in the fall, crappie become more active and start feeding heavily to prepare for winter. Here’s what you need to know to catch them successfully in October…
