OPENING CAST NOV 2025
It’s that time of year again—the season when the curse of being both a fisherman and a hunter hits me full force.
And a’hunting I have been! Including a trip of a lifetime – #1 on my Bucket List – to the target-rich wilds of Argentina. We spent part of our time dove hunting, watching flocks so immense they held more dove than many hunters see in a lifetime. Then came the Argentina duck hunts—where instead of a six-duck limit, hunters are each allowed 35 per day. With four of us in camp, we limited out every single day
Coosa River Adventures
by Richard Simms
WETUMPKA, Alabama – A visit to the heartland of Alabama doesn’t usually conjure up images of and whitewater thrills. But maybe that’s because you’ve never discovered the Coosa River winding through Elmore County.
Crappie anglers have long known its secret — a network of oxbows, backwaters, and river bends rich with fish. But if you or your family need a cool break from fishing…
Fishing, Fellowship, & Fun at Brushpile Fishing Academy
by Madalyn Roberts
For avid anglers eager to deepen their crappie fishing skills, theBrushpile Fishing Academyoffers a one-of-a-kind educational experience—where learning the ins and outs of crappie fishing is only the beginning. As Crappie King Kent Driscoll puts it, “It’s an environment where fishing meets fellowship, food, and fun.”
With five academies already completed, the Brushpile Family continues to grow.
November: A Great Time to Give Thanks for Crappie
by Tim Huffman
Thanksgiving is a special time for most people. Families gather to visit and share a huge feast. Each family has a different tradition, but many include time afield or on the water with generations of sportsmen and women. Here are some great November crappie fishing tips, and their own Thanksgiving family traditions, from expert crappie anglers.
Winter Crappie Hotspots: Lakes That Stay Active
by Keith Sutton
When winter sets in and temperatures drop, many anglers stash their gear away, waiting for spring’s warmer days to arrive. Yet seasoned crappie chasers know better. Across the South and lower Midwest, certain lakes continue to produce exceptional fishing even when frosty mornings grip the shoreline. For those who stay on the water while others sit indoors, the reward is often some of the best slab action of the year.
Product Buzz
by Scott Mackenthun
The night time is the right time for crappies! Get to your spot stealthily with a light that attaches to your finger. You can tie knots in the dark without scaring the fish. Use a bobber that lights up and shows the bite after dark; you won’t need to remember to pack lights or batteries or even turn a switch! Try a comfortable fishing hoodie that stretches with your every move, keeps you protected from the sun, and keeps you from smelling like a fish off the water.
Jordan Lake – The Tarheel State’s Crappie Mecca
by Terry Madewell
Tucked away in the middle of North Carolina is one of the top crappie fisheries in the state. Jordan Lake supports an outstanding crappie fishery that rivals crappie action anywhere. I’d read good things about this lake, heard eye-popping stories from friends, but I’d never fished it until last winter. I wish I had fished it sooner.
Lure of the Month: Slab Stacker
by Terry Madewell
A crappie fisherman can’t be in two places at one time, although I’ve experienced many times when I wish I could pull that feat off when trying to pattern finicky crappie.
Sometimes it’s a subtle difference in terms of depth, lure presentation, or the color or profile of the lure that makes a dramatic difference in success.
Crappie Basics: Fish Art Contest Hooks A New Class Of Students
by Richard Simms, CrappieNOW Editor
The 2025-26 Art of Conservation® Fish Art Contest is officially open for entries. This annual program invites youth from around the world to dive into science, art, and storytelling—while reeling in knowledge about fish and aquatic habitats. Since 1997, more than 86,000 young artists from 46 countries have taken part, helping to fuel the next generation of outdoor stewards.
Thank God for Our Veterans
by Larry Whiteley
Many veterans attend our church. We always take time to honor them for their service on Veterans’ Day and any other opportunity we might have throughout the year. We have a wall dedicated to our veterans.
There is one very special 100-year-old World War II veteran named Marvin. If asked, he shares stories about what he went through. It may be hard to believe for some, but it is true.
