OPENING CAST JAN 2026
It is with mixed emotions that I share the news that this will be my final Opening Cast and final issue editing CrappieNOW.com.
I have thoroughly enjoyed nearly seven years at the editing helm of this online dynasty among the crappie-fishing network. I have reached the age where I have decided I want to divest myself of responsibilities so I can spend more time with family and friends – and have more free time for myself.
I hope the words I have written or edited have increased your knowledge and enjoyment in the wonderful world of crappie fishing. I have, of course, only been a small part of the conduit fed mostly by many incredible outdoor journalists. They are too numerous to name here.
Top 10 Crappie Fishing Tips for 2026, by Tim Huffman
One of the author’s favorite tournament photos was taken years ago during a cold, winter tournament on Tennessee’s Reelfoot Lake. National champs Ronnie Capps and Steve Coleman slow troll their home waters, demonstrating that using a stealth technique and being quiet pays dividends in more bites. Top 10 Crappie Fishing Tips for 2026 Story […]
Chasing Winter Slabs: A Southeastern Crappie Road Trip, by Keith Sutton
January or February are typically the coldest months in the South, but anglers willing to dress warmly and bear the low temperatures can find plenty of slab crappie biting in the region’s top lakes. Chasing Winter Slabs: A Southeastern Crappie Road Trip Story and photos by Keith Sutton When most of the country is [...]
Paddlin’ with Madalyn – An Introduction to Kayak Fishing Adventures, by Madalyn Roberts
Paddlin’ with Madalyn – An Introduction to Kayak Fishing Adventures Story and photos by Madalyn Roberts (Editor’s Note: We want to welcome Madalyn Roberts as a regular monthly columnist for CrappieNOW.com. Her subject – fishing from kayaks. If you spend any time on the water at all, you’ve seen it happen. In a 2024 “Special […]
Cracking the Crappie Code: Lure Size and Profile Matter, by Terry Madewell
Will Hinson said size and profile matter when trying to make a finicky crappie eat an artificial lure. Cracking the Crappie Code: Lure Size and Profile Matter Story and photos by Terry Madewell When tempting a finicky crappie to eat an artificial lure, anglers must meet the needs of the fish – not make the […]
Weiss Lake Winter, by Madalyn Roberts
Healthy crappie of both black and white species are prolific in Weiss Lake. For Lee Pitts, it’s just another day at the office. With decades of experience fishing Weiss, Lee prides himself on relying on his knowledge over forward facing sonar to put fish in the boat. Weiss Lake Winter Story and photos by […]
Product Buzz, by Scott Mackenthun
Altera Alpaca Socks Everyone has heard how cotton kills, since cotton stops insulating when it is wet. Most outdoor enthusiasts turn to wool as their choice for fabrics, particularly socks. Alpaca wool takes things to the next level. It’s warm, soft, breathable, and moisture-wicking. Altera Alpaca sells socks of all lengths and weights. Try some [...]
Lure of the Month: 6th Sense Fishing Micro Fiction Minnow, by Terry Madewell
Lure of the Month: 6th Sense Fishing Micro Fiction Minnow by Terry Madewell Mid-winter crappie anglers are often at the mercy of the weather and while often easy victims to a well-placed lure, some days they can still be finicky. Many crappie anglers know that when crappie get persnickety, the solution can be to “size […]
Crappie Basics: Double Jig Rigs Can Increase Your Winter Catch, by Richard Simms
Veteran angler and outdoor journalist Jason Sealock says he loves the winter crappie bite. He insists that fishing a double jig rig helps increase his crappie success rate in the cold weather months. (Photo courtesy Jason Sealock) Crappie Basics: Double Jig Rigs Can Increase Your Winter Catch by Richard Simms The spring months see […]
National Crappie League Tournaments Shut Down, by CrappieNOW.com Staff
Sad news for professional crappie anglers. The National Crappie League will be shutting down its tournament circuit. (NCL Image) National Crappie League Tournaments Shut Down by CrappieNOW.com Staff What is surely sad news for many professional crappie fishermen, the National Crappie League (NCL) has announced the pending end of its tournament circuit. In a Facebook […]
The Great Outdoors, by Larry Whiteley
Joyce is a single parent, and she has a problem. Divorced for 12 years, she recently moved to Missouri with her 17-year-old son, Sam, and he wanted to go fishing. Friends from his new school told him winter crappie fishing was good on area lakes. They also said that crappie caught in the winter tasted […]