OPENING CAST MARCH 2024
How many fishermen are using forward-facing sonar nowadays?
And the survey says…
As the Editor of www.CrappieNOW.com Magazine I have recently been plagued by that question – “How many anglers on the water these days have purchased and are using forward-facing sonar (FFS)?”
The question is important to me because many of our writers often include at least some discussion about the use of FFS (such as Garmin LiveScope or similar Humminbird or Lowrance models) in their CrappieNOW articles. I was gravely concerned that perhaps the subject is not relevant to many, maybe most, of our readers – and in fact, we might be discouraging those people from following CrappieNOW Magazine. I desperately wanted to know what the current market-penetration of FFS might be.
10 Best Crappie Lakes for 2024, by Tim Huffman
Tim Huffman, former Editor of CrappieNOW Magazine, has been consulting experts nationwide for years, arriving at our annual “Top 10” best crappie fishing lakes in the country. 10 Best Crappie Lakes for 2024 by Tim Huffman Top 10 lists, no matter what the subject, are always subjective. As they say, “Beauty is in the […]
How Fast Do Crappie Grow? by Steve McCadams
Some northern lakes or farm ponds a 3-year-old crappie may be only 9-inches long. But this white crappie author Steve McCadams caught in Tennessee’s Kentucky Lake is likely 4 or 5 years old. How Fast Do Crappie Grow? by Steve McCadams Answers to many questions on fish management can often be found around […]
Kansas State Record White Crappie Revoked, by Richard Simms
This fish was originally declared a new state record by the Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP). However, the record has been revoked. Officials said upon further investigation, including confiscation of the fish and an x-ray, biologists say ball bearings had been stuff into the fish’s stomach. (Image courtesy Kansas Department of Wildlife & […]
Crappie Basics: Huffman Releases New Crappie Fishing Book, by Richard Simms, CrappieNOW Editor
Tim Huffman’s has released his latest book to help anglers catch more crappie. This newest book includes techniques specifically for folks who use forward-facing sonar along with great information for those who don’t. Crappie Basics: Huffman Releases New Crappie Fishing Book by Richard Simms, CrappieNOW Editor Tim Huffman, CrappieNOW Co-founder and Senior Writer, is […]
Tune into Creek Crappie, by Richard Hines
Bank fishing is one of the top methods for tuning in on creek crappie. Be patient because at the right time of year, creek crappie are on the move as they swim upstream to spawning areas. (Photo: Richard Hines) Tune into Creek Crappie by Richard Hines Are anglers overlooking a crappie sweet spot? With […]
Go to Sleep and Save Power, by Brad Wiegmann
Garmin’s home screen allow an angler to put the unit in sleep mode to conserve power. (Photo: Brad Wiegmann) Go to Sleep and Save Power by Brad Wiegmann One of the most underutilized modes anglers use on their electronics is the “Sleep/Standby Mode.” In today’s world of multiple power-draining units on the front deck […]
Huffman Officially Inducted into Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame
Tim Huffman (right) was proud to be inducted into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame by fishing legend and fellow Hall-of-Famer, Jimmy Houston. Tim Huffman, CrappieNOW co-founder and senior writer, was inducted into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame on February 3, 2024, at the Grizzly Jig Company Show and Sale event […]
Lure of the Month: Z-Man Micro Finesse LarvaZ, by Terry Madewell
Lure of the Month: Z-Man Micro Finesse LarvaZ by Terry Madewell Crappies eat all sorts of critters but most angler know their #1 preference is tiny baitfish. That is why it is easy to get on the “Minnow-imitation Bandwagon” of lures. But minnows are not the only living creatures crappies like to eat. Throughout their […]
Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks, by Keith Lusher
Austin Dabdoub tosses a slab into the ice chest as Jim Bates (a.k.a. Paw Paw) reels in another one. (Photo: Keith Lusher) Teaching Old Dogs New Tricks by Keith Lusher I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” It insinuates that as humans, we tend to get […]
The Great Outdoors, by Larry Whiteley
LISTEN TO THE SOUNDS OF NATURE Nature sounds surround us while we are out on the water. If we pause long enough from reeling in fish and listen, some of those sounds will stir us and touch our souls. The sound of a majestic eagle as it flies over the lake, searching for fish like […]
Product Buzz, by Tim Huffman
Live Roamer’R, by Bobby Garland The Live Roam’R was designed to target roaming crappie while using forward-facing sonar, although it will work with other techniques, too. Its 1.75-inch size is a perfect size for scoping. A realistic minnow imitation look makes it good for muddy, stained and clear waters. A good action is important, […]
Side-Imaging Sometimes Tells Lies, by Larry Marek
Larry Marek used to be frustrated trying to find crappie cover using distances displayed by his side-imaging (SI) sonar – that is until he figured out exactly why his SI unit seemed to be lying. (Contributed Photo) Side-Imaging Sometimes Tells Lies by Larry Marek I love to fish brush piles. Tossing a jig out […]
CN March 2024 How To On Fishing Forward Facing Sonar
Crappie Dan talks about how he fishes with forward facing sonar and what rod holders he uses.
CN March 2024 FFS How to Mount Transducers
Crappie Dan talks about how he mounts his transducers with forward facing sonar and where he mounts them.