OPENING CAST SEPTEMBER 2023
I am well-into my fourth year as the Editor of CrappieNOW Magazine. When he interviewed me for the job, I told Publisher Dan Dannemueller from the get-go that, “I am NOT the best crappie fisherman around. I would rank myself as average, at best. But I know people.”
Those “people” include lots of epic crappie anglers and especially, a long list of journalists who in turn know LOTS MORE “people.” That’s the beauty of CrappieNOW. It is a collection of the best-of-the-best, written and photographed by the best.
Shore Lunches
A meal of crappie or other panfish fried with potatoes and onions on the side makes a treat your fishing companions will love. (Photo: Keith Sutton) Shore Lunches Make Fishing Trips Unforgettable by Keith Sutton Fresh fish never tastes better than when it’s cooked on the shore of the lake or river where […]
Destination: Grenada Lake
Grenada Lake offers many technique options for catching crappie. Terry Stewart swings a fish into the boat while using one pole and his Garmin LiveScope. (Photo: Tim Huffman) Destination: Grenada Lake for Great Fishing & Family Fun by Tim Huffman Grenada is every crappie fisherman’s dream. There is no scientific data to prove […]
Best Crappie Line
Dan Dannenmueller prefers the stretch of a monofilament or copolymer line. He says bait movements are better and the line is easy to manage. (Photo: Tim Huffman) What’s My (Best) Line? by Tim Huffman Look in the fishing line section at a sporting goods store. You’ll see different see huge racks filled with […]
Lure of the Month
Lure of the Month: Fin Spin by Terry Madewell The Fin Spin series of lures provides crappie fishermen with a highly adaptable, and effective, crappie-catching tool. (Photo courtesy Jeff Smith) Fishermen need an edge when seeking a crappie’s attention and the eye-catching magnetism of a small spinner in late-summer and fall can provide that advantage. A great [...]
Crappie Basics: National Crappie League
Lake of the Ozarks is known for providing excellent numbers of crappie with a variety of crappie fishing patterns that will likely be in play. (Photo courtesy Lake of the Ozarks CVB) Crappie Basics: NCL Encouraging New Tournament Anglers by Richard Simms, CrappieNOW Editor Part of the mission of the fledgling National Crappie League […]
Crappie Basics
It can take practice to learn how to slingshot a crappie jig beneath a dock that is just a few inches off the water. But perfect the technique and it can be a sure-fire way to connect with crappie in September. (Photo: Richard Simms) Crappie Basics: Shooting September Docks Richard Simms, CrappieNOW Editor [...]
Crappieholics
Jim Bates bought over $1,000 worth of lures when he got into crappie fishing. Now he just has to decide which one to use on his next crappie trip. (Photo: Keith Lusher) Inside the Mind of a Crappieholic by Keith Lusher As fisherman, we all have our own little idiosyncrasies. Even the […]
Electronics by Wiegmann
A tool bar running across the top of the screen allows anglers to quickly interface with the trolling motor or other devices in the boat. (Photo by Brad Wiegmann) Do You Have Total Boat Control? By Brad Wiegmann The buzz word in marine electronics is integration. Your IT experts in the office […]
The Great Outdoors
AUTUMN IS FOR LOVERS OF THE OUTDOORS Summer is nearing its end. I will be glad to see it go. My calendar says that autumn arrives on September 23rd. The bright, brisk days of autumn stir us to get outdoors. The other three seasons are good, and we enjoy them, but autumn is special. It […]
Product Buzz
Product Buzz by Tim Huffman Downsizing is the word that live imaging sonar has brought to the forefront. We’ve always known to use smaller baits when a strong cold front has given crappie a case of the lockjaw, but live imaging has also taught us there are other situations when crappie just want a [...]
The Reel Deal
Lindsey loves to fish for crappie in the month of September – especially alongside her father, Kody. She highly recommends everyone try September crappie fishing. The Reel Deal: Hooked on September Crappie by Lindsey Lucas September has always been one of my favorite months for crappie fishing. The days are still warm, […]
CN Crappie Dan Road Runner Head
Crappie Dan talks about using Road Runner lures and how to set them up with soft plastics.
CN Bobby Garland Mayfly Brad Chappell
Brad Chappell talks about how he uses Bobby Garland Mayfly baits.
The Great Outdoors
The Wonderful Days Of October The bright, brisk days of October bring new energy and vigor for doing yard work, finishing painting tasks from summer, or moving lawn furniture inside. Crappie fishermen, like I am, are drawn to fishing waters. Most any crappie lake will do. An overnight at a nearby campground makes an October […]