Author Madalyn Roberts is understandably all smiles during her first-ever experience
at the Brushpile Fishing Academy. (Photo: Madalyn Roberts)
Brushpile Fever
by Madalyn Roberts
When we talk about “crappie school,” one would usually assume we are talking about a bunch of fish hanging out around their favorite brushpile.
But today we’re talking about a different crappie school for fishermen, arguably one of the best such schools you will ever find.
The folks at Brushpile Fishing have been veterans in the business of education within the crappie fishing industry for more than a decade. Through TV, their website and/or YouTube, tens of thousands (maybe hundreds of thousands) of anglers know of the Brushpile Fishing Show, hosted by Russ Bailey.
In its 11th season, each Brushpile episode, by NKT Productions, is filmed at a new destination lake and is jam-packed with tips and tricks from local experts. I know from my own personal experience the wealth of knowledge is woefully abundant.
But the masterminds behind Brushpile Fishing wanted to come up with a more interactive way to bring education to the fishing community at large. The result, the Brushpile Fishing Academy was born.
When I signed up for my first academy, I had no prior knowledge of Brushpile Fishing, and thus had no idea what to expect out of the weekend. I was just a gal who loved to fish and who came across a great opportunity to learn that I couldn’t pass up.
The Brushpile Fishing Staff went above and beyond in providing not only an exceptional learning environment, but even more critically cultivated a tight-knit fishing community with a fellowship extending well beyond the weekend. As the first female in attendance at an academy in a male-dominated sport, it was refreshing to be welcomed by everyone and made to feel like I was “just another one of the guys.”
My first academy in October 2024 was at Green River Lake in Columbia, Kentucky out of Holmes Bend Marina. The people and community at the Lodge of Holmes Bend Marina welcomed us all like good friends. I was surprised to discover one of the most impressive lake accommodations I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.
Add to that a little classroom learning, plus hands-on sessions on and off the water, and I was soon immersed in all things crappie, as some of the leading crappie fisherman in the nation shared their unique stories and techniques.
Following the seminars, the instructors took the classroom out on the water, where attendees got the opportunity to put what they had just learned to the test. The third and final day consisted of a full day of on-the-water learning.
I felt fortunate to be paired my first afternoon with Green River guide and Academy Host, David Jones. Jones took fellow attendee, Larry Ralph, and I under his wing with Chris Kleva of Stan’s Slip Bobbers.
Using a Capps and Coleman double minnow rig on a B’n’M 12’ Duck Commander Trolling Rod, Jones put me on the big fish of the day. The pride he showed at my accomplishment was a special moment for me, especially being the only female attendee in a classroom full of accomplished fishermen.
We celebrated our success together, but it wasn’t simply a big fish celebration. Besides sharing his boat and his knowledge, Jones shared his love for the outdoors, his passion for fishing and the desire to pass on his knowledge to future generations. With the great fishing memories we created that day, I felt as if I gained a new uncle, and that was quite possibly the best feeling of all.
That passion was evident across the board of the instructors both in the classroom and on the water. Other instructors included several crappie fishing greats including: Corey Thomas, Steve Coleman, and Kent Driscoll.
As a hardcore kayaker myself, I enjoyed learning great tips from Brushpile Pro Staffer Ben Grumbles, an experienced kayak angler. He shared tons of tips and suggestions for electronics that were kayak-specific. It’s not too often a fisherman has the opportunity to share experiences with crappie fishing legends, and honestly, it was all I could do to stay present and soak everything in.
Long after the Brushpile Academy, I caught up with Jones and Thomas as they traveled home from a fishing expo. As we reminisced on the academy, it was interesting for me to learn how much the academies mean to them – having the opportunity be part of a life changing experience for others – like me.
Collectively, the pair has more than 90 years of crappie fishing experience, a number hard for me to comprehend. Of course, both agreed the academies are very much an extension of their guiding services, where they are focused not only on putting clients on fish, but making sure they also share the knowledge of how they’re doing it.
Thomas said being a part of the Brushpile Academy experience was, “a source of inspiration for him, pushing him to do more and be better.”
It is always a great feeling to wrap up a fishing trip at a new lake, knowing that it won’t be your last. That’s exactly how my first trip to Green River Lake for the Brushpile Fishing Academy ended, making a return trip to the lake a no-brainer for me.
For fishermen out there who are looking to beef up their crappie knowledge and a chance to rub shoulders with some of the best in the industry, check out the Fall 2025 Brushpile Fishing Academies.
(Editor’s Note: Obviously excited about her first Brushpile Fishing Academy, Roberts signed up for Round Two, attending the March 2025 academy on Dale Hollow Lake. On Facebook she shared, “Fishing was TOUGH, but it’s hard for me to have a bad time when I’m surrounded by all my favorite fishermen. I got to catch up with all my fishing buddies that I met back in October and had the opportunity to grow my fishing family by a few members. All quality friendships that I hope will last a lifetime. That’s what it’s all about for me, y’all.” Crappie king Kent Driscoll added, “Madalyn Roberts is a stick when it comes to crappie fishing! She is like a sponge soaking up all the fishing tips and tricks and then going out on her own to make it work!”)
The newest contributor to CrappieNOW Magazine, Madalyn Roberts is originally from Kansas City, Missouri. However, she considers herself a southern transplant having now lived in Kentucky for 16 years. She serves her Louisville community by working for a non-profit organization facilitating free home repairs for elderly and disabled homeowners. In her spare time, she enjoys being in the outdoors in all capacities most especially fishing, hiking, & camping.
