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 (NCL) is to encourage newcomers to the world of competitive crappie fishing. The next opportunity happens on September 9 at Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks for a Division 1 tournament with a guaranteed minimum payback of $10,000 in prizes.
Division 1 tournaments are ONLY open to those who have not earned $5,000 or more in crappie national tournaments in the previous two years or have not placed in the top 5 of these major pro division tournaments: ACT, Crappie Masters, Crappie Elite or Crappie Expo. In other words, this tournament will not include the heavy hitters you read about in the NCL Open events.
Placing in the top 5 in an ACT Amateur or CUSA Pro, or Amateur event does not disqualify you from competing in an NCL Division 1 event (unless you have earned $5,000 in the previous two years). You may not enter if you are a fishing guide. Go here for complete rules.
A meeting will be held the evening before the tournament, September 8, 2023, at Great American Campground & Dive Bar, 32107 Hwy 135, Gravois Mills, MO. Registration is from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The meeting is at 6:00 pm. For questions, contact Bobby@NationalCrappieLeague.com.
Free Kids Rodeo
A free Kids Rodeo will be held on September 9 at Captain Ron’s on the Lake, 82 Aloha Lane, Sunrise Beach, MO. Registration is from 8:00 am to 9:00 am. Fishing is from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. This is for kids 12 and under, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bring your pole and bait. Enjoy the fun and prizes.
Launch Anywhere (on Lake of the Ozarks)
Tournament contestants may use any public boat ramp available to all anglers. All legal waters on Lake of the Ozarks may be fished. Off-limits is 4:00 pm on the day of the pre-tournament meeting. Fishing hours are 6:30 am to 2:00 pm.
Weigh-In Site
Weigh-in will be at Great American Campground & Dive Bar, 32107 Hwy 135, Gravois Mills, MO. Contestants must be in weigh-in line by 3:00 pm.
Other Upcoming Division 1 Events
- Oct 7, 2023 – Rough River Lake, Fall of Rough, KY
- Oct 14, 2023 – Lake D’Arbonne, Farmerville, LA
Capt. Richard Simms is the Editor of CrappieNOW magazine as well as owner of Scenic City Fishing Charters. Formerly he was a game warden for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency before becoming a photographer and PR guy for TWRA. That lead to a 30-year career as a broadcast journalist and freelance outdoor writer. Check out his book, “An Outdoor State of Mind.”
