OPENING CAST SEPT 2025
I’ve never been shy about making a fool of myself, especially if it means someone else might avoid the same mistake. So, here goes.
First a little background: I got my first boat when I was 16—a beastly little 10-foot jon boat powered by a ferocious 5.5 HP Evinrude. My buddies called it The Great Green Submarine. (How it earned that name is a tale for another day—or you can find it in my book.) That was 54 years ago, and in all the decades since, there’s hardly been a time I didn’t own and operate some kind of boat.
Beyond Bass: Discover Guntersville’s Underrated Crappie Fishing
by Greg McCain
Many fishermen think of Lake Guntersville as synonymous with that other fish.
The sprawling 69,000-acre lake, part of the Tennessee River chain in northeast Alabama and centered around the cities of Guntersville and Scottsboro, certainly deserves its reputation as a bucket-list black bass destination. The overall fishery, however, is much more than just a bass factory.
Cracking the September Crappie Code
by Keith Sutton
September can be a puzzle for crappie anglers to piece together. It is a month marked with shifting water temperatures, fish movement and changing feeding behavior. To some, it’s a frustrating time to fish. To others, it’s prime time—a month of big numbers, heavy stringers, and the chance at true trophies. The difference lies in knowing how to read the changes and play the game.
When Fishing Gets You Hooked, Literally!
by Richard Hines
If you’ve fished for any length of time, chances are you know someone who’s been hooked—maybe even you or your fishing partner. Plenty of trips have been cut short or ruined when someone accidentally buries a hook in their skin instead of a fish. No matter what species you’re chasing, accidental hook-ups are always a possibility. Some may be minor—easily handled with a quick tug and a few choice words.
Cornfield Fishing Gear: Built for the Water, Backed by Experience
by Richard Hines
My first introduction to Cornfield Fishing Gear came during a trip to Reelfoot Lake. I was fishing with legendary guide Billy Blakley (Blue Bank Resort), and as we talked shop about his setup, I asked how he kept his electronics secure—especially in rough water. Without missing a beat, Billy said, “Everything in this boat is made by Cornfield Fishing Gear, and as near as I can tell, their products seem indestructible.”
A Field of Dreams Reimagined
by Madalyn Roberts
In the eyes of a fisherman, Elmore County, Alabama is one of the South’s best-kept secrets. Near the confluence of several rivers—including the Alabama, Coosa, and Tallapoosa—the waters teem with fish, and the shores are equally alive with wildlife.
The magic of Jackson Lake Island adds a unique charm. This privately owned island, complete with its own herd of goats to greet visitors, is the perfect launch point for a crappie fishing adventure.
Mastering River Crappie: Tips from the Pros
by Tim Huffman
River fishing is its own beast—alive, restless, and ever-changing. A river can be calm and predictable one day, then fickle and moody the next. Few know that better than river veteran and crappie pro, Dan Dannenmueller, who has spent years learning how to read a river’s moods and coax fish from its shifting waters.
Product Buzz
by Scott Mackenthun
Crappie gear that WORKS when it counts. From the marabou jig that triggers bites from the most pressured fish, to modular straps that save the day when your gear fails, this isn’t just a gear list—it’s a toolbox for serious crappie anglers.
Snag Less, Catch More: Lure of the Month is the Brushoff Jig
by Terry Madewell
I heard it first as a youngster from my crappie fishing mentor: “If you aren’t hanging up occasionally, you’re not fishing in the right places for crappie.”
While his sage advice rang true based on our experiences, I didn’t like snagging my lures then, and I still don’t.
Fishing Participation Hits Record High—But Can it Last?
by Richard Simms, CrappieNOW Editor
The post-pandemic surge of participation in fishing continues to bring a record number of people to the water to try their luck fishing. That is according to the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) 2025 Special Report on Fishing.
Crappie Basics: How Tennessee is Boosting Crappie Numbers
by Richard Simms, CrappieNOW Editor
The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) produces a regular online talk show, sharing some of the inside scoop on what biologists are doing to enhance the Volunteer State’s wildlife and fisheries. It’s called Tennessee Wildcast, routinely posted on TWRA’s YouTube Channel.
Making Up for Lost Time
by Larry Whiteley
A friend of mine and his 12-year-old son went crappie fishing the other day. They were up before daylight and headed out to Dad’s favorite place to go crappie fishing. It was the first time he had taken his son fishing. Dad was always too busy, or he took his friends instead of his son.
CN How To – Baits To Use In Sept
Crappie Dan talks about fall crappie fishing techniques and what lures he uses for this time of year.
