One of the best decisions James Morgan made when he retired and dedicated himself to crappie fishing was to enter tournaments.
“Fishing in crappie tournaments like Crappie Masters has taught me a lot about how to catch crappie at home,” Morgan said. “I’ve learned a lot of new techniques and approaches to fishing that work in Mississippi or Tennessee or other states that also translate to our waters here.”
It’s also a great way to keep up with the latest in fishing equipment and baits.
One of the most-unique things he learned by fishing on the tournament circuit is how many people have success trolling crankbaits for crappie and how they use that technique all the way though the summer.
And the tactic includes pulling crankbaits like Bandits and Rebel lures usually reserved for bass.
James usually fishes pro tournaments with his son Chuck, who lives of Natchitoches. The two have been fairly successful, qualifying for the national championship last year.
This year they are off to a fast start to do that again.
But even if you don’t fish tournaments you can take the same approach in regular crappie fishing. Just watch what others are doing and don’t be shy in asking why or how they are doing it.
As Morgan said, crappie fishermen are a lot more social than most anglers.
And the more you learn, the more you catch.
