Freshwater Fishing

Crappie re-baits

When asked which tactics and baits he preferred to land big Grenada crappie during the winter drawdown months, Lakeway Archery & Outfitters owner Jason Golden didn’t mince words. In fact, he has just one favorite tactic and one favorite bait. […]

Featured Story

Putting Rez patterns to work on Calling Panther crappie

Despite the torrid temperatures delivered by a rare June heat wave, fishermen were quick to hit the water last week after having to deal with the nearly week-long and statewide frustration of winds and pressure changes related to tropical storm Debby that slowly churned in the Gulf of Mexico.

The arrival of the heat told me it was time to fish for crappie, and to see if all the talk about a blossoming crappie population at Calling Panther Lake near Crystal Spring were true.

Huh, crappie in 100-degree heat? On unknown waters? […]

As Big As they Grow

The Rez cranking out crappie

Summer crappie fishing can be challenging. It’s hot, the bugs are out, the fish seem content not biting your best lure, there are lots of “weekender” boaters and jet skis everywhere, and did I mention it’s hot? On the other hand, smart crappie fishermen use what summer gives us to our advantage. […]

Crappie/Bream

Crappie Hotspot Series – Pickwick Lake

In the early 1970s, a young bass angler by the name of Bill Dance, hosting his own TV show on national television, brought Pickwick Lake to the forefront of American anglers’ attention. Each week, his television audience tuned in to watch Dance battle huge smallmouth bass from the high-bluffed reservoir. Quickly […]

As Big As they Grow

Crappie bite started early

A warmer-than-normal late winter/early spring this year sped everything up, didn’t it? I mean the azaleas and the roses bloomed really early. The dogwoods were almost a month early displaying their beautiful color. […]

Crappie/Bream

Crappie under cover

Veteran guide John Harrison looks forward to fishing Grenada during the spring spawn more than any other time of the year. The spawn is a time when he can catch fish on their own turf, going hand-to-hand with the monster crappie that are home to the lake. […]

As Big As they Grow

Ross Barnett crappie

As I write this column, I’m listening to Elvis’ Christmas album. My favorite Elvis classic (and I sing along) is “Blue Christmas.” My “Blue Christmas” rendition varies in entertainment value based on the audience (my family has long endured my caroling, and they actually request “Blue Christmas”) and the amount of scotch missing from the Oban bottle. […]

As Big As they Grow

Chotard better than ever

The fall 2011 fishing season has provided some surprises and some wonderful crappie fishing for lots of us Mississippians. First of all, the weather changes have been more abrupt, with cold weather fronts coming more often and with greater intensity than recent years. […]