Thread: 2016 Grenada Lake Crappie Masters - complete resuilts

The 2016 Bass Pro Shops Crappie Masters was held this past week on the world’s most famous crappie fishery, Grenada Lake, in Grenada, Mississippi. 187 qualified teams representing 21 different states enjoyed beautiful weather conditions although being challenged with north winds and cold fronts that dropped lake water temperatures by 12-15 degrees. These drops caused the bite to slow tremendously as the week progressed.


Day one produced some great weights at the top but left several teams struggling to weigh in their seven fish limit. Matt Morgan and Kent Watson led the way with an impressive 13.35 pounds, but the top 20 teams were within two pounds of the lead. As the weather stabilized and winds lightened, teams were able to produce higher weights on day two and shake up the top ten at the final weigh in.


Matt Morgan and Kent Watson held off a charging field to claim the most coveted title in crappie fishing, Crappie Masters National Champions, making them the first team to claim the prestigious title twice with a 2-day total weight of 26.23 pounds. The BnM Pro-Staff team members were spider-rigging in 4-10’ of water with double minnow rigs on 14’ BnM BGJP poles ,catching their fish at various depths both days. Morgan stated the key to victory was having patience with increased boat pressure throughout the tournament, especially on day 2. Morgan and Watson took home checks totaling $33,000.00 which included a $2,000 bonus donated by the Missouri Corn Growers Association and American Ethanol for using E10 fuel in their boat and a $1,000 bonus for using Johnson Shad Tubes and Shad Scales during the tournament. They also received Color-C-Lectors from Spike-It and a pair of Motor Mates for winning the Championship.


Paul and Elizabeth Turner topped off an amazing season by finishing in second place and winning the Male/Female National Championship with a weight of 25.78 pounds. The husband and wife team were also spider-rigging with a combination of double minnow rigs and blue/white/chartreuse jigs on 16’ Ozark Rods. Mrs. Turner stated that they were using Johnson Shad Scales on their minnows and jigs to help them catch some of their fish. The Turners, sponsored by Ozark Rods, received a check for $10,000.00, an additional check for $250.00 from Johnson Fishing for using Johnson Shad Scales, a Minn Kota I-Pilot trolling motor, $100.00 Bass Pro Shops gift card, and a Navionics chip.


Third place went to Sam and Jason Sandage with 25.52 pounds. Also using 16’ Ozark Rods, the Team Sandage was spider-rigging with double minnow rigs in 4.5 - 5.5’ of water, catching their fish high in the water column in calm water then down to 4’ deep when the wind would pick up. The father/son team received $5,000.00 for their efforts.


Monty Blount and Keith Sullivan finished in fourth place with 25.42 pounds. They received a check for $3,000.00 and a $250.00 bonus for using Johnson Shad Tubes and Shad Scales.


Fifth place went to the Bobby Garland sponsored team of Brad Chappell and Brandon Fulgham with a total weight of 25.35 pounds.


Chris and Camran Younger finished the Championship with a 2-day total of 17.34 pounds and won the Adult/Youth National Championship. The Younger’s received a $3,000.00 college scholarship, a Minn Kota I-Pilot trolling motor, and a $100.00 Everhart’s Sporting Goods gift card.


Big crappie of the Championship was weighed in on day two by Jeremy Aldridge and Clint Egbert at 2.76 pounds. This slab was worth $2,100.00 and 2 pairs of Zeko shoes.

Never mind.