Thread: Article: Are crappie anglers blinded by science? by Brad Wiegmann

I'm not knocking the product as I am a believer if something gives the fishermen more confidence, then by all means use it. A confident angler will be more focused, more attentitive to his poles, more in touch with what is happening to the lure and the fish. A seasoned angler will know the body of water he's fishing, he'll know the seasonal patterns of the fish, and he'll know what technique is working best under the circumstances on any given day. Being a guide in the state of Kentucky gives you an edge in tournaments fished in that state. You're on the water when most folks are at work. In my opinion, you knowing lake Cumberland, the fish, the prime loacations, the favored technique is what gave you the edge in the classic more so than a sponsors new product. But, if that product got you one more big bite, it's now worth it as you are the champion!

Thanks Crappie.co belong to several fishing clubs. it is great that Pro crappie fishermen are looking out for the weekend/everyday fishermen not just the tour fishermen.Thanks Brad,slab and the other sponsors that's what makes crappie.com special.Great read really enjoyed and learned from the post.

CRIA56- I appreciate that, just ordered the 2" gulp in chartreuse.

Good info

Informative.

Originally Posted by Inkdabber

I'm not knocking the product as I am a believer if something gives the fishermen more confidence, then by all means use it. A confident angler will be more focused, more attentitive to his poles, more in touch with what is happening to the lure and the fish. A seasoned angler will know the body of water he's fishing, he'll know the seasonal patterns of the fish, and he'll know what technique is working best under the circumstances on any given day. Being a guide in the state of Kentucky gives you an edge in tournaments fished in that state. You're on the water when most folks are at work. In my opinion, you knowing lake Cumberland, the fish, the prime loacations, the favored technique is what gave you the edge in the classic more so than a sponsors new product. But, if that product got you one more big bite, it's now worth it as you are the champion!

I have never been a guide in Kentucky. I do guide on Kentucky Lake in Tennessee. And actually, I have never been to nor seen Cumberland Lake until two days before the tournament. But I can honesty say that the Crappie Buster Shad Scales is what made the difference in catching fish. On day two of the tournament, I had five fish in the boat and my partner had not had a bite. I was using the shad scales but he forgot to put any on his bait. He put some on his bait and started catching fish on the first cast.
With all that being said, I will admit that we got lucky and found the fish. But it was the shad scales that made them bite and hold on. True story.

Originally Posted by 1weezer

I have never been a guide in Kentucky. I do guide on Kentucky Lake in Tennessee. And actually, I have never been to nor seen Cumberland Lake until two days before the tournament. But I can honesty say that the Crappie Buster Shad Scales is what made the difference in catching fish. On day two of the tournament, I had five fish in the boat and my partner had not had a bite. I was using the shad scales but he forgot to put any on his bait. He put some on his bait and started catching fish on the first cast.
With all that being said, I will admit that we got lucky and found the fish. But it was the shad scales that made them bite and hold on. True story.

I knew you guided as I have met you many times over the years when you helped host Crappie USA events in South Carolina. I had thought it was in Kentucky, but as you cleared up, it was on Kentucky lake, my mistake. As my statement suggest, I'm not knocking the product. Anything that can give a fishermen more confidence, will make them fish harder. As we all know, in tournaments, especially the classics, the field is full of top notch crappie anglers. If that product gave you an edge, and helped pushed you over the top to claim the prize, by all means promote it. Congrats on the big win!

shad scales/crappie nibbles do seem to do better in clear water . Like you say the glitter would be seen better in clear water . Makes sense .