Tag teaming crappie by Brad Wiegmann

[Slab]

When I was younger, I would love to watch WWE. It had everything from heroes to villains; including Andre the Giant to Hulk Hogan, but tag team matches were the best. The winning wrestling team also had something special that allowed them to win and much like today’s professional crappie tournament circuits fishing teams.


Before we dive into the subject of pro crappie teams lets apply the team theory to any two anglers out fishing. You see it doesn’t matter if you are trying to catch the biggest or the most. It’s more fun to catch fish then just go fishing.


Being successful starts before you get out on the water fishing. Fishing tackle has to be prepared and rigged. Usually, the person’s whom boat is being used is responsible for that task although some anglers will meet up before and do the rigging. Heading out to the water the boat may need to be gassed up and possibly a stop at the local fishing tackle retailer to buy lures or minnows. From there it’s time to launch the boat and go fishing. During the day the anglers may take turns catching a crappie, but rarely does one angler do all the fishing and other angler maintain tackle or other task.


While the majority of anglers would be classified as “fun to catch and eat” crappie anglers there is a select number of crappie anglers that love the competition of tournament angling. A challenge to see who can catch the biggest crappie and largest overall weight. Back in the day spider rigging ruled the tournament circuit, long lining or single poling to structure or cover with out the assistance of forward facing sonar; however, things have changed to where the majority of crappie tournaments revolve around forward facing sonar.


Today it’s not unusual for a team to consist of one angler that does most of the fishing while the team partner takes care of everything else like tackle maintenance, netting the fish, culling, giving advice on fishing techniques, location of crappie, and whatever else it takes to keep the other angler with a lure in the water fishing. For some it also means taking care of the minnows or baiting the angler’s hook. It’s an interesting dynamic as one must set aside their pride to work as a team to be the most efficient.



Recently, I had the opportunity to be in the boat with the successful pro crappie team of Jo Jo Walker and Clay Wilson during the National Crappie League Championship. Not only did they finish 4^th in the NCL Championship, but were awarded top angling team of the year for 2023. I will say the day I was in the boat with them was gnarly with 30 plus wind gust and chilly temperature, but that didn’t stop them from fishing.


Here's some insight into the how Jo Jo Walker and Clay Wison work together as a team to be so successful fishing crappie tournaments. First, it’s important to note that the relationship started when Clay booked a guided fishing trip with Jo Jo on Grenada Lake where he guides. The two hit it off and spurred the journey to become a crappie fishing team. Obviously, the chemistry works as Jo Jo does most of the actual fishing while Clay has multiple tasks to do to keep Jo Jo fishing.


It's important to note that Jo Jo has countless hours on the water crappie fishing and is an accomplished angler. His role in this team is to locate and catch the crappie, however, Jo Jo is wise enough to ask for input from his team partner. Both respect each other and skills.


Now, I’m not biased but I believe Clay’s role in the team makes or breaks the success of the team. The reason why is time. If an angler is fishing by themselves, they have to do all of the tasks that Clay is doing while Jo Jo is fishing. There is no break or stoppage during the tournament day. More time fishing equals more opportunity to catch the biggest crappie or limit of crappie.


Clay has his own tag! It’s simple “Minner Pimp”. Simple, but true Clay’s task is to have the best minnows and keep them alive. He even puts them on the hook for Jo Jo to speed up the process of hooking the minnow. Other tasks include rigging rods, culling crappie, landing crappie and in general keeping Jo Jo fishing.


Being a successful pro crappie team or just fishing with your buddy. One is not successful without the other is true and by working together make’s fishing fun.

[Hitek]

And here is the reason I no longer fish crappie tournaments and probably never will again. But I can still fish for fun just fine. Glad that teams can make it work, but just not what I am into.

[SuperDave336]

I’m not a tournament fan either but I do love a relaxing fishing trip with my friends. Good article, thanks for sharing.

[gabowman]

Ive never been interested in tournaments. I like to be fishing at/or near daylight and I want to quit fishing whenever I want to quit. I like those little get togethers with my buddies which could include a little greet and eat, but I also like fishing alone just enjoying the morning.

For all the tourney guys out there I say go get 'em.........it just aint my thing.

[UnLikeU]

And here is the reason I no longer fish crappie tournaments and probably never will again. But I can still fish for fun just fine. Glad that teams can make it work, but just not what I am into.

@Hitek.. It's why I took it upon myself to enter my 1st & only Crappie Tournament last year & it was 39 Boats with 32 of them having 2 people on 1 boat. I came in 8th after showing up 1 hour late. How do you let a Non Crappie Tournament Guy show up 1 hour late & out do a field of 30 other 2Man Crappie Team boaters? Takes little skill having 2 people over 150lbs - 200lbs teaming up on a 1lb - 3lb fish when you can see it with technology today. Crappie Tournament Sponsors guys have ruined the sport for me to dismiss all bragging rights when you do win like you did something with 2 people. It's a 1lb-3lb fish. I just fish for relaxation, to eat them, & fun now. These are my true sentiments. DOESN'T TAKE 2 MEN IN A BOAT TO CATCH 7 DARN CRAPPIE & THIS IS PRIMARILY WHY I GO IN SO HARD AT FISHERMEN WHO ENTER CRAPPIE TOURNAMENTS & CAN'T CATCH 7 DARN CRAPPIE WITH 2 GROWN MEN ON THE BOAT & THEY PRE-FISHED THE LAKE BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT. This is a Sensitive Subject to me but 1 that needs to be open for discussion. 2 people needed to catch a darn Crappie? This eliminates the skill needed to land the fish (Time used), eliminates the skill to Cull your fish (Time used), eliminates the skill to ready your own rods when you have to break off (Time used). Sorry they don't make Men like they use to. Ketchn could out fish most of them Boat & Truck Wrapped with Logo son of guns from the Bank. It saddened me to be exposed to Grown men who Call other Grown men to tell them where to come fish in a tournament. Grown men who milk other Grown men for info about a Lake instead of getting out on the water to put Time on the Water to learn where the fish are. Grown men who have to be spoon fed with info wanting to know the Color, Depth, Water Temp, & Lure Profile that is working. When you enter a contest be ready to Fight & Hold your on. Puny Humans as Hulk would say.

Excluding boat malfunction, & 15mph+ winds/weather how do you consider yourself elite if you can't catch 7 10inch Crappie by yourself? Most are P O S E R'S that I love exposing. They are in it for showing off boats, showing off patches on clothes & vehicles, or there for the image & prestige. Cause you & a Fisherman are nothing alike. My message has Zero to do with people who put in the work to go make it happen. Heck they use the Poser's to keep their Prize money up. "Good day buddy you will get them next time" because they need your entry fee. My message has everything to do with guys who gloat after needing others to even find fish on the lake then acting like they did something with a NET/CULLING MAN on a 1lb-3lb fish. Dude please. I use to Tarpon Fish alone & landed a 73lb one on my own while I was under 210lbs soaking wet.

At this point its really not the Fishermen to blame as much as the Tournament Organizations that pay the payouts who make more room for 2 man Crappie Teams vs Singles. Some of the true Fisherman that fish the Crappie Tournament trails get in Teams now because that is what they have to do to even the playing fields vs having more 1 Man Crappie Tournaments because the Prize Money isn't there. King Slab, Emperor Slab, Your Royal Slabness, Ruler of all things on this site in the Kingdom of Crappiedom I respectfully am not a fan of 2 Men Crappie Teams in regards to more money being offered to them than the Single Circuit that deserve more money for doing more work. Men love challenge & it removes a huge element of "Fishing" from the field when Crappie Fishing with 2 people. Will Your Royal Slabness decapitate me & be off with my head for my honesty? I would hope not but if I need be decapitated for standing up for what I believe in then let the AXE FALL & I'll see you in the Crappie After Life.

[DWILL]

So tell us Terry and don't beat around the bush. Which tournament you gonna get into next???

[UnLikeU]

So tell us Terry and don't beat around the bush. Which tournament you gonna get into next???

Honestly I may fish another one at some point in time just to make fun of the people who don't catch 7 Fish. Stay tuned

[BuckeyeCrappie]

Thanks for sharing this with us

[Ketchn]

minnows and FFS , just wow ....how unfair to the crappie fisheez .....
nice read , but for sure I ain't gunna buy NO minners .....minners is for beginners ....
and or a desperate to win pro team it seems ....

[Hitek]

@Hitek.. It's why I took it upon myself to enter my 1st & only Crappie Tournament last year & it was 39 Boats with 32 of them having 2 people on 1 boat. I came in 8th after showing up 1 hour late. How do you let a Non Crappie Tournament Guy show up 1 hour late & out do a field of 30 other 2Man Crappie Team boaters? Takes little skill having 2 people over 150lbs - 200lbs teaming up on a 1lb - 3lb fish when you can see it with technology today. Crappie Tournament Sponsors guys have ruined the sport for me to dismiss all bragging rights when you do win like you did something with 2 people. It's a 1lb-3lb fish. I just fish for relaxation, to eat them, & fun now. These are my true sentiments. DOESN'T TAKE 2 MEN IN A BOAT TO CATCH 7 DARN CRAPPIE & THIS IS PRIMARILY WHY I GO IN SO HARD AT FISHERMEN WHO ENTER CRAPPIE TOURNAMENTS & CAN'T CATCH 7 DARN CRAPPIE WITH 2 GROWN MEN ON THE BOAT & THEY PRE-FISHED THE LAKE BEFORE THE TOURNAMENT. This is a Sensitive Subject to me but 1 that needs to be open for discussion. 2 people needed to catch a darn Crappie? This eliminates the skill needed to land the fish (Time used), eliminates the skill to Cull your fish (Time used), eliminates the skill to ready your own rods when you have to break off (Time used). Sorry they don't make Men like they use to. Ketchn could out fish most of them Boat & Truck Wrapped with Logo son of guns from the Bank. It saddened me to be exposed to Grown men who Call other Grown men to tell them where to come fish in a tournament. Grown men who milk other Grown men for info about a Lake instead of getting out on the water to put Time on the Water to learn where the fish are. Grown men who have to be spoon fed with info wanting to know the Color, Depth, Water Temp, & Lure Profile that is working. When you enter a contest be ready to Fight & Hold your on. Puny Humans as Hulk would say.

Excluding boat malfunction, & 15mph+ winds/weather how do you consider yourself elite if you can't catch 7 10inch Crappie by yourself? Most are P O S E R'S that I love exposing. They are in it for showing off boats, showing off patches on clothes & vehicles, or there for the image & prestige. Cause you & a Fisherman are nothing alike. My message has Zero to do with people who put in the work to go make it happen. Heck they use the Poser's to keep their Prize money up. "Good day buddy you will get them next time" because they need your entry fee. My message has everything to do with guys who gloat after needing others to even find fish on the lake then acting like they did something with a NET/CULLING MAN on a 1lb-3lb fish. Dude please. I use to Tarpon Fish alone & landed a 73lb one on my own while I was under 210lbs soaking wet.

At this point its really not the Fishermen to blame as much as the Tournament Organizations that pay the payouts who make more room for 2 man Crappie Teams vs Singles. Some of the true Fisherman that fish the Crappie Tournament trails get in Teams now because that is what they have to do to even the playing fields vs having more 1 Man Crappie Tournaments because the Prize Money isn't there. King Slab, Emperor Slab, Your Royal Slabness, Ruler of all things on this site in the Kingdom of Crappiedom I respectfully am not a fan of 2 Men Crappie Teams in regards to more money being offered to them than the Single Circuit that deserve more money for doing more work. Men love challenge & it removes a huge element of "Fishing" from the field when Crappie Fishing with 2 people. Will Your Royal Slabness decapitate me & be off with my head for my honesty? I would hope not but if I need be decapitated for standing up for what I believe in then let the AXE FALL & I'll see you in the Crappie After Life.

8th place out of 40 boats does not suit me. I can still somewhat compete but my odds of winning are very low now. And this has nothing to do about 2 people or 1 person in the boat for me. These guys are good with FFS and have more time to do it than me. But that is not the way I want to fish anyway. So the reason I no longer fish competitively is that I can't consistently expect to finish in the top anymore because I do not like the style (at the moment) of fishing that it takes to get there.

And the way people don't catch seven 10" fish is because most of them are not fishing for 10" fish. They are fishing for the winning fish or nothing, that's how you come up with less than a limit. I'm not going to knock someone that does not come in with seven fish. I'm not worried about what other people don't catch, I just worry about what I do catch.