Thread: Opinions on crappie tournaments

Health of the fish has to be the number one priority. A 7 fish limit seems to be the right number for keeping fish alive and keeping the weights close for a competitive tournament. I wouldnt mind seeing 10 fish limits but keeping them alive becomes a problem. Not everyone has a top of the line live well or a live well large enough for 10 big fish. Fewer than 7 fish almost makes the tournament come down to who caught the single biggest fish that day versus several big fish. I can even get lucky once in awhile by catching one big one.

I got an Idea, no more than 7 fish in the boat period. no culling, just 7 fish in the boat, you get 7 go to ramp check in , wait it out.

Originally Posted by beagle man

I got an Idea, no more than 7 fish in the boat period. no culling, just 7 fish in the boat, you get 7 go to ramp check in , wait it out.

Now that could be interesting.If you catch 10" ers early do you keep them or take a chance bigger fish later. You might be throwing back the winning fish if you end up short of a limit.

I like that, call it a dam if you do or dam if you don't. One choice can make you or brake you, no cull term.

Some of the walleye tournaments are like that and have slot limits also to add to the frustration.

Originally Posted by Jigging15

I feel this is how 90% of tournament anglers fish. Catch as many fish as they can in areas that hold big fish.

Can you explain areas that hold big fish to me? I think you are talking about Truman. I have fished Stockton since 1976 and do not know of a single big fish area. I have caught my biggest crappie at CC but have also caught my smallest crappie at CC. I do not know a single part of the lake that holds bigger fish then another.

I would like to know your thoughts on this.

x2

The upper arms of each arm on Truman produce bigger fish. The further up the Grand arm you go the less fish you will catch in a day but the bigger they will be. I have told people that if you want to catch big fish turn right out of Bucksaw and head up river. If they want to catch limits turn left and head towards the dam. There are a few arms that just do not consistently produce big fish. The Tebo arm is one of them. Can catch a good one now and then but would be hard pressed to ever catch 7 good ones in a day and I dont think they could ever compete with 7 from the Grand or Osage.