Chris Erwin
Kentucky Angling News
Some call this the biggest crappie tournament in the world! It is by invitation only, and Dave Salisbury of Catlettsburg Kentucky got his notification that he is in those selected to fish this tournament to be held in Branson, Missouri on Oct. 29-31 2020 On Table Rock Lake.
Table Rock Lake is a vast lake some 64 square miles with water depths over a hundred feet deep known to be a clear water impoundment. It should be a challenge for any fisherman. People in the crappie world often call the tournament the Wally Marshall Classic. Nationally known, Wally Marshall is its founder and still manages much of the interworking planning today.
This event is more than just a tournament. The hosting event is the Mister Crappie Expo. The Expo is a gathering of near 140 companies that supply the crappie industry with every type of equipment used in the industry, names like Strike King, BM Rods, and way too many to list here will have booths set up to show the fishermen and women their products. In the past, they provided music concerts along with many give-a-ways and other events much the same as “Icast” only for the public. A fully loaded boat was also given away before the Expo was over.
While the Tournament will cover three days, the Expo will last through Sunday, much like the Bassmasters Classic, where the public will get to meet the winners.
Salisbury will have his work cut out for him. Unlike many crappie tournaments, this contest is artificial bait only; compounding the tactics usually used to catch what many say is the most popular panfish in America.
Salisbury has fish in the USA Crappie circuit and fishes in crappie tournament on Cave Run quite often. Fishing this event will be a different experience, and I, for one, will be looking forward to seeing how he does and what the experience is like, fishing one of the most significant events in the outdoors. It’s my understanding that the guys at Borders Sporting Goods helped David make contact and be interviewed by Wally Marshell as their selections were being made to see who they were going to inviting to the Expo.
Crapping fishing is fast becoming one of the powerhouses in the world of fishing. We are now seeing boats tailored just for the sport with side-by-side seating in the front and multi rod holders installed for Spider rigging.
I had the pleasure to fish with National Crappie Champion Jeff Riddle on Reelfoot Lake in 2019. These guys are a new breed of fishermen. I also got to fish with Davy Jones, a crappie guide on Green River Lake. Jones also fishes a national crappie circuit; it’s always a pleasure to learn from the best.
I told David That I would be checking back with him once this event is over I’m sure this will be a big thrill no matter the outcome; however, it would be even sweeter if he finds his way into the winner circle. We wish you good luck Dave!
I want to take a minute to remind everyone to be safe and follow the guidelines to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus. Our sport can only truly get back to normal if we find a way to minimize the impact of this virus in our community. Until next time may God bless you and keep you safe. Chris Erwin is the founder and publisher of Kentucky Angling News an online magazine available at www.kentuckyangling.com/magazine Chris can be reached by email Trimmer308@gmail.com
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