Crappie fishing circles have seen a dwindling in size and scope of the national tournaments that used to regularly make stops in the Carolinas. North Carolina and South Carolina boast a caliber of tournament anglers that can compete with anyone in the country. The problem is, where is there to compete?
During it’s three-year existence, the Carolina Crappie Association has seen a rise in popularity as its simple, straight-forward design and better-than-most payout has many veteran competitors coming out of retirement while attracting new recruits as well.
According to Chris Curtis, one of the seven board members, the Carolina Crappie Association trail started off with a solid foundation and has been growing.
“We fish an average of 30 boats per tournament now,” he said. “The entry fee is a little higher at $150 per boat, but the pay-out is 95 percent, which is higher than other trails — and there are no membership fees. Plus, the entry fee includes big fish.”
The trail runs from October to April and includes six regular tournaments and a Classic, which varies location from year to year.
Regular venues have included Blewett Falls, Fishing Creek, Tillery, Greenwood, Santee-Cooper, High Rock and Wateree. The 2012 Classic was held at Lake Wylie.
For more information on the Carolina Crappie Association, visit www.carolinacrappieassociation.webnode.com or www.facebook.com/carolina.assocation
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