Bobfish Tales

Crappie fishing used to be a springtime event or at least perceived that way by many, but that was a long time passed. Not all, but many fishers didn't think you could catch crappie in the summertime. Times have certainly changed. There are many reasons for the awakening of crappie year round and the fishing being especially good during the summer. The first and perhaps greatest reason is simply knowledge. The fish have always been around whatever area people were fishing, but many never bothered to try for crappie. These days, not only have fishers learned to catch crappie in the summer, but for many it's the best time to fish them. Second reason for great summertime crappie action is electronics. In many areas where water depths can vary form shallow to very deep, electronics make it easier to locate where the fish hang out on those hot summer days, as well as locating structure. Here in southern Louisiana electronics do not play a big roll in finding fish. The marshes are ty...

Crappie fishers all have a legacy, a start, somewhere, some place and time they fell in love with the sport of crappie fishing. Crappie fishing is more like an art. The bite, that thump, the cork sinking slowly under is what crappie fishers live for. My obsession started many years ago. My grandfather, who's nickname was "Catfish Willie," was also a great white perch fisherman from Arkansas. He ran a fish camp on the White River. His knowledge and fishing expertise was ahead of its' time. He never owned a rod or reel. He strictly stuck with a cane pole and live bait. He had moved to Louisiana many years ago for work. His only son, my father "Rex" carried on in his foot steps. After serving 5 years in the marine Corps during WWII, he settled down here in South Louisiana. He had learned his skills from his father and as many great fisherman had taken what he had learned and added to it. My dad graduated from the cane pole to a flyrod and reel. This was before...