Crappie University coming

Earlier this year, I made a statement that, “crappie are the new bass”, meaning that there was a growing amount of interest, activity and spending in crappie fishing, much like that of the chasers of largemouth the past 20 years.

In fact, in many areas, crappie fishing is overtaking bass fishing in those three areas.
Early 2017, it will be that way in this area.You already know about the two big pro crappie tournaments headed for the Bone. But there will be a unique opportunity to learn more than you ever dreamed about crappie fishing just an hour or so drive away. The only catch: You have to go back to school.

Remember where you read it first: 

Crappie University is coming to Bossier City in January and February, 2017. One night a week for four weeks, crappie anglers will be able to attend Crappie University, sponsored by Bossier Parish Community College at the Margaritaville Hotel in Bossier. With all our institutions of higher learning in the immediate area, it would be nice to see something like this come even closer to us in the future!

Tuition for the course is $89. For that, you’ll get four nights of intense instruction on catching crappie. You’ll see some familiar faces in the crowd for sure. And you’ll see some up on stage, too.

Farmerville’s Steve Danna will be one of the instructors and the Duck Dynasty/Fin Commander duo of Jay Stone and John Godwin will be instructors on another night. Mark your calendar. Here’s the rundown:

This event is a four-night, accelerated course in crappie fishing strategy. It will consist of four uniquely-different sessions, held Tuesday, January 31st ; Thursday, February 2nd; Thursday, February 9th and Thursday, February 16th.

As far as I know right now, there won’t be any tests. That is, until you get back on the water and try out your new skills. And imagine how good your Certificate of Completion from Crappie University will look on the wall of your man cave!

Classes are from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. each evening.

Instructors include: Crappie Pro Team Jay Stone and John Godwin, winners of the 2015 D’Arbonne Crappie Masters event; long-time crappie guide and pro, Steve Danna; America’s “Crappie Coach” Barry Morrow and Gary Dollahon, Bobby Garland pro and regional reporter for Barry Stokes’ Outdoor TV Show.

We will have more information on how to enroll and reserve your spot in the near future.

Crappie University 2016 is a continuing education program created by Gary White, founder of Bass Fishing Techniques and Bassmaster University, in response to surveys of former fishing program participants who have expressed interest in classes on crappie fishing tactics and techniques.

As a reminder for Lake D’Arbonne anglers:  The Louisiana State Championship Crappie Masters tournament will make it’s third annual trip to Farmerville on February 24 & 25 and D’Arbonne will also host one of its five national tournaments on the newly formed American Crappie Trail March 31- April 1.