History was made at the 2016 Bass Pro Shops Crappie Masters Classic in Granada, MS. One team came out on top as always, but it was the first time any team had won the competition twice. The world famous crappie lake saw 187 qualified teams, representing 21 different states, compete for cash and prizes.
Anglers enjoyed basically beautiful weather conditions, but somewhat challenged by north winds and cold fronts that dropped lake water temperatures by 12 to 15 degrees. Those conditions caused the bite to deteriorate as tournament days drew near. Anglers would be charged with figuring out the fish as the bite changed day by day.
Day one left some teams struggling to weigh in their allowed 7 fish. Others found fish and had good weights. Matt Morgan and Kent Watson led the way with an impressive 13.35 pounds at the end of day one.
At the beginning of day two the top 20 teams were within two pounds of the lead to make for an exciting finish. The weather stabilized, winds lightened and teams were able to produce higher weights on day two. The top ten changed throughout the day as more teams weighed in.
As day one leaders Morgan and Watson came to the scales it was certain that history would be made. Either Paul and Elizabeth Turner would become the first Make/Female team to win the Classic or Morgan and Watson would become the first team to win it twice.
In the end B’n’M prostaffers Matt Morgan and Kent Watson defended their day one lead and claimed the most coveted title in crappie fishing for the second time in their career.
The champs’ two-day total weight of 26.23 pounds came while spider rigging in 4 to 10 feet of water. They fished double minnow rigs on 14-foot B’n’M BGJP poles. Their fish came from various depths in the water column.
The key to victory, according to Morgan, was having patience with increased boat pressure throughout the tournament, especially on day-two.
Morgan and Watson took home checks totaling $33,000.00 which included a $2,000 bonus donated by the Missouri Corn Growers Association and American Ethanol for using E10 fuel in their boat and a $1,000 bonus for using Johnson Shad Tubes and Shad Scales during the tournament. They also received Color-C-Lectors from Spike-It and a pair of Motor Mates for winning the Championship.
Paul and Elizabeth Turner topped off an amazing season by finishing in second place in the tournament. Their second place overall weight of 25.78 pounds also gave them the Male/Female National Championship.
The husband and wife team were also spider-rigging with a combination of double minnow rigs and blue/white/chartreuse jigs on 16-foot Ozark Rods. Elizabeth stated that they were using Johnson Shad Scales on their minnows and jigs to help them catch some of their fish. The Turners, sponsored by Ozark Rods, received a check for $10,000.00, an additional check for $250.00 from Johnson Fishing for using Johnson Shad Scales, a Minn Kota I-Pilot trolling motor, $100.00 Bass Pro Shops gift card and a Navionics chip.
Third place went to Sam and Jason Sandage with 25.52 pounds. Also using 16-foot Ozark Rods. Team Sandage was spider-rigging with double minnow rigs in 4.5 to 5.5 feet of water. They catch their fish high in the water column in calm water then down to 4 feet deep when the wind would pick up. The father/son team received $5,000.00 for their efforts.
Monty Blount and Keith Sullivan finished in fourth place with 25.42 pounds. They received a check for $3,000.00 and a $250.00 bonus for using Johnson Shad Tubes and Shad Scales.
Fifth place went to the Bobby Garland sponsored team of Brad Chappell and Brandon Fulgham with a total weight of 25.35 pounds.
Chris and Camran Younger finished the Championship with a 2-day total of 17.34 pounds and won the Adult/Youth National Championship. The Youngers received a $3,000.00 college scholarship, a Minn Kota I-Pilot trolling motor, and a $100.00 Everhart’s Sporting Goods gift card.
Big crappie of the Championship was weighed in on day two by Jeremy Aldridge and Clint Egbert at 2.76 pounds. This slab was worth $2,100.00 and 2 pairs of Zeko shoes.
Crappie Masters next event is a Big Fish Challenge on Truman Lake on Oct. 15, 2016.