In
2000, crappie anglers were discouraged by the lack of tournaments that
were being held on lakes that had good fishing and a payback that they
felt was fair. The talk kept going on so Ed Duke of Concord, NC said to
himself that if the fishing was going to get better, someone had to make
the first move. After knocking on the doors for sponsors, he connected
with Bass Pro Shops of Concord. Bass Pro Shops liked the idea and decided
to come aboard. They showed great enthusiasm for crappie anglers and felt
it would help them as well as every angler that wanted to participate. So
now the Southern Crappie Association was a real thing. After failing to
get someone to take it by the reins, Ed decided to do it alone. After five
events that year with somewhat good success, in 2001 the first brochure
with nine regular events plus the Bass Pro Shop Classic was printed. Our
first event had a whopping thirteen boats. But even then those thirteen
anglers had fun. In 2002 the first event had thirty-five anglers, almost a
three hundred percent increase with more teams joining at every event.
Finally, the 2002 classic boasted over $25,000 payback in an event that
filled with prestige. In 2003, our first event had forty-four teams with a
classic estimated at close to $30,000. Our success is credited to our
members. Our members decide all lakes and dates as well as every rule that
governs our association.
“Our
anglers are dedicated people who support what they believe in as well as
the sponsors who believe in them. We have acquired some of the greatest
names in the industry to back us such as Bass Pro Shops, B&M Poles,
Charlie Brewer Sliders, Lowrance Electronics, Marshall's Marine, AWD
Baits, Silstar Rod and Reels as well as over forty anglers themselves who
believe enough to sponsor on their own. So with the help of the average
man, woman, and child we strive to make the Southern Crappie Association
the best that we have to offer. So please come and join and make friends
with the best anglers as well as people this world has to offer”.
Sincerely,
Ed
Duke, President
Southern
Crappie Association
