Braswell Headed to Crappie Classic
August 25, 2009
Tournament Fishing
Yamamoto pro staffer, Bill Braswell, has been fishing the crappie tournament circuit for 11 years. He has qualified for six crappie classics including an upcoming trip in late September to the Bass Pro Shops Crappie Masters classic at Grenada Lake, Mississippi, where over 200 qualified teams will participate for cash and prizes along with the title of national champion.
There are two major trails with Braswell choosing Crappie Masters. They had 15 trail tournaments this year that included one-day and two-day events with each guaranteeing $10,000 or more per tournament. The highlight will be at Grenada with practice, media fishing day, a boat parade through town, banquet and then two days of serious competition.
"This year I qualified in January at Florida's Monroe-Jessup Lakes," says Braswell. "My partner, bass fisherman Susan Gregory, and I had two days of solid fish in the livewell but just couldn't pull the big kicker needed to finish where we wanted. But, we placed high enough to secure a spot in this year's classic. We used spider rig tactics in an area where the St. John's River comes into Monroe Lake. We caught a lot of fish and had fun."
"Spider rigging, fishing multiple poles vertically off the front of the boat, is my specialty. I try to stay versatile because we fish so many different lakes but this method works in most situations." Braswell's baits are usually a Road Runner head with a crappie Ika body in stained waters and a straight ball head jig with an Ika in clearer water. The baits are tipped with minnows when necessary.
He knows that with the top teams in the country on one body of water at the same time makes a top finish in the classic a difficult task but Braswell stays positive about his chances because it's a body of water that fits his main technique of spider rigging. He is practicing now with a new bait set-up that he's hoping will work in the big event. (To learn more about Bass Pro Shops Crappie Masters Tournament Trail go to www.crappiemasters.net.)
Tip of the Month
Braswell says, "Scent is critical. Yamamoto baits have salt that helps separate them from other crappie baits. I go further by also adding Kodiak Minnow Paste. The overall effect can make a difference in the number of fish at the end of the day."
What does a pro staff member do?
"I'm a retired wildlife officer and a part of my job I enjoyed was public relations. I loved working with clubs and outdoor groups. Moving from my role there to one of a professional fisherman has me dealing with the same type of people, the outdoorsmen. As an officer I was promoting fishing and hunting in one form or another and now I'm doing the same thing only with the Yamamoto baits I believe in. It's the same type people I love being with, I can help teach them about my sponsor's products, show them how to catch more fish and at the same time promote our sport of crappie fishing."
"I love all phases of the job," says Braswell. "It's funny because many fishermen have asked me how to get sponsored so they can fish all the time, too. They do not have a clue. Tournaments are a part of it but many hours and road miles are spent at boat shows and other events where we have the opportunity to talk with anglers. Most weekend anglers would be surprised if they knew what the top bass fishermen, like a Kevin Van Dam, do besides fish to make a living. Off-the-water time demands are huge and interview skills, communication skills and business savvy are critical. Personality and character also plays a big part. It's not an easy business but fun for those who enjoy all phases."
About the Column
I look forward to bringing you updates from our pro staff, tournament news and a lot of how-to tips and tactics you can apply directly to your fishing. This column will answer questions including: How to choose the right line for crappie; Getting more crappie from a brush pile; and How to get the most action from your jig. My goal is to educate and entertain so rare-back in your computer chair and enjoy learning more about crappie fishing.