CRAPPIEMASTERS TOURNAMENT
   June 18-19  Big Sandy, TN.  The Crappie Masters Tennessee State Championship included the scortching heat that came ahead of schedule this year. The water was in the mid-80's with a couple of pop-up showers during the practice days. The crappie superstars, Ronnie Capps and Steve Coleman, slow trolled their way to the winners circle with two consistent days of fishing. They had 14 fish that weighed 22.29 pounds. Second was Gore/Peck with 21.91. Eubanks/Moore with 20.66. The wiegh-in was held in the middle of town and I think our fishermen probably doubled the population of the town those two days...it was a hoot.
   Want some tips for right now? Fish are scattered in depth from roughly 10 to 20 feet deep with 12-15 feet being mentioned often. Some fish are scattered and taking trolled crankbaits while others are holding tight to brush with vertical jigging or slow trolling being good.

AGLOW Cast & Blast
May 5-7  Outdoor wrtier's event. What a great time at Branson, Missouri. I had the opportunity to turkey hunt with Brent Lawrence with the NWTF on day one and Mike Capps with Howard Communications on day two. We had turkeys close on both days but whether it was heavily pressured birds at the end of season or some other reason, they stayed out of shotgun range for us on both mornings but was great hearing and watching. I'm guessing ten writers and about the same number of company reps killed a total of five birds.
   Kayak Fishing. Have you ever watched an overweight fisherman with a bad back fish from a kayak? I was a little worried about this trip but it was no problem at all. I trout fished from a Hobie kayak on Lake Tanycomo. The uniqueness of this craft is that you don't need a paddle because the Hobie has fins operated by peddling. Steering is by a small lever and a rudder. Floating down the river while catching trout was no problem. Comfort was great and stability was surprising. The fishing models are so stable one fisherman, although not recommended, was standing to fly fish. I caught five trout and lost several others.
   Contact info for a few of the sponsors include: tourism- www.explorebranson.com;  Tanycomo guide service- www.lilleyslanding.com ; kayaks- www.hobiecat.com ; lodging- www.thevillageatindianpoint.com ;  www.bassproshops.com; hunting guides- www.downhomehuntin.com .

PETA isn't the only ANTI-HUNTING & FISHING group
   The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) appears by name to be a worthy charity but is actually a super-rich lobbying group that puts more money into its executive pensions than in the hands of local humane societies. HSUS intentionally uses those sad dogs and cats in its TV infomercials as props for fund raising. Meanwhile, thousands of pet shelters are underfunded and struggling. HSUS does not run a single shelter for dogs or cats and is not affiliated with any local humane society. This is according to (SAOVA), the Sportsmen's and Animal Owner's Voting Alliance.
   Unfortunately, a nationwide study reports that seven out of ten Americans believe that HSUS is an umbrella group the represents humane societies and does good to protect animals when actually it does not.
For more visit: www.saova.org ; www.humanewatch.org .
    Another group www.ussportsmen.org is also fighting for sportsmen.