{"event":{"id":16401649,"name":"Crappie University","description":"

Crappie University

The Center for Economic Development, in partnership with PRADCO Outdoor Brands, is excited to host an eight-hour fishing course on Saturday, February 7th.

Crappie University will feature regional experts sharing tips, tricks, and insider knowledge for catching crappie in the Arkansas-Oklahoma area. Participants will learn proven techniques, seasonal strategies, and key insights into the habits of this popular panfish. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned angler, this classroom-based course is designed to help you reel in more crappie year-round.

Dive in and get ready to make a splash in your fishing game! 🎣

Time: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Dates: Saturday, February 7th
Registration Fee: $99

Explore how crappie hide, move, and feed throughout the year, and how to apply that knowledge on Arkansas waters. Each session is taught by an expert angler and is specific to waters in and around western and central Arkansas. Tuition includes bait sampler pack ($50 value) and entry for prize drawings.

CLASS #1

Feb 7 / 10am - 12pm

Seasonal Breakdown of Western Arkansas’ Premier Crappie Fisheries – Beaver Lake and Blue Mountain Lake

Instructor: Payton Usrey

Crappie guide Payton Usrey has seen and done it all over the last 15 years. A former tournament champion angler and current guide, Payton has utilized every technique and setup to catch boatloads of quality fish in western Arkansas. He’s consistently done it with and without forward-facing sonar over his career. A wealth of knowledge for western Arkansas waters, Payton will break down his approach across all four seasons and answer all your questions.

LUNCH & LIVE SCOPE

Feb 7 / 12pm – 1pm

Enjoy a Catered Lunch and Have All Your Forward-Facing Sonar Questions Answered

Weather Permitting – Two Arkansas crappie guides will give a walk-through on their boats of their forward-facing sonar setups and settings outside the classroom. In the event of inclement weather, the Q&A will take place in the classroom.

CLASS #2

Feb 7 / 1pm – 3pm

Casting to Crappie in Open Water – How to Setup Your Rig for Success

Instructor: Eric Watts

Central Arkansas crappie guide Eric Watts takes pride in conquering the toughest technique in crappie fishing – casting tiny jigs long distances, primarily to black crappie. Casting to crappie reveals a ton about behavioral habits. Retrieve speed and angle of attack are paramount to success. Eric will break down his casting setups and help tailor a setup that best works for you.

Q&A w/ BOBBY GARLAND CRAPPIE BAITS BRAND MANAGER & PRIZE DRAWINGS

Feb 7 / 3pm – 4pm

Bobby Garland Brand Manager Answers Your Bait Questions & Announces Prize Drawing Winners

Bobby Garland Crappie Baits is the largest, most popular brand in crappie fishing nationwide. With the widest selection of bait styles and colors, there’s no shortage of questions why. Bobby Garland brand manager Skylar St.Yves will answer all your questions and give insights into what’s on the horizon.

Class takes place at the Center for Economic Development at the Bakery District 70 S 7th St, Fort Smith, AR 72901

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