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In this episode of the Black Speck Fishing Podcast, JD sits down with Crappie Masters National Champion Chase Petty to break down the journey that led to a championship victory on legendary Kentucky Lake. Chase shares where his love of fishing began, the people who influenced him along the way, and how he developed into one of the sport's rising stars. The conversation dives into the partnership that helped make the championship run possible, including how Chase and his partner came together and the work that went into preparing for one of the biggest events in crappie fishing. Chase walks listeners through practice, pattern development, and the process of breaking down Kentucky Lake leading up to tournament day. A major focus of the episode centers around the incoming hurricane that forced Crappie Masters officials to shorten the championship from three days to two. Chase discusses when competitors learned of the change, how it affected his strategy, and the adjustments he made knowing there would be one less day to make a move. He shares how Kentucky Lake was fishing during the event, the challenges competitors faced, and how the tournament unfolded from launch to weigh‑in. Chase also gives special recognition to his net man, Max, whose support played an important role throughout the event. He reflects on sharing the experience with the tournament marshal who spent Day Two alongside the team and got a front‑row seat to a championship performance.

🎣 Episode Notes — “Whitey Outlaw: The Legend, The Legacy, The Torch” In this episode, JD sits down with one of the most iconic names in crappie fishing — Whitey Outlaw, a true legend whose influence stretches across generations, states, and decades on the water. Whitey’s story isn’t just about tournaments or trophies. It’s about family, mentorship, grit, and a lifetime spent outdoors doing what he loves. Whitey reflects on where fishing started for him, the people who shaped his journey, and the moments that defined his career. He shares stories from Saint Matthews, the early days of competitive crappie fishing, and the lessons learned from a lifetime of chasing fish across the South. But this episode is also about transition — a moment in time where a legend recognizes the rise of a new generation. Whitey talks openly about watching young anglers' step into the spotlight, including his own family, and how the sport has evolved with new technology, new styles, and new personalities. It’s a powerful, emotional “passing of the torch” conversation from a man who has given everything to crappie fishing.

In this episode, Jason sits down with one of the most knowledgeable and respected guides in the Midwest — Steve Welch, a Monticello native who has spent nearly 27 years mastering Lake Shelbyville and Kentucky Lake. Steve has fished nine Crappie U.S.A. Classics, cashed checks against the best teams in the country, won multiple local and regional tournaments, and later shifted his focus entirely to guiding. His expertise has been featured in state and national magazines, he’s given seminars at nearly every Illinois fishing show, and he’s written over 200 published articles. Whether you fish Shelbyville, run Livescope, or just want to learn from one of the best, this episode is packed with insight, technique, and stories from a true veteran of the sport.

Firefighter, family man, and crappie angler Zach Minnix joins the show to break down his run at Rend Lake, where he battled through the bracket format and finished 10th overall. Zach talks about the pressure of head‑to‑head fishing, how he approached Rend Lake’s mix of timber and drop‑offs, and the adjustments he made when the bite changed hour by hour. We get into the realities of balancing the firehouse schedule with tournament fishing, the mental side of staying calm under pressure, and the lessons he’s taking into the next event. Zach also shares the story behind shaving the mustache, how his kids motivate him on the water, and why Rend Lake forces you to fish with discipline. Whether you’re a tournament angler, a weekend fisherman, or someone who loves hearing how real people chase their passion, this episode delivers a mix of technique, honesty, and grit.

In this episode, Jason sits down with Jeremy Mattingly, the creator of Crappie Monster Baits — one of the most durable, color‑driven crappie plastics on the market. Jeremy shares how he got into fishing, faith, and we talk what it means to fish with our spouse aka partner in life. We also discuss what inspired him to start Crappie Monster baits, and why he believes color matters more than most anglers realize. We also dive deep into Livescope technology, breaking down the differences between the LVS32, LVS34, and the new LVS42/44. Jeremy gives honest insight into whether the upgrade is worth the extra money and what anglers should expect from the black‑box‑free design. If you’re serious about crappie fishing, bait presentation, or understanding modern sonar, this episode is packed with gold.

In this episode of the Black Speck Fishing Podcast, JD sits down with Dan Langston of the River Bottom Boys, fresh off a dominant win on Lake Eufaula in Oklahoma. Dan breaks down how he and his right‑hand man, Brannon Shelby — the net guy, the second set of eyes, and the steady voice in the boat — worked together with absolute chemistry to out‑fish a stacked field. Dan shares the strategy behind their two‑day run, the adjustments that made the difference, and what it felt like to beat two of the toughest competitors on their home lake. His insight into crappie behavior, seasonal patterns, Livescope discipline, and decision‑making on the water is a masterclass for any angler. From the early days of learning the craft to the moment they realized they had the weight to win, Dan opens up about the journey, the grind, and the partnership that powers the River Bottom Boys. And of course — he brings stories, laughs, and a wealth of knowledge that every crappie fisherman will appreciate. If you love tournament talk, teamwork, and high‑level crappie strategy, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of the Black Speck Fishing Podcast, we sit down with Robert Bain, the newly crowned Oklahoma Crappie Anglers Club Champion — a title he earned through grit, consistency, and one perfectly timed piece of advice from the person who knows him best. Robert didn’t start as a tournament hammer. He started like most of us: a weekend warrior with a passion for chasing crappie whenever life allowed. But this season, everything changed. Lake after lake, challenge after challenge, Robert kept finding a way to stay in the fight. And when the pressure peaked in the final two days of the championship race, it was his wife’s simple, steady advice that flipped the switch and carried him across the finish line.

“Mastering Crappie with Tommy Ezell: Patterns, Livescope, and the Art of Artificial Only” In this episode, Jason sits down with Tommy Ezell of Yantis, Texas — one of the most respected artificial‑only crappie anglers in the country. Tommy has spent more than 15 years shaping the Texas crappie scene through education, seminars, product development, and tournament competition. He’s a four‑time Mr. Crappie Shootout qualifier, a longtime Lake Fork hammer, and a teacher at heart. This conversation goes deep into why Tommy fishes the way he does — not just the how. From his early days learning crappie behavior to the evolution of Livescope, seasonal patterns, and the mindset behind consistent success, Tommy brings clarity, honesty, and a ton of practical knowledge. Whether you’re a weekend angler or a tournament competitor, this episode will make you a better fisherman.

In this powerful episode, we sit down with Les Standstipher, fresh off his inspiring win on the Crappie Masters National Trail. Les opens up about the faith that steadies him, the work ethic that drives him, and the long road of discipline, setbacks, and perseverance that led to his breakthrough moment on the national stage. From early mornings on the water to the quiet moments when doubt creeps in, Les shares how he stayed grounded, stayed hungry, and stayed faithful. His story is more than a tournament recap — it’s a testimony of resilience, humility, and trusting God’s timing. Whether you’re a competitive angler, a weekend fisherman, or someone who needs a reminder that hard work and faith still matter, this conversation will challenge you, encourage you, and fire you up for whatever waters you’re navigating. This is the story behind the win — and the walk that made it possible.

We go back in time four years ago and talked faith, fishing, life, and overcoming some of life's toughest challenges. A heart warming story and also, what is the Christian faith all about? Can Jesus play a role in your life? Also we talk Power Brakes before they really jumped on the scene and how to fish using them.

In this episode of the Black Speck Fishing Podcast, we sit down with one of the brightest young guns in the crappie world — Bryce Acreman. Fresh off his Big Fish win at Crappiefest, Bryce walks us through the moment he climbed into the hot seat and held on as angler after angler tried to knock him out. We break down his strategy, his mindset, and how he kept his composure while that winning fish held strong. We also dive into his faith, his family roots, and the influence of his grandfather — a pastor who closed out Crappiefest in prayer and shared in Bryce’s victory. From learning Livescope to mastering Power Brakes, Bryce talks about the tools, lessons, and growing pains that have shaped him into one of the most exciting up‑and‑coming anglers in the sport. Plus, we recap the latest Crappie Masters tournament weekend — the highs, the heartbreaks, and the storylines that defined the event. If you love hearing the rise of the next generation of crappie anglers, this is one you won’t want to miss.

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with Ken, a man whose life on the water is anchored in something far deeper than technique or talent — it’s anchored in his walk with God. Ken shares how faith has shaped every part of his journey, from the way he approaches a day on the lake to the way he approaches people, challenges, and the quiet moments when God speaks the loudest. He shares some great fishing tips, opens up about learning to trust God’s timing, choosing peace over conflict, and striving to get along with others. This conversation is more than fishing talk — it’s a testimony. It’s about living with intention, treating people with grace, and recognizing God’s hand in the everyday moments we often overlook.

REDD’s Hair Jigs. Adam shares how growing up in Mesquite Texas shaped his fishing roots, who taught him the fundamentals of chasing slabs, and the long learning curve that turned him into the fisherman he is today. We dive deep into the art of tying hair jigs, why Adam builds different jig‑head shapes and sizes, and how he chooses colors based on water clarity, weather, and fish behavior. From jig weight selection to when hair outperforms plastics, Adam breaks down the details only a true craftsman sees. Then we shift gears for a Crappie Masters tournament recap, covering the highs, lows, and lessons learned on Lake Eufaula. JD walks through strategy adjustments, what the bite looked like, how the field performed, and the takeaways that will shape the next day of the tournament.

On this episode of the Black Speck Fishing Podcast, JD sits down with an angler just a step ahead of him in skill level — the perfect setup for an honest, real‑world conversation about the learning curve we all face in fishing. Together, they break down what it actually looks like to grow as an angler: the frustrations, the breakthroughs, the humbling moments, and the small wins that keep you coming back. From missed fish to “aha!” moments, this episode is packed with relatable stories every fisherman will recognize. A big part of the conversation centers around Livescope — the good, the bad, and the ugly. JD and his guest talk openly about the struggles of learning forward‑facing sonar, the mistakes they made early on, and the techniques that finally started clicking. They compare different Livescope generations, discuss what’s changed, and dive into the newly released Garmin LVS42 — including how it differs from previous transducers, what’s actually better, and who will benefit most from the upgrade. If you’ve ever felt behind the curve with Livescope… or wondered whether the LVS42 is worth it… or just enjoy hearing two anglers talk honestly about getting better — this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Black Speck Fishing Podcast, JD sits down with Central Illinois guide Jeremy Stoddard of Heartland Guide Service. Jeremy shares how he got started fishing, why he guides for both crappie and bass, and the lessons he learned on Clinton Lake and Lake Shelbyville long before Livescope changed the game.