National Crappie League
NCL Media Contact: Bobby Brown Bobby@nationalcrappieleague.com Date: April 18, 2023
The National Crappie League (NCL) heads to Wabash, Indiana, Lakes Mississinewa & Salamonie, for a Division 1 tournament on May 13, 2023, where competitors will fish for cash, prizes, and an opportunity to qualify for the NCL National Championship.
Paybacks will be 100% or more guaranteed. This is a one-day tournament with a guaranteed minimum of $10,000 payback. Big Fish pays $1,000.
Division 1 tournaments are open to those who have not earned $5,000 or more in crappie national tournaments in the previous two years or have not placed in the top 5 of these major pro division tournaments: ACT, Crappie Masters, Crappie Elite, or Crappie Expo. Placing in the top 5 in an ACT Amateur or CUSA Pro, or Amateur event does not disqualify you from competing in a Division 1 event unless you have earned $5,000 in the previous two years. You may not enter if you are a fishing guide. A fishing guide is anyone who guides, is a licensed guide, or advertises themselves as a guide.
Salamonie, over 3,100 acres, and Mississinewa, over 2,800 acres, are known for ample numbers of crappie with over a hundred a day being common. However, tournament anglers will have to work to find and catch the big ones. White crappie is the dominant species. Expect fun and action during this tournament.
Registration and Tournament Meeting
Visit www.NationalCrappieLeague.com for rules and registration. For questions, contact Bobby@NationalCrappieLeague.com. A meeting will be held May 12th at Fairgrounds, 660 Gillen Ave, Wabash, Indiana. Late sign-in is 5:00 pm – 6:00 pm. The meeting is at 6:00 pm.
Fishable Waters, Off-Limits, and Fishing Hours
All legal waters on both Lakes Salamonie and Mississinewa may be fished. Off-limits is 4:00 pm on the day of the pre-tournament meeting. Tournament fishing hours are 6:30 am – 2:30 pm.
Weigh-In Site
Weigh-in will be at Mt. Etna Boat Ramp, 5601 S 700 West, Andrews, IN. Fishermen must be in the weigh-in line by 3:30 pm.
Free Kids Rodeo
A free Kids Rodeo will be held on May 13, 2023, at the weigh-in site. Registration from 8:00 am – 9:00 am. Fishing is from 9:00 am – 11:00 am. This is for kids 12 and under, accompanied by a parent or guardian. Bring your pole and bait. Enjoy the fun and prizes.
Sponsor and Host Lodging
Wabash Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome all NCL anglers and their guests to the area. They invite everyone to enjoy the fishing and visit the area attractions. For more information, visit https://www.growwabashcounty.com.
Host Hotels:
Holiday Inn, 1311 Cass Street, Wabash, IN 260-569-1189 https://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/us/en/reservation
Hampton Inn, 1610 Cass Street, Wabash, IN 260-225-7555 https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/lafushx-hampton-wabash/
National Sponsors
NCL national sponsors include CarZone USA; Crappie Monster; Grenada Lake Resorts; H&H Rods and Reels; Fisherman’s Haven; Power-Pole; Rockport Rattler; Outlaw Lithium Batteries; Pro Controll; O’Reilly Auto; Team Crappie; Everharts Outdoors; Crappie Brakes; Ludwig Marine; Morris Marine; Charlie Brewer Slider; B’n’M Poles; Crappie Magnet; Jenko Fishing; Midsouth Super Jigs; SoreMouth Tackle; Quality Plumbing N Heating; Millennium Marine; Snacky Lures; CrappieNOW; Crappie.com; Prodezigns; Crappie Customs; Swamp Gear; Hook & Bullet; Slab Crazy Outdoors
Upcoming Open Events for 2023
May 6-7, Ouachita River, West Monroe, LA
June 3-4, Sardis Lake, Sardis, MS
June 24-25, Toledo Bend, Many, LA
Dec 9-10, Lake D’Arbonne, Farmerville, LA
Upcoming Division 1 Events for 2023
May 13, Salamonie & Mississinewa, Wabash, IN
Aug 12, Truman Lake, Clinton, MO
Sept 9, Lake of the Ozarks, Gravois Mills-Laurie, MO
Oct 7, Rough River Lake, Fall of Rough, KY
Oct 14, Lake D’Arbonne, Farmerville, LA
National Championship & Expo
March 2024 – TBA
