FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2023.
Contact: Jeremy Mattingly
[email protected]
COFFEY AND CHARLTON REIGN SUPREME AT NCL LAKE OF THE OZARKS TOURNAMENT
LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO – The serene waters of Lake of the Ozarks were bustling with excitement as the National Crappie League (NCL) held its much-anticipated tournament on 9-9-23. The day dawned with a gentle breeze and sunny skies, setting a picturesque scene for the competition. The anglers, having had a fruitful pre-fishing session, were eager to cast their lines.
As the tournament commenced, some teams found the bite to be tough, yet the overall field performance was commendable. The first-place glory was clinched by the dynamic duo, Coffey and Charlton, who navigated the lower end of Ozage amidst pleasure boat traffic. Their choice of Bobby Garland Baby Shad lures in monkey milk color proved to be a winning strategy. With a total weight of 7.42 lbs, they bagged a prize of $3,200 and an additional $300 for securing the 2nd Big Fish award.
1st-Place Team Report: “Our intimate knowledge of the lake was the cornerstone of our victory. We explored various unpressured areas, but it was one particular cove that held our prize catches. Our ‘old school’ fishing approach, coupled with scanning a few fish before moving, was the key,” shared the triumphant duo.
The second-place was adorned by Wyatt and Manns, who ventured between the 46-60 mile markers, experimenting with a myriad of techniques from minnows with jigs to crappie nibbles. Their perseverance paid off with a total catch weight of 6.75 lbs, earning them a prize of $1,400.
2nd Place Team Report: “We sighted some larger fish but enticing them was a challenge. Our strategy was to keep moving, catch one, and then head to a new spot. The experience was exhilarating, especially the time spent in the hot seat in front of the stage,” they recounted.
Not far behind were James and Wehmeyer, who secured the third place with a total weight of 6.74 lbs, taking home $900. Their day was filled with action as they sifted through numerous catches to find the bigger ones, a task that kept them on their toes until the minnows ran out.
The Big Fish Award was gracefully won by Mark Strunk and April Hamilton with a 1.67 lb crappie. Their prowess also earned them the Top Male/Female title and a total prize of $1,500, finishing 5th overall. The Top Senior Team accolade went to Kevin Findley and Denny Crocker, earning $300, while the Top Adult/Youth was awarded to Richard and Wyatt Aspey, also earning $300.
The NCL showcased its commitment to rewarding talent by paying down 13 places, with the top 3 teams out of the money receiving gift cards from Everharts Outdoor Store. This tournament not only celebrated the sport of crappie fishing but also the camaraderie and sportsmanship inherent in the angling community.
The NCL Lake of the Ozarks tournament was more than a competition; it was a display of skill, strategy, and the enduring spirit of the angling community. The league continues to uphold its reputation for organizing premier crappie fishing events, bringing together the finest anglers in a congenial yet competitive environment.
Save the date for NCL’s upcoming tournament: Rough River Lake, October 7, 2023. The tournament offers a minimum of $10,000 payout to the top teams. Registrations are open and entry fee is $300 per boat.
A special thank you to our National Sponsors and Local Sponsors:
National Sponsors: CarZone USA; Crappie Monster; Grenada Lake Resorts; HnH Rods and Reels; Fisherman’s Haven; Power-Pole; Rockport Rattler; Outlaw Lithium Batteries; Pro Controll; Reilly Auto; Team Crappie; Everharts Outdoors; Ludwig Marine; Morris Marine; Charlie Brewer Slider; BnM Poles; Crappie Magnet; Jenko Fishing; Midsouth Super Jigs; SoreMouth Tackle; QualityPlumbing and Heating; Millennium Marine; Snacky Lures; CrappieNOW; Crappie.com; Pro DeZigns; Crappie Customs; Swamp Gear; Hook & Bullet; Slab Crazy Outdoors; OTH Fishing; Quality Plumbing & Heating; Crappie Customs and Swamp Gear.
About NCL: The National Crappie League (NCL) is a premier fishing league that brings together the best anglers from across the country. With a focus on camaraderie, competition, and the spirit of the sport, NCL provides a platform for anglers to showcase their skills and compete for significant prizes. On the web: https://www.nationalcrappieleague.com
Press Contact:
Contact: [email protected]
Phone: +1 (270) 668-8132
West Monroe (LA), USA
Visit NationalCrappieLeague.com
If you are interested in learning more about NCL’s sponsorship levels, please contact [email protected] or visit NationalCrappieLeague.com/Tourism-Media-Kit.