Black Speck Fishing Podcast

Crappie, Bass & the Heartland Way: A Conversation with Jeremy Stoddard

J.D. Durbin — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 19:50:42 -0500

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.

From Weekend Warrior to Oklahoma Champion: The Robert Bain Story

J.D. Durbin — Sat, 23 May 2026 20:36:51 -0500

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.

Teaching the Craft: Crappie Fishing the Tommy Ezell Way

J.D. Durbin — Sun, 17 May 2026 20:25:53 -0500

“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.

Dan Langston: The Three‑Peat on Lake Eufaula

J.D. Durbin — Sun, 26 Apr 2026 18:59:08 -0500

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.

Up‑and‑Coming Hammer: Bryce Acreman + Crappie Masters Tournament Recap

J.D. Durbin — Sun, 19 Apr 2026 11:12:20 -0500

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.

Adam Mahar: Tournament Beginnings and Crappie Masters Eufaula Day 1 Recap

J.D. Durbin — Fri, 17 Apr 2026 21:41:34 -0500

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.

Hook City with Fishing Ken: Wisdom, Water, and the Way It’s Done

J.D. Durbin — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 20:35:49 -0500

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.

The Work, The Walk, The Win: Les Standstipher on Faith and Crappie Masters Success

J.D. Durbin — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 18:23:48 -0500

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.

Crappie Brakes, Buc‑ee’s, and the Road to Cumberland

J.D. Durbin — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 20:03:18 -0500

On this episode of the Black Speck Fishing Podcast, JD sits down with Craig Robertson — a traveling tournament angler whose last few weeks have been nothing short of an adventure. From equipment failures on Grenada, to a lifesaving assist at the boat ramp, to a Buc-ee’s pit stop on the way to Kentucky, Craig’s journey is packed with stories that every crappie angler can relate to.
Craig breaks down what really happened with his crappie brakes at the Crappie Masters on Grenada, how PTG Outdoors came through in the clutch, and what he learned from fishing one of the most challenging lakes in the country. Then we follow him to Kentucky’s Cumberland Lake for the National Crappie League tournament — and yes, we get his honest review of Buc-ee’s.
But Craig’s story isn’t just about tournaments. It’s about heart.
He shares his passion for the HOI Crappie Trail, his insights on local lakes like Shelbyville, Banner Marsh, Decatur, Clinton, and Rend, and why he’s committed to supporting youth anglers through the CICC trail. His dedication to the next generation shines through every word.
This episode is full of laughs, lessons, and the kind of real‑life fishing moments that remind us why we love this sport. Craig’s willingness to travel, compete, and invest in young anglers makes his story one worth hearing.

The Crappie Cowboy: From Rodeo Arenas to Championship Waters

J.D. Durbin — Sat, 14 Mar 2026 20:01:20 -0500

Craig “The Crappie Cowboy” Nichols joins the show for a wide‑open conversation that spans two worlds most people never connect—bull riding and competitive crappie fishing. Craig shares what life was really like in the rodeo arena, how the toughness and discipline he learned there shaped his journey on the water, and the path that led him to becoming a national champion crappie angler. We dive into his upcoming run at Crappie Fest on Lake Fork, the techniques and gear he trusts when the stakes are high, and why innovations like crappie brakes are changing the way serious anglers control their boats. It’s a story of grit, transition, and mastery from one of the sport’s most respected voices.

The Power of Precision: Mastering Crappie Rod & Reel Setups with ACC’s Andy Lehman

J.D. Durbin — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 17:10:41 -0600

In this episode, we open we take a deep dive into proper crappie rod and reel setups and what truly separates high‑quality gear from everything else on the water. Andy Lehman, founder of ACC Crappie Stix, breaks down how each rod in the ACC lineup is engineered for power, balance, and sensitivity, and why matching the right rod, reel, and line is the key to fishing at a higher level.
Andy explains how ACC was built around one mission: creating stronger, more sensitive, purpose‑built rods designed specifically for real crappie anglers and real crappie techniques. We explore the performance differences across the ACC lineup—Super Grips, Green Series, dock‑shooting rods, trolling rods, vertical jigging models, rear‑seat rods, and youth rods—and how each model delivers superior feel and control for its intended style of fishing.

Kentucky Rain & Crappie Gains: A Conversation with Tim Marple

J.D. Durbin — Sun, 22 Feb 2026 15:17:06 -0600

In this episode, we sit down with Tim Marple, one of the most trusted and experienced crappie guides on Green River Lake. With 36 years on the water, Tim has seen every pattern, every season, and every curveball Kentucky weather can throw at an angler.
From navigating storms to choosing the right wet‑weather gear, Tim breaks down the practical, real‑world strategies that keep him and his clients successful year‑round. He shares his go‑to setups, how he reads Green River Lake in changing conditions, and the lessons he’s learned from a lifetime of chasing slabs across Liberty, Kentucky.
Whether you’re a weekend fisherman or a serious crappie hunter, Tim’s insight is the kind you only get from decades of dedication. This is an episode packed with wisdom, stories, and proven tactics from a guide who’s earned the respect of anglers across the region.

The Champions’ Blueprint: Charlie Bunting & Craig Nichols Break Down Crappie Mastery

J.D. Durbin — Wed, 11 Feb 2026 08:54:04 -0600

In this powerhouse episode of the Black Speck Fishing Podcast from the past, JD sat down with two accomplished anglers of modern crappie history: Charlie Bunting, a three‑time national crappie champion, and Craig Nichols, a national champion known for his precision, consistency, and unmatched competitive drive.
Together, these two legends break down what it truly takes to win at the highest level—mindset, preparation, patterning, decision‑making, and the quiet discipline that separates champions from the rest of the field. From tournament pressure to breakthrough techniques to the moments that defined their careers, Charlie and Craig open up in a way few champions ever do.
This episode is a rare meeting of elite minds, packed with wisdom, humor, and stories from decades at the top of the slab‑fishing world. Whether you’re a weekend angler or a tournament diehard, you’ll walk away sharper, inspired, and ready to level up your game.
Cast. Connect. Crappie.

Macula Tackle: Built for the Bite

J.D. Durbin — Sat, 07 Feb 2026 20:53:04 -0600

On this episode of the Black Speck Fishing Podcast, JD sits down with Corey Bechtold, the Minnesota angler and creator behind Macula Tackle — a brand quietly making waves in the crappie and ice‑fishing world.
From the frozen lakes of Buffalo, Minnesota to the workbench where every jig starts as an idea, Corey shares the story of how Macula Tackle came to life, the problems he set out to solve, and why his designs are connecting with anglers across the Midwest.
We dive into Minnesota lake culture, ice‑fishing strategy, gear setups, color choices, and the lessons Corey has learned chasing slabs through every season. Whether you’re a die‑hard panfish angler or just love hearing how innovation grows from passion, this episode delivers a mix of storytelling, practical tips, and behind‑the‑scenes insight you won’t want to miss.
Cast. Connect. Crappie.
Tune in and discover the mind behind Macula Tackle.

From Air Force to the Brush Piles: Frank Haidusek

J.D. Durbin — Sun, 01 Feb 2026 18:44:28 -0600

In this powerful episode of the Black Speck Fishing Podcast, JD sits down with Frank Haidusek — an Air Force veteran, lifelong outdoorsman, and dedicated crappie angler from Newton, Kansas. Frank’s story blends service, resilience, and a deep connection to the water, offering listeners a rare look at how fishing can ground, heal, and inspire.
Frank opens up about his time in the Air Force, the discipline and perspective it gave him, and how returning to the outdoors helped him navigate life after service. From nationwide crappie patterns to the mindset he brings from the military into every day on the water, Frank shares insights that anglers of all levels can learn from.
This episode is part storytelling, part education, and all heart — a reminder of why fishing is more than a hobby for so many of us.
If you’re here for real conversations, real experiences, and real connection, this one’s going to hit home.