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Larry Russell Memorial Crappie Camp
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As one of the original Crappie Camp organizational members I spoke with Larry several times about the camps and urged his attendance. He was in full support of the idea of the Crappie Camps, especially the annual one that is family and youth oriented. However, for his own reasons he did not want to spend time at them. I encouraged him to but he said he didn't want to appear to be a centerpiece at the Camps. I do believe we need a lasting memorial to Larry and his influence on the Oklahoma and the national Crappie fishing scene. Since the camps will be rotating to various lakes I would propose something else.
Larry never failed to ask me how I was doing fishing and when I complained about the wind or lack of success he always said that I should be on Gaines Creek. That was his favorite place on Eufaula and it became mine because of him. I know he especially enjoyed sponsorship of the first Gaines Creek Challenge tournament in 2013. That tournament was a huge success and had a large number of attendees - me being one. I propose that there be an 'Annual Larry Russell Gaines Creek Open Crappie Tournament' each year during a time when the creek would produce good fish. I'm not especially interested in tournaments but would be proud to enter that one each year as a memorial to Larry. I would even say we should do something with most of the $$ as a scholarship or charity benefit in his name. Just another suggestion as an idea to preserve Larry's name with Crappie fishing. If this happens and the tournament chairs agree I would be proud to assist them in any way.
