Crappie Camp this Year

Crappie Camp Kansas 2013

Location: El Dorado Lake, Kansas
Date: Aug 23rd -25th
Weather: Great
Fun: Awesome!!



Since I’ve already attended many crappie camps, I knew what was to come for Kansas Crappie Camp 2013. Fun, Friendship, Fun, Entertainment, Fun, Hilarious, Fun, and did I say FUN!


Friday was the day where some came in early and fished and others were on their way to Crappie Camp Kansas 2013. By mid-afternoon, there were several members, friends, and family that showed up to camp and the conversation was fishing, fishing and more fishing. The best topic I could think about for this great event. As the evening set in, there were more event attendees showing up and before I knew it, there were cars, campers, trucks, tents, and people everywhere. As I was bouncing around shaking hands and watching others visit, I tried to do a head count and came up with about 50 people.. As the night went on, I got to eat some stir-fry at one camp ground, steak from another, fish from another, and dessert from another along with refreshments as all camps had an open invitation. Belly was full and the camp fire was going so I attended the liar’s club and listened to several ” TALL TAILS” and stayed up way too late.

Saturday morning came around and more people came in and everyone moved to the lake to catch the big one. As the afternoon came around, everyone came in to camp with their catch or stories of the big one that got away. We gathered in a large circle and announced who we were and where we were from and how tough the fishing was. Door prizes came out and I think we were giving great items out for what seemed like 30 minutes because of great venders like Crappie.com (Slab) Crappie Pro (Larry Russell), Doctor Sonar (“Doc” Bruce Sampson), Lowrance, and Mid Kansas Marine ( Shelly ). Everyone at camp walked away with something great. Bragging rights went to Springhillwantabe, “Guided by Ragnar” caught the biggest crappie “1.39lb” of the day and won the event money for crappie. Shane’s boat caught the biggest wiper and won the side bet with a 25 ½ stud. Brian won a pack of Depends for the smallest fish brought to the scales.

As we were all together, the best fisherman in the country showed up. Capt. Catch-a-Lot!! (Troy) He entertained all of us with his stories but I noticed he didn’t bring any fishing equipment, boat or fish. He said he hooked on to a huge Marlin but after 3 hours it broke his line. Very funny person Catch-a-Lot was. I had the pleasure of fishing with him on Sunday and he sure was funny and fun to fish with.

Capt Catch-a-Lot thought these were crappie.



Dinner rolled around and I think there was enough food for an Army. Fish, salads, dip, corn-on-the-cob, fries, cookies, chicken for those that didn’t like fish, beans, and a lot more that I can’t think of now. We had Jim and his wife on the fish station, Don on the corn and fries station, Brian on chicken, and many others helping where help needed to be. I can say that things went so smooth and dinner was served on time. That’s easy to do when everyone joins together as a team and man did we have a GREAT TEAM. As the food was being consumed and conversations being held, I tried to join everyone I could as I knew the next day Kansas Crappie Camp 2013 would end as fast as it came. Fire pit lit for the last time and early thank you and good byes were said by some. The moon was shining bright and yes Catch-a Lot was still talking about that record El Dorado Lake Marlin that broke him off.

What was left over





Two day isn’t enough time to get to know people but that’s why we have camps every year. Some couldn’t make it but in heart they were there. Next years camp will be at another lake and I sure hope I can go as these camps are tons of fun. I want to express a Special Thank You to Slab and CDC. Without him and his great forum, an event like this would be hard to organize. I also want to thank everyone who came to the event and donated food and items for camp. C-ya all on the water soon.

PS. If anyone wants to share pictures, that would be great.

Shane Eustice
Hook’Em!!

Pictures by Craig... Thanks bud..