Who influenced you most to crappie fishin?

Saw a similar thread in the archives and thought it would be neet to see what the "locals" have to say.
With out a doubt, Dad(4/12/30-5/7/99)I watched crappie fishin go fom jiggin with a rod and reel with a Zebco 33, to 10' fiberglass telescopic poles, to the fancy-smancy graphite jig poles. Dad bein born during the Depression told me all about fishin for FOOD when they kept everthing they caught. But he instilled in me that times had changed that we needed to throw back the ones we didn't need, so we(everybody) could catch more later. Growing up I always said my dad was the best crappie fisherman in Lonoke Co. and in my late teens when I started beating Dad, I thought i was "the best". and now I'm teaching my kids that we don't need to keep em all but to save some for seed.Man I could ramble on and on...BUT THANK GOD FOR DAD TAKING ME FISHING(I've got chill bumps)One more thing-I can hardly remember a time when he went fishing without me!
Let's hear your story!!!

Mike

I would have to say both of my grandfathers.
My mother's father taught me that catching fish was not as important as getting to go.
I remember my Dad's father didn't see much that was funny. But, now that I have had my own son, nephew, and grandkids, I realize just how patient he was when we were digging in his stuff (tackel) when I was a kid.
Both of them always knew which stump or stick to fish by. I am always amazed at how they knew where to fish with out all of the gadgets we have now.
We never did fish on Sundays though. Even if we were at the lake on vactaion, they found a church for us to attend.
DP

My Dad. But unlike crappie13 I never got good enought to beat him. He has been gone 20 years now and I still miss him.

I can give all of the credit to Gooch. If it weren't for him giving me more direction that I could ever ask for, I probably couldn't even tie a hook on my line. I am telling you that he is a real american hero that all kids of all ages need to look up to and just be in awe of his fishing prowess:D

No really, my Dad took me fishing, hunting and just outdoors and being out there with him no matter what we were fishing or hunting for were the best times of my life when I was growing up. I can only hope that getting my kids away from the PS/2, Xbox, TV, when I can will someday inspire them to want to get out there more.

Without a doubt...my grandfather and my dad. Between the two of 'em, I was on the lake every single weekend from the time I could hold my head up...until the time I could go on my own. I miss those times...but even more, I look forward to the times with my future children and grandchildren. I just hope that I can instill the same crappie passion that was put into me. Thanks for posting a great thread...it makes for a better day to think about the past and future...

Well I would have to say it was my dad's freind, Scott who got me into crappie fishing. I never caught a crappie until about three years ago. He took me out one day and we caught a mess. After that I was hooked. I don't think I would have got into crappie fishing if it wasn't for him. Thanks Scott for turning me onto a great pastime.

My Dad and his two friends. They have been taking me fishin since I was 4 or 5 years old. I just turned 23 and I have learned everything I know from them and I am still learning! They had the patience to take me when I was younger and I cannot thank them enough for all that they have taught me. We have had made many memories that I will never forget!!

Hey Mike:

I posted this on the thread you mentioned on the Main Forum but I'll post it again here anyway.

It was my wife's Uncle Lee Roy that "ruent" me on crappie fishing - http://www.actionfishingtrips.com/LeeRoy.htm.

Jerry, that was an awesome story.
I know I am not one of your locals, but:
I have to give the credit of fishing with the float to my dad, and first time I titelined was with his brother. And for the open water drifting, I would have to say Randy from the La board. He gives me the inspiration to figure it out.