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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.