UPDATE: Free Kids Fishing Rodeo moved to Bay Springs Marina, 130 County Road 112, Centre, AL.
NCL Media Contact: Bobby Brown Bobby@nationalcrappieleague.com
The National Crappie League (NCL) heads to Centre, Alabama for a Division 1 tournament on April 1, 2023, where competitors will fish for cash, prizes, and an opportunity to qualify for the NCL National Championship.
Paybacks will be 100% or more guaranteed. This is a one-day tournament with a guaranteed minimum of $10,000 payback. Big Fish pays $1000.
Division 1 tournaments are open to those who have not earned $5,000.00 or more in crappie national tournaments in the previous two years or have not placed in the top 5 of these major pro division tournaments: ACT, Crappie Masters, Crappie Elite, or Crappie Expo. Placing in the top 5 in an ACT Amateur or CUSA Pro, or Amateur event does not disqualify you from competing in a Division I event unless you have earned $5,000 in the previous two years. You may not enter if you are a fishing guide. A fishing guide is anyone who guides, is a licensed guide, or advertises themselves as a guide.
Weiss Lake is known as the “Crappie Capital of the World.” It’s shallow and stumpy, making it an ideal crappie lake. Weiss is 30,000 acres with 447 miles of shoreline, giving anglers plenty of room to fish.
Registration and Tournament Meeting
Visit www.NationalCrappieLeague.com for rules and registration. For questions, contact Bobby@NataionalCrappieLeague.com
A meeting will be held the day before the tournament at Gadsden State Cherokee Arena, 801 Cedar Bluff Road, Centre, AL 35960. Late sign-in is 5:00-6:00 pm. The meeting is at 6:00 pm.
Fishable Waters, Off-Limits, and Fishing Hours
All legal waters on Weiss Lake may be fished. Off-limits is 4:30 pm on the day of the pre-tournament meeting. Tournament fishing hours are 6:30 am to 3:00 pm.
Weigh-In Site
Weigh-in will be at Leesburg Landing Boat Ramp, Riverside Street, Leesburg, AL. Fishermen must be in the weigh-in line by 4:00 pm.
Free Kids Rodeo
A free Kids Rodeo will be held April 1, 2023, at Bay Springs Marina, 130 County Road 112, Centre, AL. Registration from 8:00 am- 9:00 am. Fishing is 9:00 am to 11:00 am. This is for kids 12 and under, accompanied by parent or guardian. Bring your pole and bait. Enjoy the fun and prizes.
Sponsor and Host Lodging
Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce would like to welcome all NCL anglers and their guests to the area. They invite everyone to enjoy the fishing and visit the area attractions. For more information, visit www.cherokee-chamber.org or call 256-927-8455.
Bay Springs Count Inn 256-927-3618 www.bayspringscountryinn.com
Cowan Creek Resort 256-475-3950 www.cowancreekresort.com
Days Inn 256-927-1090 www.wyndhamhotels.com
National Sponsors
NCL national sponsors include CarZone USA; Crappie Monster; Grenada Lake Resorts; H&H Rods and Reels; Fisherman’s Haven; Power-Pole; Rockport Rattler; Outlaw Lithium Batteries; Pro Controll; O’Reilly Auto; Team Crappie; Everharts Outdoors; Crappie Brakes; Ludwig Marine; Morris Marine; Charlie Brewer Slider; B’n’M Poles; Crappie Magnet; Jenko Fishing; Midsouth Super jigs; SoreMouth Tackle; Quality Plumbing N Heating; Millennium Marine; Snacky Lures; CrappieNOW; Crappie.com; Prodezigns
Upcoming Open Events for 2023
March 4-5, Alabama River, Elmore County, AL
April 7-8, Lake of the Ozarks, Camdenton, MO
May 6-7, Ouachita River, West Monroe, LA
June 3-4, Sardis Lake, Sardis, MS
June 24-25, Toledo Bend, Many, LA
Dec 9-10, Lake D’Arbonne, Farmerville LA
Upcoming Division 1 Events for 2023
May 13, Salamonie & Mississinewa, Wabash, IN
Aug 12, Truman Lake, Clinton, MO
Sept 9, Lake of the Ozarks, Gravois Mills-Laurie, MO
Oct 7, Rough River Lake, Fall of Rough, KY
Oct 14, Lake D’Arbonne, Farmerville, LA
National Championship & Expo
March 2024 TBA
