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.