Countdown to crappie

A large purse, merchandise prizes, sponsors money bonuses and a chance to compete in the Cabela’s $125,000 Crappie USA Classic are just a few reasons that crappie anglers will be in Marion, IL on March 16-17, 2018.

The countdown has begun to southern Illinois’ richest crappie tournament Crappie USA Super Tournament on Lake of Egypt.  This is a two-man buddy tournament sponsored by Cabela’s Crappie USA and the Williamson County Tourism Bureau offers the largest cash purse ever offered in this area.  The total purse is guaranteed at $10,000 minimum.  It may increase based upon the total number of boats entered.  Some winners in various divisions will receive sponsor’s bonus money.  A number of contestants will move on to compete in the $125,000 Cabela’s Crappie USA Classic on Lake Cumberland, KY October 3-6, 2018.

Entry information is available online at www.crappieusa.com, the Crappie USA website, and from Williamson County Tourism Bureau at www.info@visitsi.com.

Mail in registration ends on March 1, 2018.  Late registrations will be assessed a penalty fee as well as the registration fee.  Participants must and the public may attend the Seminar at the Williamson County Pavilion, 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion, IL.  Crappie USA conducts it the evening before each tournament.  It offers a chance to win field test items from some of the national sponsors as well as a review of the lake and conditions.  Review of tournament rules and a question/answer session follows.

The following morning the contestants take to the water at 6:30 A.M. and will return to the Weigh-In at Pyramid Acres Marina, 12057 Marina Road, Marion, IL at 3:00 P.M. Each day starting at 3:00 P.M. the weigh-in begins back at Pyramid Acres Marina.  On Day 2 the winners will be determined and prizes awarded.

Crappie USA is a national organization formed in 1996 to establish and expand family-oriented, cost effective and competitive tournaments for amateur and professional crappie anglers.  Nationally there are tournaments in more than 25 states.  Anglers compete for a place in the field for the “super bowl of crappie fishing” the $125,000 Cabela’s Crappie USA Classic to be held on Lake Cumberland, KY.

Teams of two anglers pay an entry fee of $150 to compete in the amateur division; pro competitors pay a $300 fee.  In addition to the local purse, the top 25 teams will advance to the Cabela’s Crappie USA Classic.  The $10,000 purse will increase based on the number of entries.

The top finishing Adult/Youth team in each division not qualifying in top 25 will advance to the Classic.  The top finishing male/female team in each division not qualifying in the top 25 will advance to the Classic

For entry information, contact Crappie USA (270-395-4204) or Williamson County Tourism Bureau (1-800-GEESE-99) in Marion.

Free information regarding motel accommodations and points of interest is also available from Williamson County Tourism Bureau, 1602 Sioux Drive, Marion, IL 62959 or by calling 1-800-GEESE-99.  Current information is also available online at visitsi.com, the Williamson County Tourism Bureau website.  Their e-mail address is info@visitsi.com.