Desert Sportsman

Every year from the beginning of February until the middle of April, several lakes around Arizona have what some natives call a “Crappie Bonanza.” For the last two years my dad, Dick O’Connor, and myself have set our sights on these speckled slabs. This year, as soon as quail season wrapped up, I had crappie on the brain and after two outings to San Carlos Lake we are happy to report the catch-rate and the overall experience to be nothing short of what we had hoped for.

In addition to the crappie there is the occasional common carp to cast to. As the water temps begin to warm there are always a few Largemouth bass to be found in the shallows.

As it is now March, and the stream fishing in the mountains is just a few short weeks away, we will try to squeeze a couple more outings to our favorite lakes.

For more information on warm water fly-fishing opportunities, please contact us at: info@desertsportsman.com

On Sunday, March 1st, Desert Sportsman Sales Manager Mike O’Connor won the Phoenix ISE “Best of the West” casting competition. His winning cast of 105′ was enough to edge out 13 other qualifiers. In order to qualify for the event each caster had to make a 90′ cast in a total of four attempts. Once qualified, each caster had a total of four attempts to make his best cast in the final event.

Each regional winner is granted a chance to compete in the “Best of the West” finals held March 15th in Salt Lake City. Mike will head up a few days early for practice sessions and ISE promotional events. For more information on the competition please visit: www.sportsexpos.com