By Mike Arcand
The shores of Lake Fork in Texas came alive on Saturday, March 29, 2025, as anglers and families gathered for the highly anticipated 11th Annual CrappieFest. Hosted at the Caney Point Recreational Area, the event proved to be a resounding success, drawing in a large crowd, eager to participate in the fishing tournament and enjoy the festive atmosphere.
Fun for All Ages
This year’s CrappieFest marked a new chapter, with a fresh organizing team at the helm, including Cassandra Gann. Their primary focus was to invigorate the event and, crucially, to encourage the next generation of anglers. This commitment was evident in the remarkable initiative to allow children aged 17 and under to fish for free, with the exciting prospect of winning up to $21,000 in savings bonds for their future. The top prizes for the young anglers were a $1,000 savings bond for first place, $500 for second, and $300 for third, with an additional $10,000 bonus for any youth who landed a crappie weighing three pounds or more. Each registered young participant also received a generous bait package from Bobby Garland Crappie Baits, a fishing shirt courtesy of Windrider, and a rod and reel from Mr. Crappie, Wally Marshall, ensuring they were well equipped for the day’s fishing.
Adult participants, with a $100 entry fee, also had significant incentives to cast their lines. The first place prize for adults was set at $5,000, with a staggering $10,000 bonus awaiting anyone who could reel in a crappie weighing three pounds or more. An even larger $10,000 bonus was on offer for the angler who managed to catch a new state record crappie during the tournament. This impressive prize pool underscored the potential for any angler, regardless of their experience level, to walk away a winner.
Following the Rules
The tournament officially kicked off at 7:00 a.m., with lines having to be out of the water by 1:00 p.m. Anglers were permitted to fish anywhere on Lake Fork, with the exception of the off of bridges. This rule aimed to ensure fair competition and protect sensitive habitats.
Following the fishing period, all participants had to be in line for the official weigh-in at the Sabine River Authority (SRA) pavilion by 2:30 p.m.
More than Just Fishing
Beyond the competitive aspect, the “fest” in CrappieFest was a significant draw. The Caney Point Recreational Area transformed into a family-friendly festival ground, with activities commencing around noon. Live music was provided by Chris Colston, creating a lively backdrop for the event. Attendees could also enjoy a variety of offerings from several food trucks and browse the wares of more than 40 vendors. For the younger attendees, face painting added to the fun, and raffles provided opportunities to win even more prizes.
The emphasis on family and community was a recurring theme throughout the day. Organizers stressed their desire to create an event where families could come together, enjoy the outdoors, and share the experience of fishing. The free entry for children, coupled with the various festival activities, underscored this commitment to fostering a love for fishing and the outdoors in the younger generation.
And the Winners Were…
Winners were announced at the event, with angler Sam Parker taking away first place with a 2.74 lb. catch. In the Junior Anglers division, 10 and under, Lily Taylor came in first with a weigh-in of 2.33 lbs. In the 11 to 17 age group, Hunter Hinshaw also nailed the lead with a 2.33 lb. catch! The 461 adult anglers and 123 junior anglers released all of the fish alive, with the exception of 47 crappie that were harvested, and a good time was had by all.
As the 11th Annual CrappieFest drew to a close, it was clear that the event had once again delivered on its promise of fun, competition, and community spirit. With its focus on youth engagement, impressive prize structure, and festive atmosphere, CrappieFest continues to be a highlight on the Lake Fork calendar, celebrating the joy of fishing and the natural beauty of East Texas.