By Haley Rodriguez, Mack's Lure Staff Writer
Hosted on the legendary Brownlee Reservoir, this year’s event welcomed 71 passionate kayak anglers to the water for a day filled with tight competition, unpredictable weather, and unforgettable moments.
“It’s not the excitement of the biggest catch or anything. It’s just having a good time with friends and family,” said Mack’s Lure Pro Staffer Jim Davis. “This event is... my favorite. It’s probably the funniest kayak event I go to every year.”
The morning began with clear skies and calm water — a deceptive calm before the storm. As predicted, wind and rain rolled in later in the day, shaking up the bite and forcing anglers to adapt. Fish were mostly found suspended in deep water or tight to the bottom, as shallow and midwater zones produced little. This forced both seasoned veterans and first-time participants to think creatively about their tactics.
“The changing conditions make for an even playing field,” said Davis. “There’s a 50/50 balance of local knowledge and sheer luck in winning the buckle.”
From bluegill to bass, the competition in each category was fierce:
Largest Crappie: Randall Breedlove hauled in a personal best 14" slab to top the category and help secure a third-place overall finish.
Largemouth Bass: Darrin Roberts landed a 15" largemouth — one of the few found that day — contributing to his eventual tournament win.
Smallmouth Bass: Jed claimed top honors with a hefty 17.5” specimen, rising above the “8-inch clone army” of smallies.
Largest Panfish: Swede Pearson stunned the field with an 8.25" bluegill.
Catfish: Lauren Smith’s monster 27.5” catfish put her firmly at the top of the category.
Yellow Perch: Travis Ash came through with a standout 13.5” perch.
Trout: The unicorn of the event. None were caught.
Carp Pike Minnows: Carp were plentiful and earned bonus points, keeping anglers busy between bites of targeted species.
A highlight of the day was the Mack’s Lure Challenge, where anglers used gear from their SWAG bags to chase crappie. Bobby P! took the win here, earning bragging rights — and likely placing an order for more Mack’s tackles.
One of the most impactful aspects of the BCS is its commitment to giving back. This year, the tournament raised $2,400 for Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of
Eastern Oregon, an organization supporting children in the foster care system.
Special thanks went out to Edna and Pete, who represented CASA at the event and shared the organization's mission with the anglers.
“It’s a fundraiser… for foster child advocacy,” Davis shared. “The county and the city of Richland, Oregon, and Baker — they’re all super thankful. When you go to one of these events with a hundred kayakers, I call it the brotherhood… everybody’s family.”
The Brownlee Crappie Shootout continues to grow, not only as a competition but as a celebration of community, family, and the shared passion for kayak fishing. As Jim Davis summed it up:
“This is the one event we never miss. My wife even makes sure we always reserve for this one. That’s how special it is.”
With a decade of Crappie Shootouts now in the books, the future of the event looks as bright as a bluebird morning on the reservoir. See you next year on the water.
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