Black Speck Fishing Podcast

J.D. Durbin
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  • Sports

The Black Speck Fishing Podcast is where crappie fishing comes alive through real stories, real knowledge, and real community. Hosted by JD, this show dives deep into the world of speckled slabs — from the lakes we love to the people who know them best. Each episode features conversations with anglers, guides, tournament pros, veterans, bait makers, electronics experts, and everyday fishermen who share a passion for chasing crappie across the country. Whether it’s breaking down seasonal patterns, exploring new techniques, or hearing the stories behind the casts, this podcast brings together the voices that make the crappie community special. Rooted in authenticity and built for anglers of all levels, Black Speck Fishing blends education, storytelling, and camaraderie. You’ll hear insights from seasoned experts, learn what’s working on lakes nationwide, and connect with the heart of a community that loves the outdoors as much as you do. If you’re looking for a place to grow as an angler, discover new perspectives, or simply enjoy great conversation from the boat, the bank, or the drive to your next fishing spot — you’re in the right place. Cast. Connect. Crappie. Welcome to the Black Speck Fishing Podcast.

  1. 3d ago

    Two Days to Glory: Chase Petty's Crappie Masters National Championship Journey

    In this episode of the Black Speck Fishing Podcast, JD sits down with Crappie Masters National Champion Chase Petty to break down the journey that led to a championship victory on legendary Kentucky Lake. Chase shares where his love of fishing began, the people who influenced him along the way, and how he developed into one of the sport's rising stars. The conversation dives into the partnership that helped make the championship run possible, including how Chase and his partner came together and the work that went into preparing for one of the biggest events in crappie fishing. Chase walks listeners through practice, pattern development, and the process of breaking down Kentucky Lake leading up to tournament day. A major focus of the episode centers around the incoming hurricane that forced Crappie Masters officials to shorten the championship from three days to two. Chase discusses when competitors learned of the change, how it affected his strategy, and the adjustments he made knowing there would be one less day to make a move. He shares how Kentucky Lake was fishing during the event, the challenges competitors faced, and how the tournament unfolded from launch to weigh‑in. Chase also gives special recognition to his net man, Max, whose support played an important role throughout the event. He reflects on sharing the experience with the tournament marshal who spent Day Two alongside the team and got a front‑row seat to a championship performance.

    Two Days to Glory: Chase Petty's Crappie Masters National Championship Journey

  2. Oct 19

    Whitey Outlaw: The Heart of a True Outdoorsman

    🎣 Episode Notes — “Whitey Outlaw: The Legend, The Legacy, The Torch” In this episode, JD sits down with one of the most iconic names in crappie fishing — Whitey Outlaw, a true legend whose influence stretches across generations, states, and decades on the water. Whitey’s story isn’t just about tournaments or trophies. It’s about family, mentorship, grit, and a lifetime spent outdoors doing what he loves. Whitey reflects on where fishing started for him, the people who shaped his journey, and the moments that defined his career. He shares stories from Saint Matthews, the early days of competitive crappie fishing, and the lessons learned from a lifetime of chasing fish across the South. But this episode is also about transition — a moment in time where a legend recognizes the rise of a new generation. Whitey talks openly about watching young anglers' step into the spotlight, including his own family, and how the sport has evolved with new technology, new styles, and new personalities. It’s a powerful, emotional “passing of the torch” conversation from a man who has given everything to crappie fishing.

    Whitey Outlaw: The Heart of a True Outdoorsman

  3. Oct 15

    Steve Welch: Shelbyville, Kentucky Lake & The Art of Tracking Crappie

    In this episode, Jason sits down with one of the most knowledgeable and respected guides in the Midwest — Steve Welch, a Monticello native who has spent nearly 27 years mastering Lake Shelbyville and Kentucky Lake. Steve has fished nine Crappie U.S.A. Classics, cashed checks against the best teams in the country, won multiple local and regional tournaments, and later shifted his focus entirely to guiding. His expertise has been featured in state and national magazines, he’s given seminars at nearly every Illinois fishing show, and he’s written over 200 published articles. Whether you fish Shelbyville, run Livescope, or just want to learn from one of the best, this episode is packed with insight, technique, and stories from a true veteran of the sport.

    Steve Welch: Shelbyville, Kentucky Lake & The Art of Tracking Crappie

  4. Oct 5

    From the Firehouse to Championship Sunday: Zach Minnix

    Firefighter, family man, and crappie angler Zach Minnix joins the show to break down his run at Rend Lake, where he battled through the bracket format and finished 10th overall. Zach talks about the pressure of head‑to‑head fishing, how he approached Rend Lake’s mix of timber and drop‑offs, and the adjustments he made when the bite changed hour by hour. We get into the realities of balancing the firehouse schedule with tournament fishing, the mental side of staying calm under pressure, and the lessons he’s taking into the next event. Zach also shares the story behind shaving the mustache, how his kids motivate him on the water, and why Rend Lake forces you to fish with discipline. Whether you’re a tournament angler, a weekend fisherman, or someone who loves hearing how real people chase their passion, this episode delivers a mix of technique, honesty, and grit.

    From the Firehouse to Championship Sunday: Zach Minnix

  5. Sep 17

    Monster Crappie Baits & Making Memories With Our Wives — Jeremy Mattingly

    In this episode, Jason sits down with Jeremy Mattingly, the creator of Crappie Monster Baits — one of the most durable, color‑driven crappie plastics on the market. Jeremy shares how he got into fishing, faith, and we talk what it means to fish with our spouse aka partner in life. We also discuss what inspired him to start Crappie Monster baits, and why he believes color matters more than most anglers realize. We also dive deep into Livescope technology, breaking down the differences between the LVS32, LVS34, and the new LVS42/44. Jeremy gives honest insight into whether the upgrade is worth the extra money and what anglers should expect from the black‑box‑free design. If you’re serious about crappie fishing, bait presentation, or understanding modern sonar, this episode is packed with gold.

    Monster Crappie Baits & Making Memories With Our Wives — Jeremy Mattingly

  6. Sep 17

    Dan Langston: The Three‑Peat on Lake Eufaula

    In this episode of the Black Speck Fishing Podcast, JD sits down with Dan Langston of the River Bottom Boys, fresh off a dominant win on Lake Eufaula in Oklahoma. Dan breaks down how he and his right‑hand man, Brannon Shelby — the net guy, the second set of eyes, and the steady voice in the boat — worked together with absolute chemistry to out‑fish a stacked field. Dan shares the strategy behind their two‑day run, the adjustments that made the difference, and what it felt like to beat two of the toughest competitors on their home lake. His insight into crappie behavior, seasonal patterns, Livescope discipline, and decision‑making on the water is a masterclass for any angler. From the early days of learning the craft to the moment they realized they had the weight to win, Dan opens up about the journey, the grind, and the partnership that powers the River Bottom Boys. And of course — he brings stories, laughs, and a wealth of knowledge that every crappie fisherman will appreciate. If you love tournament talk, teamwork, and high‑level crappie strategy, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

    Dan Langston: The Three‑Peat on Lake Eufaula

  7. Sep 17

    From Weekend Warrior to Oklahoma Champion: The Robert Bain Story

    In this episode of the Black Speck Fishing Podcast, we sit down with Robert Bain, the newly crowned Oklahoma Crappie Anglers Club Champion — a title he earned through grit, consistency, and one perfectly timed piece of advice from the person who knows him best. Robert didn’t start as a tournament hammer. He started like most of us: a weekend warrior with a passion for chasing crappie whenever life allowed. But this season, everything changed. Lake after lake, challenge after challenge, Robert kept finding a way to stay in the fight. And when the pressure peaked in the final two days of the championship race, it was his wife’s simple, steady advice that flipped the switch and carried him across the finish line.

    From Weekend Warrior to Oklahoma Champion: The Robert Bain Story

  8. Sep 17

    Teaching the Craft: Crappie Fishing the Tommy Ezell Way

    “Mastering Crappie with Tommy Ezell: Patterns, Livescope, and the Art of Artificial Only” In this episode, Jason sits down with Tommy Ezell of Yantis, Texas — one of the most respected artificial‑only crappie anglers in the country. Tommy has spent more than 15 years shaping the Texas crappie scene through education, seminars, product development, and tournament competition. He’s a four‑time Mr. Crappie Shootout qualifier, a longtime Lake Fork hammer, and a teacher at heart. This conversation goes deep into why Tommy fishes the way he does — not just the how. From his early days learning crappie behavior to the evolution of Livescope, seasonal patterns, and the mindset behind consistent success, Tommy brings clarity, honesty, and a ton of practical knowledge. Whether you’re a weekend angler or a tournament competitor, this episode will make you a better fisherman.

    Teaching the Craft: Crappie Fishing the Tommy Ezell Way
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About

The Black Speck Fishing Podcast is where crappie fishing comes alive through real stories, real knowledge, and real community. Hosted by JD, this show dives deep into the world of speckled slabs — from the lakes we love to the people who know them best. Each episode features conversations with anglers, guides, tournament pros, veterans, bait makers, electronics experts, and everyday fishermen who share a passion for chasing crappie across the country. Whether it’s breaking down seasonal patterns, exploring new techniques, or hearing the stories behind the casts, this podcast brings together the voices that make the crappie community special. Rooted in authenticity and built for anglers of all levels, Black Speck Fishing blends education, storytelling, and camaraderie. You’ll hear insights from seasoned experts, learn what’s working on lakes nationwide, and connect with the heart of a community that loves the outdoors as much as you do. If you’re looking for a place to grow as an angler, discover new perspectives, or simply enjoy great conversation from the boat, the bank, or the drive to your next fishing spot — you’re in the right place. Cast. Connect. Crappie. Welcome to the Black Speck Fishing Podcast.

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