The best crappie fishermen from across America will be in the area to try to take home the title of National Champions. March 28-30 the American Crappie Trail (ACT) is hosting its 2nd Annual National Championship on Lake D’Arbonne. The championship will feature multiple events in Ruston and Farmerville.
The Experience Ruston team is excited to be partnering with Union Parish and the Louisiana Office of Tourism once again to bring not just another fishing tournament but a National Championship to the area. This event will continue to grow the exposure of the tremendous outdoors and fishing opportunities in the northern part of the state. There will be 100 2-person teams from about over a dozen different states that will be staying in the area for at least a week as they practice and compete.
The event takes the top 100 qualifying teams from the season to compete on Lake D’Arbonne. Over the 3 days the field will be cut to the top 50 for day two and to the top 25 for the third and final day. The fishermen will have their registration banquet in Ruston and the media day and two weigh-ins at D’Arbonne Pointe in Farmerville. The final Championship weigh-in will be held in downtown Ruston as a drive-through weigh-in, followed by an awards banquet to announce all yearly winners.
What separates this tournament trail from the others is the prizes. The winners of the tournament take home a Ranger boat valued at $40,000 and 100% of the entry fees are paid back out making the total payouts to over $100,000. The tremendous prize potential, the focus on conservation, and the TV exposure make this a tournament that will provide many benefits to our communities.
The final weigh-in is being done in a unique venue and hopes to draw a crowd. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy the high stakes and high energy event in Railroad Park in downtown Ruston on Saturday March 30 at 4:15 p.m. to see the live drive- through weigh-in and see the newest ACT National Championship be awarded!
What: American Crappie Trail National Championship
Who: The top 100 2-person teams from the 2018 ACT Season! Top fishing and outdoor media from across the country
When & Where: March 27-30, 2019
Wednesday 3/27
7am - Media Event - D’Arbonne Point
Noon - Fishing Cut Off
Thursday 3/28
6:30am-3pm - Fishing (Top 100 Teams) - Lake D’Arbonne
3-5pm - Weigh-In - D’Arbonne Point
Friday 3/29
6:30am-3pm - Fishing (Top 50 Teams) - Lake D’Arbonne
3-5pm - Weigh-In - D’Arbonne Point
Saturday 3/30
6:30am-3pm - Fishing (Top 25 Teams) - Lake D’Arbonne
4:15-5:30pm - Championship Weigh-in - Railroad Park in Downtown Ruston
For more information visit www.americancrappietrail.com or call the CVB at (318) 255-2031