HARLEY TOPS THE FIELD AT THE FIRST EVER BIG CRAPPIE CHALLENGE AT LAKE OF THE OZARKS

The first ever Big Crappie Challenge is now in the books. Anglers from across the country made their way to Lake of the Ozarks to participate in this inaugural event. Over $160,000 in guaranteed cash & prizes was up for grabs, including a massive $50,000 Grand Prize to the angler who caught the biggest crappie of the event. The crappie were abundant, with anglers reporting catching hundreds a day, looking for that big one to bring to the Big Crappie Challenge scales.

David Harley, of Holden, MO, found the BIG CRAPPIE he was looking for. David weighed in the only crappie over 2 lbs. for the tournament, and boy did it count. On Saturday during the 12pm-2pm time slot, David landed a 2.06 lb. crappie to take the lead and the $50,000 1st Place Prize, and it held up throughout the event.  We want to congratulate our first ever Big Crappie Challenge Champion, David Harley, on making history at this inaugural event.

We want to thank everyone that came out and participated in the 2025 Big Crappie Challenge. We hope you all had a great time at Lake of the Ozarks and we appreciate you fishing the event.
Thank you to our Title Sponsor, Fitz Fishing Tackle & Supplies, and our presenting sponsors, Surdyke Yamaha and G3 Boats for their partnership & support of this event.

We also want to thank Bassing Bob for providing the BBQ for all of the anglers at the Awards Ceremony, Slabz Crappie Rods, the official Rod of the Big Crappie Challenge, Humminbird,
Nano Crappie Series, 1 Standard, Ol Blue Tackle, Strike Force Fish Attractant, and DA Films for the media coverage.

Thank you to our amazing staff that kept this event running seamlessly & smoothly for all of the anglers. Without you all this event would not be possible.