Alabama River Slabs

I now know where the real slabs live. Heavyweight crappie abound in the Alabama River, at Millbrook, Ala., where the Crappie Masters tournament trail begins the Alabama State Championship tomorrow. This amazingly productive fishery that's just outside of Montgomery has somehow flown under the radar for quite a few years, but that might not last long.

A year ago, the same event produced an all-time Crappie Masters weight record for a two-day catch, and the number of 2-pound-plus fish that have been caught in practice this year suggest that the record could fall again. Despite less than ideal conditions, with the river flooded, I've watched a parade of big fish over the past couple of days.

I fished with four teams during practice, and they were all on some big fish! It'll be fun to see what happens. One hint: Keep an eye on the guys who are "pushing" Road Runners.