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.

🎣 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.

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.