On behalf of the Oklahoma Hunters & Anglers LLC (OHA), the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (ODWC), your conference subject matter experts, sponsors, and partners, we welcome you to the 2nd Annual Crappie Fishing 101 Workshop. The goal of the workshop is to better equip you with the fundamental knowledge that will lead to both enjoyment and success in your angling adventures.
This workshop would not be possible without the tremendous effort from the OHA, the ODWC staff, our subject matter expert volunteers and sponsors and partners. The planning team spend countless hours planning and executing the workshop. Please take time throughout the day to thank the team members for their dedication to making this year’s Crappie Fishing 101 Workshop a success.
Rick Nolan, President OHA 405-410-1379 Info@oklahomahuntersandanglers.org
Workshop Schedule
8:00 to 9:00 – Doors Open for Registration
9:00 to 9:15 – Welcome and Introductions – Rick Nolan, OHA President
9:15 to 9:45 – Where to fish. And – David Bogner ODWC Staff
During this session attendees will learn the best lakes Oklahoma has to offer as well as a discussion on how to approach your angling strategies including insight on fishing from a boat, from a dock or pier and from the bank.
9:45 to 10:15 Habitat Improvement, i.e., Brush Piles, Etc. – David Bogner ODWC Staff
Crappie, like all game fish need to have habitat suitable to escape from predators, feed, spawn and do what crappie do. Good fish habitat or fish structure is key to provide baitfish with hiding places as well as areas for algae, plankton, and other food sources to grow. Understanding crappie habitat and how to improve the habitat in your local waters can add to your angling success.
What is good crappie habitat, how to identify good crappie habitat and how to create good crappie habitat are just a few of the topics covered by the ODWC biologist in this session.
10:15 to 10:30 Break
10:30 to 12:00 – What we thought we knew about Crappie and what we now know – Skylar St. Yves
With the increased use of Forward-Facing (Live Scope) Sonar, anglers are now able to get a firsthand look into how crappie act and react. Many myths have been dispelled and new strategies evolved to consistently allow savvy anglers to increased success.
In this session Skylar discusses many of the myths of crappie fishing and what we have learned using new technologies, strategies, and methods to increase your odds.
12:00 to 1:00 Lunch Provided by OHA – Jacob Tison – Update on the ODWC fisheries projects, news, etc.
2:00 to 2:30 – Crappie Fishing Regulations and Boating Safety – Warden Jacob Harriet
2:30 to 3:00 – Tackle Selection and Use – Glen Scott
Shopping for crappie tackle seems like it would be a simple process. Options have gotten a lot more crowded and confusing for some anglers who just want to catch fish. Stopping at your local tackle shop one can quickly become overwhelmed at the dozens of rods, reels, line and other “must haves” on the shop’s shelves. With options like trolling, jigging, casting, pitching, shooting, dipping, pushing, pulling and more, it almost makes you want to run out holding your head.
In this session our subject matter expert will outline the pros and cons of the vast tackle options. This discussion and Q&A will help attendees narrow down the selection process and understand what options work best for your fishing style and goals.
3:00 to 3:45 Electrics and How to Use Them – Glen Scott
In this session our subject matter experts will review electric fishing aids and provide an overview of different options.
Electric “fish finders” range from the simple to the most advanced and complex. Fishing electrics have become popular and provide an additional tool to assist in locating fish, structure, viewing the depth, fish hiding locations, speed and even GPS locations.
3:45 to 4:15 Lake to Plate – Jacob Tison
What to do with your catch. In this session we will discuss cleaning and preparing your catch.
4:15 Question & Answer Session, Wrap Up and Door Prizes – Glen Scott, ODWC, Rick Nolan
Speakers Bios
David Bogner – Southeast Region fisheries biologist for the ODWC
David oversees 5 large reservoirs including some of the most popular Crappie lakes such as Wister, Hugo, and Pine Creek as well as several department lakes. For his graduate project he investigated the impact sources of turbidity had on shaping the dominate crappie species in reservoirs in Illinois. David is also Co-lead for the ODWC Fisheries habitat team, which is responsible for statewide habitat initiatives as well as the habitat enhancement partnership.
Jacob Harriet, ODWC Game Warden Lincoln County
Jacob is an Oklahoma State Game Warden assigned to Lincoln County. He went to college at Southwestern Oklahoma State University, where he received his bachelor’s in wildlife law enforcement and his master’s degree in education. Jacob was born and raised in the woods hunting and fishing. Jacob is passionate about protecting our outdoor resources and strives to share the proper management and usage of those resources with others.
Recognizing there are many challenges facing today’s hunter and angler, Rick is passionate about securing the future of all outdoor recreation sport opportunities for the next generation and beyond. He has come to the realization that our hunting and fishing heritage as we know it today is in jeopardy and he is taking steps to turn the tide of declining participation. With no shortage of data pointing to the diminishing number of outdoor participates, Rick believes it is time to act and redirect the trend. His passion for coaching and mentoring hunting and fishing skills to early onset hunters and anglers is seen through his leadership in presenting hunter and angler centric events such as the Oklahoma Deer Hunting Conference, Deer Hunting 101 Workshops, Turkey Hunting 101 Workshops, Saddle Hunting Workshops, Hunter Safety, Fishing 101 Workshops and other hunter and angler educational opportunities across the state.
To sum it up, Rick said, “I have long lived by the credo, ‘Working today to make tomorrow better.’ I am putting action behind these words by working to recruit, retain and reengage hunters and anglers. We really are only one generation away from falling to unsustainable participation levels in the outdoor sports. Hunters and anglers are conservation, without them; funding is lost, without funding the game is over. Our kids, grandkids and great-grandkids depend on us to ensure the future of hunting and fishing is bright. The time to act is now.”
Rick is married to wife Marilyn with three-kids, 10 grandkids and 2 great-grandkids. Rick is a lifelong outdoorsman with over 55 years in the field experience. A native Texan relocated to Oklahoma 26 years ago and has fallen in love with the outdoor opportunities in the Sooner state. Rick is a retired Human Resource leader and life member of the NWTF and the OHA.
Glen Scott, Crappie Guide
With years of hands-on experience in the marine industry, Glen Scott brings a well-rounded background in boat sales, marine electronics, vessel rigging and installation, and professional fishing. His career has been built on a deep understanding of boats from the hull up—combining technical knowledge with real-world on-the-water experience.
Glen has worked extensively in marine sales, helping customers select the right boats, motors, and electronics to match their fishing style and performance needs. His technical expertise includes the installation, setup, and optimization of marine electronics such as GPS, sonar, trolling motors, power management systems, and full boat rigging—ensuring reliability, safety, and peak performance on the water.
An accomplished angler and experienced fishing guide, Glen pairs technical precision with local fishing knowledge to deliver productive, enjoyable trips for clients of all skill levels. Whether guiding seasoned anglers or first-time fishermen, his focus is always on safety, education, and success on the water.
Known for professionalism, attention to detail, and a passion for the marine lifestyle, Glen continues to serve clients through dependable marine solutions and guided fishing experiences built on trust, experience, and results.
Skylar St.Yves Brand Manager – Bobby Garland Crappie Baits
Skylar St.Yves was born and raised in Seattle, WA. He learned to fish for trout and carp as a youth from the bank at campgrounds across the Pacific Northwest with spinning outfits and bait. Skylar became avid fly fisherman in high school and college for rainbows, cutthroat, suckers, whitefish, and steelhead. He moved to Oklahoma after college and became avid warm water angler. He worked for ODWC for nearly a decade, spent last several years with the agency as the state’s R3 Fishing Coordinator. His professional fishing focus is currently on crappie and he serves as the Brand Manager for Bobby Garland Crappie Baits. Sharing knowledge and fishing tips is his passion. Conservation is his cause.
Jacob Tison, Communication and Education Specialist / R3 Fishing Coordinator, ODWC
Jacob has been with the Department for three months now, working in the communication and education division. Jacob grew up in the outdoors, hunting, and fishing. He has a bachelor’s degree in environmental science and is also pursuing his master’s degree in natural resource management. He is currently a specialist in this division working with an R3 perspective on anglers. R3 stands for recruitment, retention, and reactivation. He works to implement all methods to reach anglers across the state.
Workshop Sponsors
Oklahoma Hunters & Anglers Membership
Your paid attendance at today’s Crappie Fishing 101 Workshop includes a one-year membership in the Oklahoma Hunters & Anglers, LLC (OHA), a $20 value. Your membership in the OHA is vital to the organization’s ability to achieve our mission: To serve Oklahoma’s sportsmen and women by enhancing Oklahoma’s wildlife and fishery resources, our hunting and fishing heritage, and the conservation efforts of those who value our state’s fish and wildlife resources.
Your membership comes with the OHA’s Board of Directors commitment that all funds raised via donation, raffle or other means will be put to work, here in Oklahoma. The board is committed to the motto, Raised Here – Stays Here.
If you would like to become involved in the OHA as a volunteer, host an event or help raise funds for conservation please contact one of our board members or by email – info@oklahomahuntersandanglers.org or by phone at 405-410-1379.
Welcome to the OHA!
Upcoming OHA Events & Raffles
- April 4, 2026 Turkey Hunting 101 Workshop Arcadia
- June 6, 2026 In Person OHA Board Meeting
- August 14, OHA Golf Tournament
- August 15, 2026 Deer Conference – Metro Tech Springlake OK
Upcoming Raffles
- Henry Big Boy Brass .44 Mag/.44 Sp ~ Tulsa Backwoods
- MegaToad 55M1 Deer Feeder w/ Solar ~Tulsa Backwoods
- Guided Crappie Fishing Trip with The Crappie Cowboy ~ Tulsa Backwoods
- Ruger American Compact, 9mm Handgun
- Henry Steel Wildlife Edition .45-70 Tulsa Backwoods Expo
- Cow Elk Hunt w/ 7mm mag Tikka Lite Rifle & Sig Sauer Scope
OHA Mission Statement
To serve Oklahoma’s sportsmen and women by enhancing Oklahoma’s wildlife and fishery resources, our hunting and fishing heritage, and the conservation efforts of those who value our states fish and wildlife resources.
OHA Focuses its Mission on Two Priorities.
Priority One: R3 – RECRUITMENT, RETENTION AND REACTIVATION
“R3” is a nationwide movement focusing on strategically increasing and diversifying participation in and support for shooting sports, hunting, and angling. These activities are integral to the American way of life and our culture as it has developed in our society having numerous benefits to those that participate. Participants in the shooting sports, hunters and anglers provide the primary financial support for state-level wildlife conservation in the United States.
The OHA will focus its R3 efforts by pursuing activities around Oklahoma that encompass more than just the traditional “learn-to-hunt” or “learn-to-fish” programs. The long-term goal of the focus is to provide support and experiences for existing participants, ensure that new participants are introduced from all backgrounds, and ensure that shooting sports, hunting, and angling are seen as relevant throughout all segments of society.
The OHA will establish realistic yet aggressive R3 Goals and will achieve these goals by utilizing two distinct but similar programs.
- Coached Hunting and Fishing Programs
OHA will provide coaching instructions and training in outdoor activities, including the shooting sports, hunting, and fishing. The OHA recognizes that there are many challenges to participating in these traditional outdoor activities. The goal of the OHA is to break down those barriers for our fellow Oklahomans. The OHA Adult Coached Hunting and Fishing programs focus on novice hunters and anglers with an emphasis on the connection between conservation and sustainable eating.
- Youth Outdoor Education; Coached Hunting and Fishing Programs
OHA will provide coached hunting and fishing for our state’s young hunters and anglers. The OHA understands that involving our young sportsmen and women ensures the long-term sustainability of our outdoor heritage. We further understand that simply engaging youth involvement without adult companionship and support is not sustainable. Simply engaging young outdoor enthusiasts without continued support is not sustainable.
Priority Two: Habitat Enhancement – Public and Private Land Enhancement
- The future well-being of wildlife and the health of our state’s fisheries are dependent on suitable habitat and science-based management practices. The OHA is committed to working with the ODWC and other agencies to advance science-based habitat improvement projects on both public and private hunting grounds and waterways.