Coosa River White Crappie Record Established

A white crappie record has now been established on the Coosa River, and it’s a fish that will be difficult to beat. The 3-lb., 3.5-oz. slab was caught by Rita Ware, of Hiram, on Feb. 2 while she fished with her husband, LaMon.

“We were fishing for white bass on the morning of Feb. 2,” said Rita. “After the bite slowed down in the creek, we headed out to the river to see if we could find a few out there. We’ve always had good luck at the mouth of Brushy Branch and the Coosa, so we stopped and dropped the trolling motor.”

They fished a few minutes with no luck and were just fixing to leave when Rita made one final cast with a jig.

“The jig stopped,” said Rita. “In the first few seconds, I was sure I’d hooked a largemouth. When I got the fish closer to the boat, my husband and I both realized it was a very nice crappie. Once the fish was netted and in the boat, we both just kind of stared at each other and the fish in disbelief. Everyday on the water is a good day, but catching a personal best crappie made it extra special!”

The Wares met with WRD Fisheries Biologist Jim Hakala to get the fish officially weighed and certified as a white crappie.