Ep. 155 - Jon Conklin - Hook into Some Crappie and Striper this Spring + GIVEAWAY

As spring hits full swing in the Ozarks, it's prime time to hit the water—and in this episode of The Ozark Podcast, guide Jon Conklin of FishOn Guide Service is back to help us do just that. Whether you’re targeting crappie, chasing trophy stripers, or just trying to become a better angler, Jon offers a masterclass in multi-species fishing on Beaver Lake and beyond. We also dive into conservation concerns and how increased pressure on Ozark lakes is affecting fish populations and habitat.

If you're looking to fish smarter—not harder—this episode is full of practical advice for anglers at every level. Learn how to adjust your tactics for seasonal patterns, increase your hookup rates with lighter tackle, and become a more conservation-minded outdoorsman in the Ozarks.

Support for this episode

Vortex Optics - Industry leading scopes, rangefinders, and binoculars

Moultrie Mobile - The ONLY cell trail cameras with A.I. integration

Umarex Airguns - The leader in Air Rifle technology

[00:00] Why crappie are fun, delicious, and an ideal target for spring anglers

[04:30] Multi-species fishing: Why it's essential for success on tough lakes like Beaver

[10:00] Crappie 101: Pre-spawn vs. spawn behavior, best setups, and jig colors

[15:45] How to find spawning crappie and read water clarity for success

[22:00] Bu jigs, tube jigs, and when to use natural vs. bright color baits

[27:00] Light-line striper fishing: Downsizing tackle to get more bites

[34:00] How to fight a big striper properly and land more fish

[40:30] Finding bait balls and how irregular shad patterns reveal feeding activity

[45:00] Summer trolling tips for catching suspended crappie

[47:15] Conservation concerns: Wake boats, shoreline erosion, and fishery decline

[54:00] Why angler education and ethical fishing are crucial for the Ozarks' future

What is The Ozark Podcast?

In the Ozarks, people have always lived in rhythm with the natural world. Hunting, fishing, and living off the land, aren't just things we do, it's who we are. And though our lives are inextricably linked to the land we live on, we've never been more disconnected from it. So join us, as we travel across the region to bring you the voices of the Ozarks to deepen your connection with the land, sharpen your skills in the outdoors, and help you learn what it means to be an Ozarker.

Our hosts are Kyle Veit and Kyle Plunkett - and our producer is Daniel Matthews

Theme music: 'American Millionaire' by JD Clayton

Catch up with us on Instagram and Facebook @theozarkpodcast

PLEASE reach out to us with any recommendations or inquiries: theozarkpodcast@gmail.com