Giving Back to the Crappie Community

September 02, 2026

During the hottest part of the summer, it’s great to be able to go fishing in the morning then retreat back to the shore when it gets really hot. For Les Smith of Como, Mississippi, fishing within a stone’s throw of some of the best crappie fishing venues in the world is a blessing, but it’s when he retreats that the real fun begins and where he can give back to the crappie fishing community.

Long ago, Smith, who has been associated with B’n’M Poles for many years, had visions of turning a deer camp he’d constructed into something more–a retreat where crappie anglers could come together to fellowship and enjoy the area. Today, that vision is known as The Crappie Compound Adventures. 

Located between two of the major boat ramps on Lake Sardis, Crappie Compound Adventures is just 10 minutes from Sardis, 35 minutes from Lake Enid, and 45 minutes from Grenada Lake. When asked to describe the property Smith said it’s a place for good friends living the lifestyle of God, Family, and Fishing.

  The Compound regularly hosts events centered around Faith, Family, and Fishing.

Consisting of 7,500 square feet, the Compound boasts a 12-bedroom bunkhouse, 7 bathrooms, and a colossal sized man-cave area complete with big screen TV’s, pool and ping-pong tables, and a huge outdoor kitchen area.

While not open to the general public, Smith said the Compound has had a busy summer hosting various charity and instructional events. The latest was a three-day week-end getaway for the B’n’M Junior Pro Staff to meet, fish and fellowship.

B’n’M pro-staffer John Godwin, a frequent visitor and speaker, can attest that there’s always something good to eat at the Compound.

Prior to that, the compound hosted an inner-city kids fishing rodeo, directed by B’n’M pro-staffer Warren Cotton. In addition, the Crappie Cartel, an internet-based group of B’n’M pro-staff members, frequently hold seminars and outings at the compound.

Smith said the summertime is usually busy at the compound given that it’s prime time for power trolling, a tactic that’s near and dear to his heart and that he has helped pioneer into the modern era (more on power trolling next time). While he loves pushing and pulling Fin Spins and crankbaits on his B'n'M Pro Staff Trolling Rods (PST204s), he loves hosting others with a passion for fishing just as much. 

Les Smith said the crappie fishing in the area is second only to the great people he gets to associate with.

“It’s great to be able to bring people together to fellowship and learn more about this sport of crappie fishing that we all love so much,” said Smith. “Of course, none of this would be possible without the great fishing organizations that I’ve been blessed to be associated with. B’n’M with Jack Wells, Jason McDuffie, and Kent Driscoll being at the top of that list but also great companies like Pico Lures, Church Tackle, Cornfield Fishing Gear, Crappie Magnet lures, and the Grizzly Jig store.”

Smith said that anytime these organizations put together some kind of event on one of the Mississippi Big Four Reservoirs and need a place to do it, he’s more than happy to oblige. He’s especially proud of the annual B’n’M Poles Sore Lip ‘Em All Getaway that gives customer’s a chance to visit the compound and fish with B’n’M pro’s. Registration for the event typically takes place during the annual Grizzle Jig trade show held at Grizzly Jig in Caruthersville, Mo. during February.

“This is just a dream come true for me,” said Smith. “To have this place and share it with the people that mean so much to me.”

Article by Phillip Gentry

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B’n’M is proud of the partnerships we’ve built over the years with great people who share our passions. If you're looking for a new favorite crappie rod, check out our BEST CRAPPIE ROD BY TECHNIQUE GUIDE!

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