About Charlie Bunting- 2026 Pro Staff Member

Charlie Bunting, of Jefferson City, Missouri, has built a long and successful career as a competitive crappie angler. Fishing tournaments since 1997, Charlie has spent decades refining his skills and building a reputation as one of the most consistent competitors in the crappie fishing world.

Much of Charlie’s time on the water is spent fishing alongside his son, Travis, as Team Bunting competes on lakes across the region. The pair regularly fish Truman Lake and Lake of the Ozarks, where they have proven themselves to be a team to watch year after year. Today, Charlie runs a Phoenix boat and continues to pursue his passion for chasing crappie on some of the Midwest’s best fisheries.

Charlie’s impressive tournament résumé includes more than 30 qualifications and numerous in-the-money finishes, along with several major titles. His accomplishments include becoming the 2005 Crappie USA Classic Champion, winning the Crappie USA National Points Race in 2007, earning the Mississippi State Championship in 2008, capturing a Crappie Masters Championship in 2012, and winning on the American Crappie Trail in 2017.

Over the course of his decorated fishing career, Charlie has owned and fished out of more than 20 boats, choosing Angler’s Port Marine for his last six boats, a testament to the dealership’s commitment to serious anglers.

Charlie proudly represents Angler’s Port Marine along with Mercury Marine, B&M Poles, Phoenix Boats, Beat Down Outdoors, Power Poles, Muddy Water Baits, K9 Line, Double Seat, HH Reel, Amped Outdoors and Mike Baker Videos.