Meet the Thermocline Pro Staff – skilled anglers who trust and rely on Thermocline Lures to bring home the best catches

Dillon Gossett holding a golden crappie fish with a bright blue sky in the background, dressed in a fishing jacket and Thermocline trucker hat.

East Texas

Dillon Gossett

Dillon Gossett is a dedicated firefighter and paramedic with a passion for the outdoors and a love for competitive fishing. As the owner and operator of Redline Guide Service, he shares his expertise on East Texas lakes, including Lake Fork, Lake Palestine, Bob Sandlin, and Lake O' The Pines. With years of experience guiding anglers of all skill levels, Dillon provides personalized fishing experiences tailored to his clients' needs and goals.

Dillon is an accomplished tournament fisherman, having achieved remarkable success in recent years. He proudly holds the title of Texas State Champion for three consecutive years (2021, 2022, and 2023) and was named Angler Team of the Year in 2022. His competitive spirit and deep knowledge of local waters make him a sought-after guide for those looking to enhance their fishing skills and enjoy the thrill of the catch.

Redline Guide Services
Clay Gann holding two crappie fish with a vibrant green and wooded background, dressed in a tournament fishing shirt and cap

East Texas

Clay Gann

Clay Gann is a dedicated crappie fishing guide and passionate tournament angler based in Texas. With over 150 guiding trips a year, he delights in sharing his love for fishing with individuals of all ages and skill levels. His journey in the fishing world began in 2015 when he joined the Crappie Anglers of Texas (CAT), a non-profit organization focused on educating anglers and promoting sportsmanship.

As a competitive angler, Clay has made a name for himself in the tournament circuit, competing in 124 events and securing 23 first-place finishes. His impressive accolades include multiple top placements in the prestigious Mr. Crappie Classic and recognition as Crappie Masters Sportsman of the Year in 2023. With a deep appreciation for the journey that brought him to the national stage, Clay continues to pursue his passion for fishing, inspiring others along the way and proving that hard work and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements in the sport.

Clay Gann Website

Crappie Guide Service
Tommy Ezell smiling while holding a large crappie fish, dressed in a Thermocline Lures hoodie and cap, standing in front of a lake.

Texas

Tommy Ezell

Tommy Ezell is a prominent figure in the crappie fishing industry, boasting 15 years of experience that has allowed him to cultivate strong relationships with vendors and anglers across the United States. His dedication to the sport is evident through his active participation in product development and his commitment to educating fellow enthusiasts. Tommy has made a significant impact at tackle shows, where he conducts seminars that reach thousands of crappie anglers nationwide, sharing insights and techniques that elevate the fishing experience.

Among his many accomplishments, Tommy is proud to have achieved the largest pre-LiveScope stringer in Texas during a Crappie Anglers of Texas tournament held at Lake O the Pines. His passion for crappie fishing extends beyond personal achievements; he actively engages with the community by volunteering as the President of the Williams Creek Crappie Club of Lake Fork. Through his social media presence, seminars, and community involvement, Tommy continues to inspire and connect with anglers, making him a standout figure in the crappie fishing world.

Facebook: Texas Crappie Pro

Texas Crappie Guide
Joe Partenza holding a crappie fish near a serene lake backdrop, wearing sunglasses and a light gray fishing hoodie.

Monticello, GA

Joe Partenza

Joe “The Crappie Ninja” Partenza is a seasoned angler and the proud owner of the Crappie Ninja Guide Service based in Georgia. With years of guiding experience under his belt, Joe has made a name for himself in the fishing community, earning a feature in Georgia Outdoor News Magazine on October 6th, 2021, in an article titled “Lake Jackson and The Crappie Ninja.” His dedication to the sport and expertise in crappie fishing have made him a sought-after guide for fishing enthusiasts looking to enjoy the thrill of angling in Georgia’s waters.

In addition to his guiding services, Joe has demonstrated his competitive spirit on the tournament circuit. He achieved a Top 10 finish at the American Crappie Trail General Tire Qualifier on the Alabama River and made waves at the ACT National Championship at Lake D’Arbonne, where he landed a 3.08 lb crappie, earning the Big Fish Award. His accolades also include being the 2021 Bigfishheads Oconee Derby Champion with a 2 lb 5.7 oz crappie, and he showcased his talent in 2025 partnering up with Eric Cagle to win the National Crappie Expo!  Joe’s passion for fishing and commitment to excellence continue to drive his success in both guiding and competitive fishing.

Crappie Ninja Guide Service
Jerry Hancock holding a crappie fish against a cloudy sky, wearing a gray fishing outfit and cap, equipped with fishing gear.

Lake Fork, TX

Jerry Hancock

JerryHancockis a renowned crappie guide and tournament angler with decades of experience on the water. Based in Texas on Lake Fork,Jerryhas developed a reputation for his expertise in crappie fishing techniques and his deep understanding of local waterways. His passion for fishing began at a young age, inspired by family trips to lakes and rivers. Over the years, he has honed his skills, becoming a trusted guide for both novice and experienced anglers seeking to improve their catch rates. Jerry’s dedication to the sport is evident in his commitment to teaching others, sharing valuable tips and strategies that have helped countless fishermen enjoy successful outings.

In addition to guiding, Jerry has made a name for himself on the competitive fishing circuit, participating in numerous crappie tournaments across the region. His impressive tournament record showcases his ability to adapt to varying conditions and his keen instincts for locating fish. He is the current 2024 Texas State Champion and the 2020 National Crappie Expo Champion. Jerry Hancock continues to inspire and educate fellow anglers, making him a standout figure in the crappie fishing community.

Jerry Hancock Fishing
Brad Cooper showcasing two large crappie fish, wearing a dark hoodie and a patriotic blue cap, standing in an outdoor setting.

Lavon, TX

Brad Cooper

Brad Cooper is the passionate owner of Crappie Killer Guide Services, specializing in guiding fishing enthusiasts on the picturesque waters of Lake Lavon and Lake Fork in Texas. Renowned for his unique approach, Brad is one of the few guides who exclusively uses jigs, showcasing his expertise and dedication to the craft. His favorite baits, including the Tadpole in colors like Phantom, Swamp Thang, and Midnite Neon, have become staples for many anglers looking to enhance their fishing experience.

With years of experience under his belt, Brad has been instrumental in sharing the joys of crappie fishing with others. As an artificial bait-only angler, he has developed a wealth of tips and techniques that have helped elevate the sport across Texas. His commitment to mentoring fellow anglers not only showcases his love for fishing but also his desire to foster a vibrant fishing community, ensuring that the sport continues to thrive for future generations.

Facebook
Eric Cagle proudly holding a crappie fish on a chilly day, wearing a black fishing jacket and custom C&M cap.

Alabama

Eric Cagle

Alabama guide at C & M Guide Service in Alabama, Eric Cagle, has earned a reputation as a soft-spoken gentle giant, hard-working and a crappie-catching machine. He has stayed on the cutting edge of electronics and matches it with his casting/pitching technique to create a consistent and fun way to catch crappie.

Eric Cagle fishes national tournaments, was half of the 2018 Crappie Masters Rookie Team of the Year, 2020 Grenada Lake tournament winner, he won the 2020 Crappie Masters National Championship held in September 2020 on the Ouachita River. Eric and his partner Joe Partenza recently won the National Crappie Expo on Table Rock Lake. His accomplishments speaks for themselves and would be a great pick for a day on the water!

Eric Cagle Fishing