Pointers for lake fishing in TN

[brusk]

Ok I've only lived in TN for a little over a year now and finally have my boat in decent enough shape and taking in out of the lakes now. I realized looking at my fishing gear that basically none of my Maryland river fishing that I've done for the past 15 years will be helpful here. Previously I only needed several spinners and a few crank baits if that didn't catch em nothing was going to, here I am at a loss of what's required. And the biggest bass I would catch in MD rivers was 2-3 lbs so my lightweight poles are useless. Any pointers on what to start with? how heavy duty of a pole and what kind of fish are in these parts? Obviously wanting to stick with Bass but if it's fun or good eatin I'll try others too.

Thanks,
Bruce

 

[gonefishie]

Re: Pointers for lake fishing in TN

Those lightweight rods are more useful then you'd think. Light and finesse are keys in those clear, deep highland reservoirs. Unless, you're on the Cumberland or Tenn river system and you're fishing the ledges then you'll need heavier stuff.

Ask here and you'll get more helps specific to TN.
http://www.fishin.com/forums2/forumdisplay.php?f=170

 

[rascal_rascal_99]

Re: Pointers for lake fishing in TN

Where you are and what bodies of water you're actually fishing in will have you grabbing for totally different lures or baits to catch fish. I can be on 4 different lakes from my house with no more than a 45 minute drive (Tims, Woods, Normandy, Nickajack) and the time of year and lake I'm headed to can all be totally different as far as what to fish with, or even what color. For me trying to answer what I use in general, rubber worms either punkinseed or bubblegum colors, white spinner baits, and I never go to the lake without a rapala fire tiger.

I doubt there's anything wrong with the poles you have unless you're just looking for an excuse to go buy a couple of new ones...lol. I do have a couple of heavier poles that I got because of catfish and rockfishing, but I've got a lightweight rod that is usually out too and I've landed just as big of fish on it as I have my heavier poles.

As for whats good and fun to catch...everything! lol Bass, Stripe, Rockfish, Catfish, Bluegill, Walleye, Trout, Carp, Buffalo, Gar...and probably about a dozen others that could be added to the list that are still fun to catch.

 

[brusk]

Re: Pointers for lake fishing in TN

Well I'm covered on white rooster tails that was the best thing i've ever had luck with in MD. As for the poles I figured my $20 walmart shimano specials could use a slight upgrade and I'd let the boy fish with that. And yes kinda looking for an excuse to just start from scratch. Honestly I don't even have a real tackle box anymore as in MD a little tackle Pack on my belt loop was all I've needed for as long as I can remember unless we were catfishing. I'll see about getting some spinners, worms and a fire tiger then. Im in the nashville area but definately want to check out Nickajack it looks nice everytime I drive down to AL.