Reel Foot Lake Fishing Advice

Hi All,

I'm new to the site, and just looking for some information on a man's fishing trip I have coming with with some family. I wouldn't say I'm an avid fisherman, but I'm not necessarily a noob either. I've been around water and boating my entire life. Mostly the Mississippi and Castle Rock Lake in WI. We're heading to Reel Foot Lake in Tennessee this month for a fishing trip, and I'm looking for tips and suggestions on fishing equipment.

-Rod & Reels (have one, but plan on buying new)
-Bait for Crappie
-Any other techniques you may be able to provide would be much appreciated. I'm a PGA Golf Pro, not a fisherman by any means so looking for some information!

Thanks guys, I appreciate your help.

I am going to move this to the Tennessee board....I think you will do better there getting answers........Welcome to the site

Sorry, didn't realize there was a specific board for Tennessee....................

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Originally Posted by scoob

Hi All,

I'm new to the site, and just looking for some information on a man's fishing trip I have coming with with some family. I wouldn't say I'm an avid fisherman, but I'm not necessarily a noob either. I've been around water and boating my entire life. Mostly the Mississippi and Castle Rock Lake in WI. We're heading to Reel Foot Lake in Tennessee this month for a fishing trip, and I'm looking for tips and suggestions on fishing equipment.

-Rod & Reels (have one, but plan on buying new)
-Bait for Crappie
-Any other techniques you may be able to provide would be much appreciated. I'm a PGA Golf Pro, not a fisherman by any means so looking for some information!

Thanks guys, I appreciate your help.

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Although I am from East TN, I have been to Reelfoot. If this lake is a new lake to all involved, I would look at hiring a guide for at least one day. That can be a dangerous lake if you don't know it.....and I don't!

Scoob, there are a lot of fishing techniques you can use on Reelfoot. A lot of guys spider rig the main lake. If your not set up for that, you can use a 10 or 12 foot pole and dip stumps. You can cast those same areas, although snags are going to be plentiful. You can short cast and flip the shallows as well. The Lilly pads will be coming up soon and that provides more fishing opportunities.
Im assuming the you are crappie fishing, but there is also good bluegill fishing there as well.
Are you taking a boat? Renting a boat?
Id defiantly have some long poles with 4 or 6 lb test mono, a selection of crappie jigs and colors and size, If you want to bluegill fish crickets or worms or really small jigs will do the trick. Hop across the river to Carthersville , MO and stop in to Grizzly Jig Co. They will have EVERYTHING you will need.
Trust me if this is your first time to Reelfoot, hire a guide the first day and he can show you techniques and where the fish are.

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Originally Posted by scoob

Sorry, didn't realize there was a specific board for Tennessee....................

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Just scroll on down the index page

plus 1 on getting a guide. Rent a boat. There are very mean stumps and lots of rebar lurking just below the surface. The locals used rebar to anchor their nets when commercial fishing was permitted and they are still there.
Ruined a good prop last year and was lucky not to damage my lower unit and I was being very careful

Hey Scoob,

I think you are all set. I heard there is a guy named Goose going with you and he knows that lake well and has done extremely well! HA! Welcome to the site! barrelslime's post has it right. Pads should be in which is always fun as long as we can avoid the winds we should do fine. If we dont make it to Grizzly jigs there is a nice little bait store by Cypress Point which you can pick up some essentials.

Triple on hiring a guide!!! You will be waiting your time going by yourself. Soo much stuff in that lake that those fish can be anywhere. And, if you take your boat, don't go over idle

Goose! I'm doing some research to out-fish ya... gotta be prepared!

Have fun and go slow. Do not go fast.