Full Day Bass Fishing Trip in Tennessee Waters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Eighthour beginnerfriendly bass fishing trip in Tennessee watersProfessional guide teaches casting and fishing basics throughout experienceTargets Largemouth, Smallmouth, and Spotted Bass with all equipment provided
Tennessee's bass fishing scene is something special, and there's no better way to dive in than with Captain Billy and the crew at BRD Outdoors Guide Service. This 8-hour adventure is built for folks who are new to the game or families looking to spend quality time on the water together. You'll be targeting three of Tennessee's most popular bass species while learning everything from proper casting technique to reading the water like a pro. The pace is relaxed, the instruction is top-notch, and the scenery will remind you why Tennessee anglers are so passionate about their home waters.
Your day starts early with Captain Billy walking you through the basics before you even wet a line. He'll cover boat safety, explain the tackle you'll be using, and give you a quick rundown of the waters you'll be fishing. Tennessee's lakes and reservoirs offer prime bass habitat, with plenty of structure, cover, and varying depths that keep these fish active throughout the day. The boat is set up for comfort and safety, with room for two anglers to fish without getting tangled up. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before – Billy's been teaching beginners for years and has a knack for breaking down complex techniques into simple steps. The focus here is on building confidence while having a good time, not on filling the cooler or impressing anyone with fancy casts.
All your tackle is provided, from medium-heavy spinning rods perfect for beginners to a full selection of lures that work year-round in Tennessee waters. You'll likely start with soft plastics like worms and creature baits since they're forgiving and effective for new anglers. As the day progresses and your confidence builds, Billy might introduce you to crankbaits or topwater lures if conditions are right. The boat is equipped with quality electronics to locate fish and structure, but Billy will also teach you to read the water visually – looking for points, fallen trees, and depth changes that hold bass. Techniques focus on simple presentations that work: Texas-rigged soft plastics, steady retrieves with crankbaits, and basic jigging motions. Nothing too complicated, but everything designed to put fish in the boat while you learn the fundamentals that'll serve you well on future trips.
Largemouth Bass are the bread and butter of Tennessee fishing, and for good reason. These green giants love the state's warm, fertile waters and can be found in everything from shallow grass beds to deep timber. Spring through fall offers the best action, with fish ranging from solid 2-pounders to occasional 5+ pound chunks that'll test your drag. Largemouths are aggressive feeders and relatively predictable, making them perfect for beginners. They hit hard, fight with plenty of head shakes and jumps, and give you that classic bass fishing experience that hooks so many anglers for life.
Smallmouth Bass bring a different kind of fight to Tennessee waters. Pound for pound, they're some of the strongest freshwater fish you'll encounter, known for their aerial displays and never-say-die attitude. Tennessee's smallmouths typically run 1-3 pounds but make up for size with pure determination. They prefer rocky areas, points, and current breaks, often in slightly deeper water than their largemouth cousins. Fall is prime time for smallmouth action as they feed heavily before winter, but they're active most of the year. The bronze-colored fighters are a favorite among guides because they always put on a show and give beginners a real taste of what bass fishing is all about.
Spotted Bass, or "spots" as locals call them, are Tennessee's overlooked bass species but shouldn't be underestimated. They're scrappy fighters that often school up in deeper water and can provide steady action when largemouth and smallmouth fishing slows down. Spots typically run smaller than the other bass species but more than make up for it in numbers and attitude. They're active year-round in Tennessee's deeper lakes and provide excellent opportunities for beginners to practice their technique while building confidence. Many anglers develop a real appreciation for spots once they experience their hard-pulling, determined fights.
This beginner-friendly bass fishing trip offers everything you need for a solid introduction to Tennessee's world-class bass fishing. Captain Billy's patient instruction, quality equipment, and knowledge of local waters create the perfect environment for learning and enjoying your time on the water. Whether you're looking to try something new, planning a family outing, or finally taking that first step into bass fishing, this 8-hour adventure delivers real value. The trip accommodates up to two anglers, ensuring personalized attention and plenty of opportunities to practice your new skills. Tennessee's bass are waiting, and there's no better guide to show you the ropes than the experienced team at BRD Outdoors Guide Service.
Micropterus SalmoidesTennessee's largemouth bass are what most folks think of when they hear "bass fishing." These green giants average 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds, but the big ones can really surprise you. They love hanging around shallow, weedy areas and any kind of structure - downed trees, docks, rock piles. Spring through early summer is prime time when they're active in the shallows. What makes them special is that famous fight - they'll jump, shake, and give you a real workout. Their oversized mouth extends past their eyes, and they're not shy about using it on everything from bluegill to frogs. Here's a local trick: when you're fishing around cover, try a Texas-rigged plastic worm and work it slow. These fish are ambush predators, so patience pays off. They're also decent eating if you want to keep a few from clean water.
Micropterus DolomieuSmallmouth bass are the fighters of Tennessee waters - pound for pound, nothing hits harder or jumps higher. They typically run 12-18 inches and 2-4 pounds, with bronze-colored sides and those telltale vertical bars. You'll find them in clearer water around rocky bottoms, points, and drop-offs. They move deep in summer heat but come shallow in spring and fall when temps are right. Early morning and evening are your best shots year-round. What guests love most is the fight - these fish are pure muscle and will test your drag every time. They're also excellent eating with firm, white meat. For tackle, stick with lighter gear since they're structure-oriented and you need to feel the bottom. Here's my go-to technique: try a tube jig or grub on a light jighead around rocky areas. Work it slow along the bottom and hang on - when a smallmouth hits, you'll know it immediately.
Micropterus PunctulatusSpotted bass are the scrappy middle child of Tennessee's bass family. Usually running 12-20 inches, they're smaller than largemouth but pack serious attitude. You'll find them in clearer water with rocky or gravel bottoms - they love current and structure more than heavy cover. The dead giveaway is those dark spots along their sides and that connected dorsal fin. Unlike largemouth that jump when hooked, spotted bass dive deep and fight like smallmouth. They school up more than other bass, so where you catch one, there's usually more. Spring and fall are your best bets when water temps are moderate. They're aggressive feeders and will hit most anything - crankbaits, jigs, even topwater early and late. Pro tip: when you're fishing rocky points or creek channels, downsize your lures a bit. Their smaller mouths mean they prefer bite-sized meals, but they'll make up for it with numbers.
Pickwick Dam, TN