Full Day Guided Bass Fishing Trip In Tennessee
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday guided bass fishing targeting three speciesExpert guides accommodate all skill levels comfortablyEighthour small water trips on Tennessee waterways
Looking for a solid day chasing bass in Tennessee's best waters? This full-day guided trip with BRD Outdoors puts you right where the action is. We're talking 8 hours on the water targeting three of the state's most popular bass species - largemouth, smallmouth, and spotted bass. This isn't some cookie-cutter operation either. You get personal attention with just one angler per trip, so your guide can dial in exactly what you need to put fish in the boat. Whether you're working on your technique or gunning for your personal best, we've got the local knowledge to make it happen.
Your guide knows these Tennessee waters like the back of their hand, and that makes all the difference when bass are being picky. We launch early to beat the crowds and hit prime feeding times when bass are most active. The "Small Water Trip" format means we're fishing intimate spots where big fish like to hang out - think structure-rich coves, drop-offs, and cover that most weekend anglers never touch. You'll spend the day learning how to read the water, pick the right presentations, and work different depths depending on what the fish are telling us. The pace stays relaxed but productive, with plenty of time to really dial in your casting and retrieve techniques. Your guide handles boat positioning, so you can focus on what matters - setting the hook and fighting fish.
We fish multiple techniques throughout the day depending on conditions and what's working. Early morning might start with topwater action using buzzbaits or poppers around shallow cover. As the sun gets higher, we'll transition to soft plastics like Texas-rigged worms or creature baits around deeper structure. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits come into play when we're covering water or working transition zones. Your guide carries quality gear, but feel free to bring your own rods if you've got favorites. We're talking medium to medium-heavy setups spooled with 12-15lb fluorocarbon for most situations, stepping up to braid when we're fishing heavy cover. The boat's rigged with electronics to locate structure and baitfish, plus a trolling motor for precise positioning. All tackle and terminal gear is provided, so you just need to show up ready to fish.
Largemouth bass are the bread and butter of Tennessee fishing, and for good reason. These chunky fighters love the state's warm, fertile waters and can be found year-round in different patterns. Spring brings the spawn when big females move shallow and get aggressive on anything that threatens their beds. Summer largemouth stack up on deeper structure during the day but cruise the shallows at dawn and dusk. Fall is prime time - cooler water gets them feeding heavy before winter, and they'll crush moving baits like spinnerbaits and crankbaits. A 3-4 pound largemouth in Tennessee fights like it's twice that size, making long runs and jumping clear of the water. The state record sits at over 14 pounds, so trophy potential is always there.
Smallmouth bass bring a different kind of fight to Tennessee waters. These bronze-backed beauties prefer rocky areas, current breaks, and deeper structure. They're pound-for-pound the strongest fighters you'll tangle with, making screaming runs and aerial displays that'll test your drag. Tennessee's smallies average 2-3 pounds but fish over 5 pounds are caught regularly by anglers who know where to look. They're most active in spring and fall when water temperatures are moderate. Summer finds them deeper, but they'll still eat if you put baits in their face. Jigs, drop shots, and small crankbaits are money for smallmouth, and they often school up so finding one usually means more are nearby.
Spotted bass, or "spots" as locals call them, are the scrappy underdogs of Tennessee bass fishing. They love current and are often found in areas where rivers feed into lakes or around creek channels. Spots hit hard and fight dirty - they'll dive for cover immediately and try to wrap you around anything they can find. They're typically smaller than largemouth but make up for it with attitude. Tennessee spots are most active in fall and winter when other bass species slow down. They school heavily around deep structure and will attack small jigs and spoons aggressively. A 2-pound spot fights like a 4-pound largemouth, and they're excellent table fare if you decide to keep a few for dinner.
This full-day bass fishing experience delivers everything serious anglers want - quality fishing, personal instruction, and access to proven spots that produce fish. BRD Outdoors has built their reputation on putting clients on bass, and this single-angler format ensures you get the attention needed to make the most of your time on the water. Tennessee's bass fishing is world-class, and having a local guide who knows current patterns and productive areas gives you a huge advantage. Whether you're looking to improve your skills, catch your personal best, or just enjoy a day doing what you love, this trip checks all the boxes. Spots fill up fast during prime seasons, so don't wait - book your full-day bass adventure today and get ready to see why Tennessee bass fishing has such a loyal following.
Micropterus SalmoidesThe king of Tennessee bass fishing, largemouth typically run 12-24 inches and 1-4 pounds, though bigger ones are always possible. These green giants love shallow, weedy areas around cover like fallen trees, docks, and thick vegetation. Spring through fall are prime times, but they bite year-round if you know where to look. What makes them special? That famous fight - they'll jump, dive, and give you everything they've got. Plus, they're excellent eating when caught from clean water. Here's a local trick: throw red lures near structure during warmer months. Largemouth are actually attracted to red, and around here, a red crankbait near submerged timber consistently produces fish when other colors won't.
Micropterus DolomieuTennessee's bronze fighters are pound-for-pound the toughest bass you'll hook. Running 12-18 inches on average, smallmouth love clear water with rocky bottoms and current. They're deeper fish, especially in summer when they head down to cooler water. Spring and fall offer the best shallow water action during stable weather. What makes them special? Pure fight - they're absolute bulldogs that'll test your drag and your patience. They're also excellent table fare with firm, mild meat. Early morning and late evening are prime times. Here's the deal: light line and small baits win with smallmouth. Try a 1/8 oz tube jig on 8-pound test around rocky ledges. They're spooky, so keep noise down and stay back from the structure.
Micropterus PunctulatusOften called "spots" or Kentucky bass, these scrappy fighters average smaller than largemouth but pack serious attitude. You'll find them in clearer water around rocky structure and gravel bottoms, typically running 12-18 inches. Unlike their cousins, spots prefer current and deeper water, especially during summer heat. What sets them apart? They school up and fight like crazy - diving deep instead of jumping. Spring and fall are best when they're active in shallower water. The key difference is their connected dorsal fin and those dark spots along their sides. Local tip: when largemouth fishing slows down, switch to deeper rocky points with small jigs. Spots love crayfish patterns bounced along the bottom, and they'll often be stacked up where others won't.
Pickwick Dam, TN