Tennessee Fishing Tips & Gear Recommendations

Fishing is a favorite activity in Tennessee is full of rivers and lakes. You can catch many types of fish all year. But you need the right gear for the best experience.

Why Fishing Gear Matters

Equipping yourself with the right gear will ensure a good fishing experience and increase your chances of catching more fish. Using the appropriate fishing line, hook, and lure simplifies reeling in your catch. Comfortable clothing and footwear ensure safety and coziness. Polarized sunglasses improve your ability to spot fish in the water, while high-quality rods and reels enable precise casting and retrieval.

Investing in the right gear ultimately leads to a more enjoyable and successful fishing experience.

Gear Category

Details

Rods and Reels

Pick the best rod and reel for the type of fishing you like.

Fishing Line

Get different lines for Tennessee's many water types: monofilament and braided line.

Terminal Tackle

Includes hooks, sinkers, and swivels to help you catch fish.

Fishing Lures

Use different lures for different fish in Tennessee (see list below).

Fly Fishing

Get a fly rod, reel, lines, leaders, tippets, and flies.

Kayak Fishing

For kayak fishing, you need a fishing rod, bait, tackle, life jacket (PFD), paddle, and kayak.

Clothing

Wear comfy and safe clothes: light, tough, and helpful clothes, hats, sunglasses, and grippy shoes.

Fishing Reels

A good reel helps you catch fish. Many kinds of reels have different features.

Fishing Tips

Follow the tips to catch more fish (see the list below).

 

Fishing Lures for Different Fish

Tennessee's diverse aquatic life allows anglers to catch various fish species. To make the most out of your fishing experience, it's important to use the right lure for each type of fish. 

  • Trout: live bait, spinners, spoons, and flies
  • Crappie: live bait, small jigs, and spinners
  • Walleye: live bait, jigs, crankbaits, and spinners
  • Carp: live bait, soft plastic baits, or hair rigs
  • Musky: big lures, swimbaits, jerk baits, topwater plugs, and live bait
  • Catfish: live bait, stink baits, and cut baits
  • Striper: live bait, swimbaits, crankbaits, and topwater plugs

Fishing Tips

Fishing is a fun and rewarding activity that people of all ages and skill levels can enjoy. To improve your chances of catching fish and making the most of your time on the water, it's essential to learn some tips and techniques.

  • Use the best bait for the fish you want
  • Fish in places with good hiding spots
  • Watch the weather and change how you fish
  • Practice casting to get better
  • Reel in slowly to look like natural bait
  • Change how you reel to get fish to bite
  • Wait for the fish to bite before pulling
  • Use a net to get fish out of the water
  • Let fish go to keep them around for others
Travel Guide Type
Fishing Hub