The Tennessee Department Of Tourism Development invited me fishing on some of their great Tennessee lakes. Garry Mason (founder of the Legends Of The Outdoors) was our host throughout the trip. We fished Reelfoot Lake (see that story here: Reelfoot Lake Tennessee Crappie Fishing), Pickwick Lake (story here: Tennessee has some mighty fine fisheries - went fishing with Echols and Brewer) and also Kentucky Lake. Garry made us feel right at home and was a wonderful host throughout. Seems like he just about knows everyone there is to know in Tennessee. Everywhere we went we met friends or acquaintances of his.
On Kentucky Lake we stayed at Buchanan Resort www.buchananresort.com an absolutely beautiful resort right on the water, with a nice family atmosphere. Garry introduced us to the owner which of course he's known for years and years. lol
We stayed in a cabin on the waters edge. It had an Oak Tree growing up through the entryway. If you go there, you'll see exactly what I'm talking about. It was the first cabin to the left of the marina as you look out over the water. It would be a great place to go to with a couple families. The cabin had an interesting arrangement with sinks in the bedrooms (or a bathroom). I can see this type setup providing some nice privacy plus togetherness for two families. Where was this when my kids were young.
They had a beautiful marina with lots of docks and an on water store loaded with everything you might need including souvenirs and snacks. When I was there, some guys were showing off their big bass they caught. They brought them back to the docks for some pics before they released them.
Paris Landing State Park restaurant had a fantastic lunch buffet. I never woulda thought they had such good food and such variety of food at a State Park like they had here. They even had Frog Legs! Coincidentally we seen Dan Dannenmueller's truck there sporting a Crappie.com decal on it. Its kinda hard to see the decal in the picture, but I know it's there because I put it on his truck myself when I fished with him down in Florida earlier this year on the St. Johns River. lol
On Kentucky Lake I fished with Kenny, true multi-species angler, and a college teacher that teaches fishing of all things. Great to know that there are students of the sport we all love so much. Kenny really knows this lake. We fished for Bass, Crappie and Bluegill, and we caught plenty of each. Each species was of course located in a different hotspot of his. Particularly since he grew up on this lake he knew all the hotspots. Some of which he made me promise not to share with anyone cause they truly were hot!! It was a lot of fun fishing with Kenny.
Come to find out the Crappie Masters weigh in was being held that same day in the town of Big Sandy. Kinda figured something was going on since we were seeing all the wrapped trucks and boats around town!
I got the opportunity to say hi to Crappie Masters TV Star Paul Alpers. Quite the personality. Good to see him again. I still remember my 72 mile per hour boat ride I took with him on a freezing morning on the Alabama River. Brrr, I shiver every time I think about it.
Two guesses who this lovely couple is, and the first one don't count. Paul and Vonna (Mr. and Mrs. Crappie Stalker). They had some bad luck that day, their motor conked out on them and they did not get a chance to weigh in any fish. I felt terrible for them with the failure of their new fishing machine, but I'm sure they will get through it.
I also was able to finally meet the Ropers, super nice guys. And what a small world. They had just been fishing with Charlie Brewer as well. Here's my fishing story with Charlie Brewer (same one as mentioned above).
And finally a pic of our good friends, Dan Dannenmueller and Garrett Steel weighing in a nice mess of Crappie during the Crappie Masters weigh in.
Tennessee certainly makes for one great fishing destination. Thank you Tennessee Department Of Tourism Development and Garry Mason for a trip I will not soon forget.
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