Doing Something Different 7-5-2011

Daniel still has 4 weeks to go before school starts again and we are on a quest to fish as much as we can on his day's off from work.  Today we had a blast wading the river and the Flat Head Cat Fish and Walleye  above was our 2 largest fish although Daniel did catch 2 Largemouth in the 2 1/2lb range to far away from me to take a picture. We also released a couple other species, ALL yes ALL caught on a Luhr-Jensen Bangtail In Line Spinner www.luhrjesen.com and on 6lb test SUFIX PROMIX MONO www.sufix.com . Folks I keep saying this but it's true the Pro Mix is soft-very little memory and super strong-you need to give it a try. If your local sporting goods store dosen't carry Pro Mix you need to ask them to special order some for you-this line is fantastic. More Thursday....Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

On The Lighter Side 6-30-2011

As I stated in the post of 6-23-2011 below our family is on vacation this week celebrating our 20th anniversary and Daniels 16th birthday. I hadn't intended to fish at all this week but decided to get Rena out in the new boat for the first time yesterday.  Here was the challenge...have you ever tried to talk your wife who is on vacation to get up at 3:30am when she could sleep in to go fishing? Well she did and we got to the lake at 5:30am and fished until 9:15am until the temp began to rise.  It wasn't so much catching a bunch of fish as it was just being together on the water-but here is what happened fish wise. The fish we found were suspended in 10 to 12 feet of water yesterday so I used the Trolls-To 10ft Swimming Minnow, I used my GPS and trolled the same line over and over-Daniel caught the Hybrid and Smallmouth pictured above ...plus...we caught at least 25 White Bass up to 1 1/2lbs and had a ball all in less than 4 hours. No we didn't catch a boat load of wall hangers, but we did have a very relaxing family time together on the lake almost by ourselves. I have all 3 sizes of the Trolls-To Minnow pictured above-20ft-15ft and 10ft. you can check them out at www.rapala.com .  We trolled these baits on 10lb test Sufix Pro Mix www.sufix.com  using 7 foot med action spinning rods.  By the way I let her sleep in this morning.......Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 6-23-2011

Last Christmas Brenda Cunningham gave her son Sam Scharder a gift certificate to fish with me on Tim's and today was the day. We caught and released several fish not pictured and lost 2 or 3 very good fish throughout the day.  (one on a swim jig that had shoulders plus) We caught fish on a Prowler Slim Jim www.prowlerlures.com  a McFerrin Swim Jig www.meanmouthlureco.com  and something that I had never tried before a Rapala Trolls-To Minnow. www.rapala.com When the lake began to get busy (I'm glad I don't fish on the weekends on a normal basis)  I took Sam and Brenda to a branch where I knew there had been Hybrids suspended in 12 to 15 feet of water that would have little boat traffic.  Rapala sent me these 15 foot Trolls To baits early this year and I found out quickly they work big time. The ones we were using would run 15 feet deep when we released 100 feet of Sufix 10lb Test Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com  which was exactly where these fish were suspended. These are flat sided Balsa Wood constructed baits with an internal rattle that will troll at a specified targeted zone. They come in 12 colors and 3 depth ranges 10ft-15ft and 20 foot. You can watch a video on them  by going to www.rapala.com click on USA and then BAITS. Scroll down to the Trolls-To baits and click.........For those of you that troll on a regular basis these baits are a must. For those of you that chunk and wind like I do all the time these add another alternative when you are faced with 90 degree air temps, mile high skies and more boats on the water in one day than you want to see in a whole year like we were today. Now to the good part! Why is Brenda smiling so big in the upper right hand picture? Because she caught her personal best Smallmouth that weighed in at a even 4lbs 10 ounces on my digital scales....by the way she caught the other pictured Smallmouth as well...2 great folks that are fun to share a boat with. We are going to do it again late this fall/early winter. On vacation next week....Daniel turns 16 and it's Rena and my 20th anniversary all this week so it will be a couple weeks before I post again. Until then be safe. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 6-23-2011

Daniel and I took advantage of the overcast and 72 degree air temp this morning and fished Tim's from 7:00am until 10:15am. We caught and released a total of 8...both  Largemouth came on a 3/8 Luhr-Jensen Krocodile Spoon www.luhr-jensen.com  and all the Smallmouth on a McFerrin Swim Jig  www.meanmouthlureco.com  and a Prowler Slim Jim www.prowlerlures.com. with the tail dipped JJ's Magic Chartreuse www.jjsmagic.com  I rig the Slim Jim on a 1/0 VMC Round Bend Worm Hook....these are ultra sharp and you get a great hook up....line as always is Sufix Pro Mix 6 to 10 lb test www.sufix.com depending on what I'm throwing.  All of these great products can be purchased at most local tackle stores-If they aren't carrying a particular item ask them to order it for you to come in on their next order. Rick Mcferrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 6-14-2011

Daniel (my youngest) , Kyle Perryman and I fished Tim's for about 3 hours or so this morning looking for a good Rapala Skitter Walk top water bite which never happened for us, but it did turn into a Rapala DT6 bite www.rapala.com  on 6lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com Daniel put it on us in that short period of time, "I taught him well"....Must be that hat he's wearing or should I say part of a hat...There was sporadic top water action but to far away and they didn't stay up more than just a few seconds.  Water temps was 83 degrees, very clear and still holding just a little above summer pool.  Good time with 2 good guys....I will have more to report later in the week......Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Elk River Trout 6-9-2011

Good friend David Honey and I floated the Elk River this morning and what a day we had. David has been after me to do this for the past 2 years and we just never got to it. But today we loaded all the equipment into his 14ft Jon boat at his house at day light , then drove to one area where we left his truck then several more miles to where we put in.  David has been doing this for many many years and knows all the holes and the river extremely well. This was one relaxing day tossing night crawlers on a light action 6ft rod and 6lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com . We caught our limit within the first 3 hours including the big Brown that I'm holding above. This is the biggest trout that I have ever caught, and after being in a cooler on ice for 6 hours it still weighed 7lb 7oz by my digital scale when I got back to the house. I very seldom keep fish but this one is going on the wall and the other 13 on the grill......This was just a fantastic change of pace.......Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 6-7-2011

I fished Tim's this morning from 5:00am until 10:00am with Jason Lee and James Gilliskie. Lake elevation is still a little high and the water is 84 degrees and very clear. Air temp when we left the lake was 91 degrees and headed to 96 degrees. We had a good top water bite early on and as the day progressed it got plain tough. We lost 3 good fish, 1 Hybrid-1 Largemouth and 1 Smallmouth and released others not pictured. Rapala Skitter Walk www.rapala.com Sufix 8lb Test Pro Mix mono www.sufix.com Prowler Soft Shad www.prowlerlures.com dipped in JJ's Magic Chartreuse www.jjsmagic.com a a 2/0 VMC Wide Gap Hook www.vmchooks.com did   the damage. If you are headed to Tim's anytime soon I would take advantage of the early morning hours (or) plan to fish at night.  Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Caney Fork/Rocky River 6-3-2011

This morning I had the pleasure of fishing with long time friend and Tennessee Bass Guides Guide Jon Simmons from 5am until 9:30am on the Caney Fork River above Center Hill. . Jon is one of the best jig fishermen that I know of here in middle Tennessee. He lives about 20 minutes from the ramp on the Caney Fork and fishes this upper region at least a couple times a week after work or Saturday mornings. Since the beginning of April through this morning Jon estimates that he has caught somewhere between 150 to 175 bass (of all sizes) on a 1/4oz Black and Blue McFerrin Signature Series Swim Jig and craw trailer. Jon said it is the only jig that I have been throwing and works like a dream. Sometimes Jon would swim it back all the way and at times he would let it fall around the lay down and grass patches. One trip 2 week ago he and his father had 5 fish that would have weighed near 20lbs, Jon said it was the best big fish day that he may have ever had on the Caney.  Today although we didn't put a big fish in the boat we still caught and released 25 on the same black and blue and I was using a Prowler 4 inch C Legs trailer www.prowlerlures.com We both dip our swim jigs in Clear JJ's Magic. www.jjsmagic.com  I was using the same 8lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono that I always use, this is one tough easy casting line. www.sufix.com  We could have taken more pic's but I wanted you to see a few that we caught today. A list of the stores that are carrying my swim jig is listed above.....check out the other trips below-this is the 3rd different body of water in just the past 18 days that the McFerrin swim jig has produced fish, this IS NOT a Tim's Ford only bait. They will work where you fish as well.....Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Lake Normandy  5-26-2011

What a way to start your day! I know I have visitors on my site from all over the U.S. and outside the U.S. as well. So I need to explain what we have been experiencing here in middle Tennessee. Like much of our country we have had a series of violent tornados and thunderstorms over the past few days. Last night our family spent much of the night (without electricity) in the basement as these storms and straight line winds  rolled through our Cannon County. I think I slept 90 minutes all night....David had zero sleep at his house.......BUT.......that wasn't going to stop us we were going somewhere fishing, so we met at Barton Springs Ramp at 6:00am.......AND.....sit for 3 1/2 hours (9:30am) as thunder/lightening storms past through over and over. When it finally did break (with mile high skies) we did manage to catch what you see above on a Golden Pumpkin McFerrin Signature Series Swim Jig with a Prowler Craw www.prowlerlures.com  and a Carolina Rigged Lizard.  I was throwing 8lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono on my swim jig www.sufix.com and David as throwing the New Sufix 832 Braid with a 10lb leader on his rig. But that's not all the story....for those of you that fish Normandy you know what I mean.  We kept looking for that 1 spot that held some of those BIG Normandy Largemouth, and near at 4:30 we pulled up on an area and found them....the only problem we lost all three......between no sleep and aggravation David and I promptly loaded the boat and headed home......At the ramp I think David said that this was another "What Could Have Been" trip.......But in reality what it was...two good friends enjoying fishing together and just having a good time. David and I have managed to put some good (and several) fish in the boat together over the past 3 years and Lord willing we will again....Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com 

Tim's Ford 5-23-2011

I fished Tim's today with Eugene and Kent Sissom. Truthfully we struggled all day throwing everything in the boat with the exception of a Carolina Rig and the fish above was it.  Most of the morning the lake was slick as a mirror and if you fish Tim's you know what that can mean. When we did get some wind that was when we caught our fish. All of these were caught on a Rapala X Rap www.rapala.com and 8lb Test Sufix Pro Mix Mono. www.sufix.com.   Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Nick A Jack 5-19-2011

First let me say there are no double pictures. Mr. David Honey and I had a terrific day on Nick A Jack. We were in fish from the get go and stayed on fish until the time we put the boat back on the trailer.  A Green Pumpkin Prowler Finesse Worm www.prowlerlures.com  with the tail dipped in Chartreuse JJ's Magic www.jjsmagic.com rigged on a VMC Dominator Shaky Head Jig www.vmchooks.com  and 2 colors of the McFerrin Signature Swim Jigs (Black and Blue and Golden Pumpkin) with a Prowler Craw Trailer did the trick today. I had both of the rods spooled with Sufix 8lb Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com . There is s list above of the locations where the swim jig is being stocked.   All of these stores have a great selection of everything you need no matter what lake you are fishing.  More to come. Rick Mcferrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Lake Normandy 5-17-2011

I fished Lake Normandy today with Mr. Mike Reed. We didn't get to the lake until 7:15am or so and left at 4:00pm. Water temp was 68 degrees and the lake is down a little bit from the time I was here several week agoand has good color. We had a cold North West Wind all day and the air temp at the ramp when we left was 56 degrees. We caught all our fish on a Pumpkin 1/4oz McFerrin Signature Swim Jig (you can get these at Barton Spring on Normandy)  A Prowler Pumpkin Shaky Head Work www.prowlerlures.com on a VMC 1/8oz Dominator Jig head www.vmchooks.com  8lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com and a buzz bait.  A good day and a lot of fun-not sure Mike wants me to tell this but he lost a legitimate 7lb plus fish today as well......It will haunt him for a long time. Rick Mcferrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 5-14-2011

I fished with Josh Thacker and Gary Bray today on Tim's and struggled to put any good Smallmouth in the boat. We stayed with Tuffys all day and the bite (on big fish) wasn't there for us.  We caught several in the 13 inch and down range. But all in all we had a good day.  Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 5-13-2011

I met Tommy Terrill at the ramp at 5:30 and by 5:45 we already had two great Smallmouth in the boat and Tommy had already caught the biggest Smallmouth that he had ever caught....But that wasn't the end he topped the first one later on in the day.  VMC #10 Octopus Live Bait Hook www.vmchooks.com  Sufix 6lb Test Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com a small split shot and a Tuffy. We had an absolute blast-and Tommy was great to fish with, he handled these big smallies with no problem. We also caught several smaller fish the we didn't take a picture of. More tomorrow  Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 5-10-2011

This was my second day with Parker and it was another good one. These are the picture fish we had several other smaller ones as well.  Same baits as yesterday Rapala Skitter Walk and a Rapala X Rap www.rapala.com  Sufix  8lb test Pro Mix and the new 832 Braided Line www.sufix.com 2 great days with a very good guy and as I said yesterday a very good fisherman. No double pictures. More the end of the week. Rick McFerrin  www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 5-9-2001

What a fantastic day with Parker Crist today on Tim's. Parker is from California and we fished together last year when he was here visiting and he is a very good fisherman.   We caught several other smaller fish that we didn't take pictures of and I got my line broke twice.( Need to check those knots on light line 6 & 8 lb test) Rapala Skitter Walk and a Rapala X Rap www.rapala.com  did the damage today. We will be back on the water tomorrow  and I will update you then. By the way there are NO DOUBLE pictures Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 5-3-2011

I met Ken Jenkins in Manchester this morning at 5:00am and it was already pouring rain and the air temp had dropped  from 60 degrees to 58 in about 30 minutes. It continued to pour (side ways at times) and when we left the lake at 10:30am the air temp had dropped to 49 degrees......truthfully it was miserable. However we did mange to put what you see above in the boat in 4 1/2 hours on a VMC Smoochin Head Jig www.vmchooks.com and grub combo and line of choice for both of us was 8lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono.  www.sufix.com We also lost 6 or 7 that we just didn't get hooked up on....We have Revival at the church the rest of the week so I won't have any reports until next Monday. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford  4-29-5-2-2001

Over the past 2 weeks I decided to take a break but did fish on Friday the 29th getting ready for my trip today with Steve and Melissa Postma from Michigan and the fish were where I thought they should be. Today we retraced my steps from last Friday and had a blast.  We lost several nice Smallmouth as well as getting our line broken on a couple big Rockfish. Steve and Melissa are on their 15 wedding anniversary trip and it was a joy sharing the day with them. I fished with this couple years ago when I was guiding Old Hickory and as fate would have it we had great trip both times.  Steve was on fire today-and it was exciting watching him. Over the past two trip I used a VMC Dominator Smoochin Head Jig, Vmc Bait Keeper Hooks www.vmchooks.com Prowler Blue Gill Grubs www.prowlerlures.com  Sufix 6lb and 8lb test Pro Mix line www.sufix.com  and today Tuffy Minnows. More tomarrow if we don't get ran off the lake because of storms......Rick Mcferrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 4-15-2011

It was a very very short day and these pictures really don't do justice to the time that Dennis and Kyle Perryman spent with me this morning on Tim's. We were on fish from our very first stop and then almost immediately the storm moved through with thunder and lightening. We caught several smaller fish not pictured and lost some on a #10 Olive Green Rapala X Rap that we just couldn't keep stuck. We also caught several on a Hologram Bluegill Luhr-Jensen Speed Trap www.luhrjensen.com Back to the ramp and it was over....I'm going to take Kyle again after he gets out of MTSU for the summer....2 great guys and great fellowship. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

April 11-12-2011

Pictured above are the best fish over the past 2 days of fishing with Mark Crunk, Kevin Thompson and John Wolf.  We also had several smaller fish as well. It has been extremely windy and we had a high pressure system sitting over us for the past 2 days and there was no easy ones for sure. All of our fish came on  a Rapala X Rap www.rapala.com Terminator Spinner Bait www.termionatorlures.com  Prowler Grubs www.prowlerlures.com  Luhr Jensen Speed Trap www.luhrjensen.com and a McFerrin Signature Swim Jig (Pumpkin Pepper) tipped with a Prowler Grub.  And of course Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 4-8-2011

I fished Tim's today with Clint Sholes and Mickey Bald.  We started out with the Terminator Spinner Bait but couldn't get bit so we switched to a Rapala X Rap www.rapala.com and a Pumpkin Pepper McFerrin Signature Swim Jig with a Prowler Green Pumpkin Grub www.prowlerlures.com and that did the trick for us. We lost 5 or 6 other fish that came unbuttoned as well. These are 2 great young guys and a lot of fun to fish with.  More next week.  Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com (list of stores currently stocking my swim jig is listed above.)

Tim's Ford 4-7-2011

I had a couple cancellations the first part of the week due to the storm but yesterday David Honey and I scouted out a lot of water. We ran more yesterday than we would in 5 or 6 trips combined looking for other areas that will produce numbers and quality of fish. And the results are what you see above other than one "BIGGGG!!!  Smallmouth that David had on, jumped a couple times and away she went.  Water temps still in the mid to low 50's with good color and almost to pool.  Terminator Spinner Bait www.terminatorlures.com with a Prowler Grub Trailer www.prowlerlures.com  and a 1/8ounce jig head and Prowler grub did all the damaged what little bite  there was.  Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.co

Old Hickory 3-31-2011

I went back to my old stomping grounds with long time friend Ken Jenkins today for my annual Old Hickory trip and the water was "cold". Evidently the Corp is letting a lot of water out out Cordell Hull plus the cold days-nights and rains that we have had here in middle Tennessee it has cooled the water temps considerably. But we still managed 7 total on a Terminator Spinner Bait www.terminatorlures.com and a Rapala DT6 www.rapala.com. Ken will be coming to Tim's to fish with me some time in May......Allot of fun with a good friend....More to come next week.....Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 3-28&30-2011

I fished the lower end of Tim's Monday with Marty Youngblood and the upper end with Lonnie Darr today. All of our fish were caught on the following. Rapala Shad Rap, Rapala X Rap, Rapala DT6 www.rapala.com Terminator Spinner Bait www.terminatorlures.com with a Prowler Grub Trailer www.prowlerlures.com and a Pumpkin and Black & Blue McFerrin Signature Series Swim Jig with a prowler trailer dipped in Clear JJ's Magic www.jj'smagic.com .(see tips page for swim jig article) list of stores where available below. 6lb and 8lb Sufix Pro Mix mono www.sufix.com Water temps were down about 4 degrees or better since we had the cold from move through. I had 2 good days with these fine gentlemen  Rick  www.tennesseebassguides.com

March 24-2011

We have been on vacation this week but I did manage to get to Tim's today and did I ever have a great time, unfortunately Daniel didn't get out of bed this morning so as you can tell by the pictures I was by myself. I caught and released well over 30 Largemouth and Smallmouth today on the following. Rapala X Rap www.rapala.com White Terminator Spinner bait www.terminatorlures.com  and a 1/4 ounce Blk/Blue and 1/4 ounce Brown  Rick McFerrin Signature Swim Jig  with a Prowler Grub trailer www.prowler;lures.com  dipped in Clear JJ's Magic www.jjsmagic.com   And as always I use Sufix 6lb-8lb and 10lb test Pro Mix line www.sufix.com  The wind stayed brisk all day out of the North and water temps varied between 60.6 and 59.3 just about everywhere I fished.  I had to swim the jig a little slower than I like to today but it was a good thud when they connected. The X Rap and Terminator fish were very aggressive......I like that. More  next week. Rick Mcferrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford w/o 3-14-2011

This has been a challenging week to find Smallmouth on Tim's for me. Never really got on a good Small mouth pattern but if you want to stay in the upper end you can catch some decent Largemouth. All fish this week were caught on the following. Terminator Spinner Bait www.terminatorlures.com  with a Prowler Grub trailer www.prowlerlures.com  VMC Smoochin Minnow Head Jig www.vmchooks.com with a Prowler Grub dipped in JJ's Magic www.jjsmagic.com and a Rapala DT6 www.rapala.com . Everything on 6 and 8lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com  Thanks to the Thomas father and son team, Joe Perdzock and Ritchie Hunter for 3 enjoyable days and for their patience. Rick Mcferrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 3-8-2011

David Honey and I met at 7:30am and fished until the rain hit about 1:00pm. Water temps had fallen as well as the air temps as the day progressed. We caught fish on the following. Rapala DT6 BlueGill, Rapala  Bleeding Chartreuse #5 Shad Rap and a 3/8 oz Terminator Spinner Bait. We lost 2 smallmouth, one of them was a  good fish and had several shorts as well.  Unless the weather get's real bad I have trips on Thursday and Friday and will up date you then. Keep moving and stay in the wind. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 3-4-2011

Tim White and I fished Tim's this morning for 4 1/2 hrs and the 5 pictures above was our best fish for the day.  Water temps are still hanging around 49 to 50.4 degrees and slowly rising. For the past 2 days on Tim's and Nick A Jack all the fish we caught were caught on the baits that are pictured above. Rapala DT6 Natural Shad...Blue Shad...and Helsinki Shad also the Rapala #10 Olive Green X Rap www.rapala.com  Yesterday we field tested the "NEW" Sufix 832 Braid...all I can say is fantastic.  Today we went back to the  6 lb & 8lb Sufix Pro Mix www.sufix.com  fantastic as well!!!! More to come next week. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Nick A Jack 3-3-2011

I fished Nick A Jack today with Rapala Pro Staffer Tim White. We fished from 6:30am until the wind got to much for us to deal with around 1:00pm. Rapala DT 6, DT 10's and Rapala X Rap was by far the best for us today. www.rapala.com  Water was 53 degrees and levels were down about 1 1/2 feet. Plus the Corp was generating full blast. We will be on Tim's Ford tomorrow, Doug Markham's show Saturday morning from 5:00am until 7:00am and then at the Murfreesboro Outdoors Event Saturday from 9:00am until 3:00pm stop by and see us.....Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com 

Tim's Ford 3-1-2011

David and I put in this morning at 7:30am and was met with a stout cold wind out of the Northwest and 34 degree air temp.  The storms yesterday left almost a 1/2 mile long stretch of downed trees, damaged homes and debris scattered every where on our way to the ramp. Huge trees uprooted like match sticks.  We didn't know what to expect when we got to the lake and we quickly found out that the fish were hunkered down and wouldn't hit any kind of a running bait (at least for us.) That's when David put on a shaky head worm and went to work. We caught the 9 total and had 4 other bites that we didn't hook up on. By the way I was a great net guy-David put it on me.  More Thursday and Friday.....Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 2-24-2011

I fished today with Mr. David Honey and it was great to be back on the water with him. David has been down for about 4-5 weeks with the crud and is on the rebound.  Winds blew for us most of the day and the rain stayed all morning, water temps in the low 50's and the Rapala DT6 Blue Gill color www.rapala.com on 6lb test Sufix 6lb Test Pro Mix Line www.sufix.com  once again made a great combination. 6 Smallmouth and 7 Largemouth. More tomorrow Lord willing Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 2-21-2011

Mr. Earl Hull and I met at Devils Step at 7:00am and fished until 2:30pm. We caught and released 2 Smallmouth-15 Largemouth and 2 Hybrids. Most of the largemouth was about the size that you see above. Largemouth numbers was good but the quality was lacking.  Rapala #10 XRap and the #5 Bleeding Olive Shad Rap on  6lb Test Sufix Pro Mix www.sufix.com. This line is unbelievably strong, low memory and small diameter. If you will try it you wont be disappointed. The wind stayed strong all day and the best water temp we found was 52 degrees.  WARNING>>>>>>>There has been 3 trucks that have had their windows busted out at the Turkey Creek Ramp in the past week......Might be good to avoid this ramp for a while until traffic beings to pick up.  Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 2-14-2011

The doctor released me last Friday from the operation that I had in December and this is the 1st time to run the boat by myself and to fish Tim's since December 10-10.  I got to the Devils step ramp at 7:30am and fish until 1:00pm. I fished up lake and the best water temps that I could find was around 43 degrees. I didn't fish above the bass club where I'm sure the water was warmer, but there was already several boats heading in that direction so I avoided the crowd. I caught and released 14 Largemouth and 1 Smallmouth. I also had 4 fish (1 good one) pull off right at the boat. I tossed just about everything but the #5 Rapala Shad Rap (Bleeding Olive Shiner) and 6lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com was the absolute best hands down. www.rapala.com  No big fish but believe me it felt great to be back on the water. I booking trips for the spring/summer season. Oh yes before I forget, I talked with a couple gentlemen at the ramp that said they have been catching Smallmouth on creek minnows which this time of the year is still a great option. More to come  Rick www.tennesseebassguides.com

Guntersville 1-31-2011

First I need to let you know that the dates on the pictures are wrong. My batteries died and I didn't notice the change in the dates until I got home. Last week long time friend Billy Campbell asked me if I wanted to go to Guntersville with him today. This is my first trip out since my operation and I still haven't been released from the doc to run my boat on my own-so I jumped at the offer and was happy to hold down the back of his boat. Billy and I caught and released 22 Largemouth (12 pictured above) These fish would nail a Luhr-Jensen Texas Red Speed Trap www.luhr-jensen.com Water temps ranged from 49 to 52 and was dingy. A great day on the water with a very good long time friend.....Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 12-10-2010

I spent a  very enjoyable day on Tim's with Michael McDaniel from Dallas Texas.  The minnow bite was tough again today (at least for us) but we did manage to put 7 or 8 in the boat plus some Channel Catfish. Anyone that thinks that catfish won't bite in the winter needs to come to Tim's with a bucket of minnows. Michael is not only a very good fisherman but a new father as well.  Congratulations Michael!!!! Tuffy Minnows 6lb Sufix Pro Mix www.sufix.com and VMC #2 BaitHolder Hooks www.vmchooks.com   We will see what the weather brings next week...I have 4 days booked and I will update you each day. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 12-9-2010

The bite was tough for David and I today but there was 2 very good bites. 5lb 8oz Smallmouth and a 5lb Largemouth. All of our fish today was on the Tuffy Minnows 6lb Sufix Pro Mix www.sufix.com and VMC #2 BaitHolder Hooks www.vmchooks.com  More hopefully tomorrow. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com By the way I was a good net man today!!!!!

Tim's Ford 12-4-2010

Is this a young lady having fun catching Smallmouth or what!  I fished Tim's today with the father daughter team of Chad and Lauren Fox. Lauren had 2 yes 2 big Smallmouth on at our first stop before Chad and I could turn around.  We caught several smaller fish as well as the one pictured above.  Chad and I had a big time watching Lauren fight these brown fish. She did a great job! Once again live Tuffy Minnows on 6lb Test Sufix Pro Mix www.sufix.com VMC Bait Keeper Hooks www.vmchooks.com  was the ticket......More later on next week. Rick Mcferrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 12-02-2010

This has been a very interesting three days. I have been anticipating being able to fish with long time friend Tom O'Neal and (New Friend) John Griffiths from Lacrosse Wisconsin for weeks. Tom and I did a weekly "Live" fishing show together as well as being tournament partners back in the 1960's and 70's. Several months ago Tom ran across my web site and the old friendship was renewed. Like all winter trips that you plan out of state you roll the dice weather wise and this time the numbers didn't add up. From tornado warnings, huge downpour, high winds and dropping temps of Tuesday and Wednesday to the slick water of yesterday it was a challenge to say the least.  But this trip wasn't just about catching fish it was more about catching up and we accomplished that.  Lacrosse is 880 miles from Tim's Ford and "IF" things work out I'm going to head that direction next year with Daniel to fish Tom's  home waters. The fish above was our best for the 3 days.  We connected on live Tuffy Minnows on 6lb Test Sufix Pro Mix www.sufix.com VMC Bait Keeper Hooks www.vmchooks.com  Storm Mad Flash Wiggle Wart www.stormlures.com and Luhr-Jensen Speed Traps www.luhrjensen.com. Tom and John I enjoyed your company more than I can tell. The Lord willing we will do it again.  Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 11-23-2010

This was WOW DAY 2 in a row for Mr. David Honey and me on Tim's today. Once again we caught fish on every stop we made and barely got out of sight of the ramp.  Tuffy Minnows and 6lb test  Sufix Pro Mix line www.sufix.com VMC Bait Keeper Hooks www.vmchooks.com again scored big time for us.  It rained hard for an hour or so then it cleared of and got slack but that didn't stop our bite. We had several fish not pictured as well. I have several open dates this winter and the Smallmouth bite is good RIGHT NOW!  More to come after Thanksgiving. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com  By the way if your not using the Pro Mix your missing one great line.

Tim's Ford 11-18-2010

This was a WOW day on Tim's today with Mr. David Honey. We caught fish on every stop we made with the exception of one. Water temps stayed around 58 degrees and we had a very slight wind the blew on and off.  6lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com VMC Bait Holder Hooks www.vmchooks.com and Tuffy Minnows once again.  We caught over 20 Smallmouth with the best pictured above. We also caught 15 big Channel Cat in the 3lb to 5lb range as well. Oh yes one big slab Crappie. I have dates open through out the winter. This is a great time to catch some fantastic brown fish.  Pro Mix line is available at Murfreesboro Out Doors...and to quote David Honey "This line is unbelievable, it's strong with a small diameter and casts like a dream" More to come next week.  Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 11-15-2010

I fished Tim's today with Mr. Jeff Rozell. Water temp was 68.5 when we got to the lake and we had a decent wind. It wasn't long before most of the wind was gone and the the bite slowed for us. Our fish came on a Luhr-Jensen Speed Trap www.luhrjensen.com a Rapala Skitter Prop www.rapala.com and my signature swim jig. Sufix 6lb and 8lb test Pro Mix Mono did the trick www.sufix.com as far as our line was concerned. I enjoyed fishing with Jeff and hopefully it helped him for future trips on Tim's. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 11-12-2010

I fished with Mr. Earl Hull today on Tim's and it was a decent day for what we had weather wise to work with. Earl is a great guy to fish with and we always have a very good time. We caught 7 Smallmouth-2 Big Channel Cats . Same approach today as yesterday Tuff Minnows, 6lb Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com  and VMC bait Keeper Hooks. www.vmchooks.com  I have scattered dates open through the winter and like I said yesterday things will be getting better on Tim's week by week. If you need a break from the bad weather up north come down a fish a few days this winter with me. If you need a place to stay I can arrange that as well in some beautiful cottages right on the water. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 11-11-2010

Another blue bird hot November day here on Tim's Ford. I have a trip tomorrow so I came down to see if a Smallmouth could be coaxed into hitting a Tuffy minnow. I caught 8 Smallmouth-1 Spot-1Crappie-1 Channel Cat and 1 White bass in the 5 hours that I fished. The bait shop was out of the larger minnows so I had to use the small ones and if you fish live bait for Smallmouth you know what that means. I lost 1 bragging size Smallie that just came undone at the boat, it stayed on my mind all the way home. I just kept it simple today 6lb Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com  and VMC bait Keeper Hooks. www.vmchooks.com You could carry all your tackle in your shirt pocket. I will be doing the same technique tomorrow since it will be a carbon copy of today. with Earl. I have scattered dates open through the winter and things will be getting better on Tim's week by week. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford Update 11-9-2010

Just a quick update on Tim's. I put in at the State Park this morning to check out my new boat. Runs great-but like all new things nothing is where I'm use to it being. Left 2 boxes of baits and the camera at home-you know the drill. I had 2 Spots-1 Smallmouth and 1 Largemouth a couple were nice fish. Water temp was 60.2 and zero wind at least on the end of the lake I was on.  More to come this week. Pictures and all.   Thank you for visiting my site.  Rick

Tim's Ford 10-26-2010

I was suppose to fish with a gentleman yesterday and we moved the trip to today because of the thunderstorms in middle Tennessee. This morning he decided to reschedule again due to the high winds and tornado warnings that are moving through. So,  having a bad case of I have to go to the lake I went by myself as you can tell from the pictures above. Let me say this.....this is the first time in a long time that I fished with my life jacket on all but when I was in the state park bay. When I turned the boat into the wind the waves would come over the front of the boat and it took all 80 pounds of thrust on my trolling motor to hold on several of the points I fished. I had 4 bites and caught all 4 on a Rapala DT Thug pictured at the left. www.rapala.com 6lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com .I put in at 6:30am and finally loaded up  at 10:30 after 4 phone calls telling me to get off the water. These fish would NAIL the DT Thug. I did throw a variety of other baits but no takers. More to come the end of the week I have two men from Atlanta with me on Friday and it appears it is going to be mile high blue sky's.....Don't forget this is the last week of the Buy 2 Rapala DT Series baits and get a 400 yard spool of Sufix Pro Mix Free at Murfreesboro Outdoors.   This is a great deal don't pass it up! I have scattered dates available through the winter-See the can't miss offer above. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Lake Barkley 10-19-20-2010

Daniel and I fished Lake Barkley yesterday and today and had a blast. We met good Friend Ken Jenkins and his daughter in Clarksville early yesterday and followed them to the ramp at Dover Tennessee. This is only the 2nd time that I have fished Barkley, the other was Oct 2009 with Ken. (See Tim's Ford Archive Pictures) It was overcast all day long, Daniel and I caught and released a mix of 45 Largemouth and 15 White bass. This morning it was very foggy, we caught 25 Largemouth 4 White Bass and 1 Sauger before the sun broke through. When the sun came out everything came to a halt, so we packed up and came back home. If you look at the top rows of pictures you can see why these fish got all over the #5 Rapala Shallow Shad Rap and the Rapala #8 X Rap www.rapala.com they matched the shad size perfectly. We used 6lb and 8lb test Sufix www.sufix.com Pro Mix Mono and as always it worked perfectly.  90 total in a day and a half, no monster but a lot of them and a great time on the water with my youngest. This reminded me of my guide trips on Old Hickory days as far as the Shallow Shad Rap is concerned, it is one of the best shallow water crank baits that I have ever used hands down. We stayed in a log cabin at the Dover Inn and I would recommend their facility no problem. It was clean, reasonable and close to the ramp.  More next week, Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 10-18-2010

If you want to have fun and enjoy someone else catching the fish....take a couple of young people fishing. To day I had Dillon (13yrs 0ld) and Drew (11 yrs Old) Corley with me on Tim's and I had a blast watching these two fine young fishermen catch and release all the fish above plus some that we didn't take pictures of.  It was their first all time Smallmouth and Hybrid and they did an outstanding job using light line. 6lb test and 8 lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com .  Rapala Skitter Props and #7 Shad Raps www.rapala.com did the job today> Daniel (my 15 year old) id off this week and he and I will update you as the week progresses. I have some scattered dates open this fall and winter and things are going to get better the colder that it gets.....give me a call. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 10-15-2010

What a difference a day makes. I had a decent day Monday (see post below) then a tough as nails day  yesterday when the cold front moved into middle Tennessee. I was a little gun shy today when I met Earl Hull at the ramp but things got started out quickly and we caught and released 15 or 16 Smallmouth-Largemouth-Spots and Walleye mix. Water temps stayed around 68 degrees all day and we had a brisk North West wind. Rapala DT Thug www.rapala.com and a Prowler Slim Jim www.prowlerlures.com If you haven't tried the Slim Jim you are missing a very productive soft plastic bait that has multiple applications. They fall a little slower than comparable baits and when the fish pick them up they just don't want to let go.   The DT Thugs are rated to run 7 foot deep on 10lb test but I throw all my crankbaits on 6lb test Sufix Pro Mix mono www.sufix.com which will give me another 12 to 18 inches in depth on a long cast. This line is fantastic with high tensile and knot strength, low stretch, low memory which will increase the distance on your casts. More to come next week if there is a next week. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Fords 10-11-2010

I spent a very enjoyable day on Tim's with two great people Russ and Cindy Bounds. We covered a lot of territory and managed to put 5 good fish in the boat all on a Prowler Slim Jim www.prowlerlures.com 8lb test Sufix Pro Mix mono www.sufix.com and 3/0 VMC Z LOKWorm Hooks www.vmchooks.com  Cindy caught her first Largemouth and Smallmouth and you can tell by the look on her face that she was excited. Russ, Cindy and I are going to do a creek minnow trip this winter which will be a lot of fun. The picture on the bottom right was the largest of the Smallmouth that David Honey and I caught one day last week when we fished Tuffy minnows only. All I took to the lake was hooks-sinkers and a rod. As it turned out the bait was to small and the wind was to strong but we did put some in the boat including the one that David is holding.  More to come later in the week. Water temp back up over 70 degrees. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 10-1-2010

I spent to tough but enjoyable day's with Mr. Parker Crist from California. This is the second time we have fished together and he is very good to be in the boat with. We caught several Smallmouth, Largemouth, Spots and 3 Walleye's over the past two days but I lost the only 2 good fish we had on both days. A Root beer Chartreuse Luhr-Jensen Speed Trap www.luhrjensen.com was by far our best for both days. I throw all my crank baits on 6lb Test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com . If you haven't tried Pro Mix you are missing one of the finest mono's you could ever put on your spinning or casting reels. Smooth, limp. small diameter, low stretch and strong. And if your in the Murfreesboro Tennessee area you can get some free at Murfreesboro Out Doors. (See promo ad above)  Parker and I started out quickly both day's but continued to slow gradually as the day progressed.  Water temp this morning was 71.9 and water level is slowly falling. It's just a matter of time now since our nights and days are staying much cooler. I have scattered open dates yet this fall and winter. Give me a call and I will work with you on trip. Until next week....if there is a next week.  Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 9-28-2010

Well, you see 4 of what should have been 10 or 12 easy. We had some violent top water strikes on a Rapala Skitter Walk www.rapala.com they would knock the bait out of the water but yet no hook up. I had this same thing happen on Tim's last fall, it's almost like they hit the Skitter Walk with their mouth closed. A lot of fun to watch....BUT.....The 2 largest fish came on a Crawdad Brown Storm Wiggle Wart www.stormlures.com The other 2 on a Prowler Slim Jim www.prowlerlures.com. Water temp was 78 down 1 degree since last Saturday. We also had a couple fish on a Rapala X Rap.  More to come the end of the week. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 9-25-2010

I had a great but very wet time on Tim's Ford today with Mike and Sharon Taylor. This was there 5th anniversary and they decided spending it together on the lake. It was raining on me when I got to the lake at 5:15am this morning and it never stopped until 1:30pm. The fish above were caught on a variety of baits including Prowler Slim Jim www.prowlerlures.com  Rapala X Rap, Rapala Skitter Walk www.rapala.com and a Storm Mad Flash Chug Bug www.stormlures.com . We lost several and Sharon had her line broken as well. These are two very nice folks that I enjoyed sharing my boat with. Mike and Sharon happy anniversary!!!  Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 9-23-2010

The 4 pictured above was our best of 9 that David Honey and I put in the boat today. I lost a fish that was much bigger than any pictured above when she got wrapped around a cross member on a dock and broke off. Had he up twice but she won the battle.  Prowler Slim Jim www.prowlerlures.com VMC Z  Lock Worm Hooks www.vmchooks.com and Sufix 8lb Pro Mix Mono  turned out once again to be the best for us. I saw some very encouraging signs today we are close to things opening up some. More to come later this week.  David J....David Honey said "Thank You" Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 9-14-2010

A little tougher but still productive on Tim's Ford this morning. I met Mr. David Honey at the ramp at 5:30am and we headed down lake to where I had found surfacing fish last week. Guess What? Your right, no fish so we began hitting several new areas and by 7:30am it was bright the water was slick and we not only didn't have a fish but not even a bite.  After throwing several baits I settled in on the Prowler Slim Jim www.prowlerlures.com and all the fish you see above and a couple smaller ones not pictured were caught on them. The weight distribution of these baits are wonderful and the largemouth engulfed them every time. It was hotter and much clearer today and any wind we got sure felt good to us, all we need is some cooler days to go with our cooler nights and we will be in business. Once again 8lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com and VMC Z Lock Worm Hooks www.vmchooks.com  help us seal the deal on the fish above.  If you haven't tried the Sufix Pro Mix you are missing one of the best lines I have ever had on a rod, unbelievably smooth, strong and ware resistant even in the smaller diameters. More to come the end of the week. Rick Mcferrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 9-10-2010

I finally made it to the lake this week, Daniel has had the Strep Throat so I have been staying close to home. I fished today by myself....not hard to tell when you look at the pictures. I caught 16 Largemouth-2 Smallmouth and 4 White Bass. Most of them were about the size of the pictures above, no big fish but several of them. Water temp at daylight was 78.3 down another 3 degrees and was 80.5 when I left at 12:45. Lake is slowly dropping.  All of the fish were caught on the 2 baits above. A Rapala X Rap www.rapala.com and a Prowler Slim Jim www.prowlerlures.com . I rigged the Slim Jim with a 3/0 VMC Z LOCK Worm Hook www.vmchooks.com and 8lb Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com These fish were very aggressive, no doubt when they when they hit. More to come next week if we can keep everyone well. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com Time to book your fall and winter trips, I'm offering a discount if you book  multiple days. The days do not have to be taken together. Call me at 615-308-9936 or e-mail rickm@dtccom.net

Tim's Ford 9-2-2010

David Honey and I spent 6 hours this morning on Tim's Ford checking out areas of the lake that I haven't fished in a while. We were able to put a couple good fish in the boat plus several smaller fish not pictured. But that's not all the story. David had the most hits today by leaps and bounds. I was just a good trolling motor guy. But at the same time he had a tough day as well. Let me explain, I think his exact words as we were standing in the parking lot was. "If I only put in the boat the fish I had on we would have had a sack full." He was right...3 of the fish were good ones. I've had several days on Tim's like that before....But it sure beats not getting bit.  Prowler Slim Jims  www.prowlerlures.com a VMC #3 Z LOCK worm hook www.vmchooks.com and Sufix Pro Mix 6lb test www.sufix.com worked well today. Things are slowly looking up on the daytime fishing. It was still hot today though...air temp was 92 when we left the lake.  More after all the holiday folks pack up and go home. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 8-31-2010

I fished Tim's Ford today with Mr. Arnold once again in search of the Hybrid and RockFish. Jays pontoon boat is equipped with down riggers so we used his boat today. We also had several Blue Gill that we just knew would do the trick but.....but.....1 hit on the Blue Gill and zero hits trolling with the downriggers. We spent at least 2 or more hours trolling with no success. We caught the 2 fish above on a Luhr-Jensen 1/2 ounce Cast Champ Spoon www.luhrjensen.com and 10lb test Sufix Pro Mix mono www.sufix.com plus several smaller white bass. Water levels remain the same but the temp is coming down.  It was 81 this morning and 85.5 when we left at 1:00pm. 5 full degrees cooler than a couple weeks ago. Temps are headed in the right direction, IT WON'T BE LONG!!!!!!!! I will be back on Tim's Thursday and will up date you then. I can feel the weather change coming-book your fall and winter trips now. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com  ***Ask about multiple trip discount.....

Tim's Ford 8-17-2010

I fished Tim's this morning with Mr. Jay Arnold it rained on us all day and it was a blessing. I decided recently to take a little time off because of the heat and today was a pleasant change.  Jay is a Rock Fish-Hybrid nut and the whole emphasis of our trip today was to put some of those hard pulling critters in the boat. What's the old saying "Best laid plans of mice and men".  We spent (my mistake) 90% of our time trying to make them bite and we zero success. We were all over them on the graph but could find very few in bait. You could watch the lure fall straight down in them with no takers. We did hit a couple docks and that is where the two above came from we also lost 2 others. Being rather stubborn (that would be me) I should have abandoned the Rockfish and concentrated on more docks. Jay and I are going to do it again in a couple weeks. I was using a Prowler Slim Jim www.prowlerlures.com a VMC #3 Z LOCK worm hook (extremely sharp) and 8lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com. I will be on either Tim's or Nick A Jack Thursday and will update you then. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassgudies.com

Tim's Ford July 25-2010

I fished Tim's 5 hours this morning with the Grandfather/Grandson team Of Mike and Grant Disser. We only managed 2 good fish in the boat. Mike lost 2 other Rockfish and we also lost 4 Smallmouth/Kentucky's early on. Grant is 7 years old and did a great job today, he is going to be a real fisherman in the years to come. Mike and Grant thanks for a good morning with you. The other 2 pictures are ones of Daniel that I didn't post from last week. It will be nice when the weather breaks but until them (at least for me) early on the lake and early home. Storm Mad Flash Chug Bug www.stormlures.com Prowler Slim Jim www.prowlerlures.com did the trick.   Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 7-16-2010

I had a great morning with Mr. Earl Hull today on Tim's Ford. We started out with some great action a Prowler 5 inch Slim Jim's www.prowlerlures.com rigged on a 3/0 VMC Fastgrip Hook www.vmchooks.com worked around some docks that are beginning to produce for me.  I always throw this type of bait on 10lb Test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com, it gives you plenty of strength to pull a fish out from under docks-wave runner platforms and other obstructions. We had 8 to 10 Spots flash at our Slim Jim's that wouldn't slam it.  We very easily could have had near 20 before 8:00am. Later in the day Earl managed to put 2 nice Rockfish in the boat and your truly managed to loose 3 heavy fish (most likely Rockfish) and 1 great Smallmouth.  One of them was on a Rapala DT16. www.rapala.com All I can think of he must have hit it at an angle, I fought him for a couple minute and then he just came undone. Just a word of caution from a guy that didn't do what he preaches-----check your knots-recheck your knots and watch your drag on light line. You would have thought this was my first day with mental mistakes like that. Earl is great to fish with and we will be doing it again in September. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 7-9-2010

For the past 2 days I have had the absolute pleasure to fish with the Grandfather/Grandson team of Eric Sherman and Charles Sherman on Tim's Ford. Eric called me a few weeks ago and was going to be in town from Texas and wanted to see if we could put his grandfather on some good fish. Well let me tell you that Charles is 85 years young and will hang right in there with you and today he put a "whuppin" on Eric and me. He caught on quickly o the deep water technique and then away he went. I had the pleasure of being the net man! We also had some Kentucky's and a couple more Largemouth that we didn't takes pictures of and 90% of our best fish were suspended in 40-80 feet of water. By the way these are all separate fish. It reminded me of many trips I had with my father.......Day's like this you don't forget. Charles and Eric thanks for a 2 good days. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Nick A Jack 7-1-2010

I fished Nick A Jack with Mr. David Honey today and we struggled after 7:00am big time. We had 5 bites between daylight and 11:00am fishing about everything that we could throw.  We loaded the boat and put in below the dam around noon and caught 6 White Bass 2 Small Rock Fish and had my line broken by something that was in control from the get go. VMC Smoochin Head Minnow Jigs www.vmchooks.com and a Prowler 4 1/2 inch Grub www.prowlerlures.com and a tail spinner did the trick below the dam. Both of the largemouth came on a top water bait. No bite, no runs, no errors on anything else. Tough day at least for us. As the weather moderates I'll be back on the water more but until then I'm not pushing it. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 6-25-2010

My client for today decided that he would reschedule because of the heat so I fished Tim's this morning from daylight until 10:30am by myself...you can always tell by the pictures....hard to do when your alone. I caught 6 Smallmouth (the 2 largest pictured) and 2 Rockfish. All the Smallmouth was caught on a Rapala DT6 www.rapala.com and the Rockfish on a Prowler 4 1/2 inch grub www.prowlerlures.com on a 1/4 ounce VMC Smoochin Jig Head www.vmchooks.com. I know that I have told you about the Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com that I'm using before but let me tell you again that this is some great line. Small dia. limp and strong. I throw all my crank baits on the 6lb clear blue and today I caught the Rock fish on 8lb test clear blue. I'm a line watcher and believe it or not all that I could see when the Rockfish hit the grub in 80 feet of water was a ever so light "Tick". You can see all of these products at Murfreesboro Out Doors in Murfreesboro Tennessee. If you local sporting goods store doesn't carry the DT's-Sufix Pro Mix or the Smoochin Jig Head they all belong to Rapala and can be ordered no problem when they order from their distributor. . If you store doesn't carry the Prowler Grubs they can contact Prowler via the web or at 1-888-385-8737 ask for Mr. Van Meter he will take good care of you and ship you. You also can order directly at the same numbers. More tomorrow when I get in from by trip. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 6-17-2010

My youngest son Daniel and I had a great time on Tim's this morning.  Every summer I always tell him we are going to more than just bass fish...in the past I haven't done that but this year we are. Our intention was to bass fish the first hour of daylight then see if we could catch some good blue gill and catfish. We started out throwing one of the new Storm Chug Bug Mad Flash www.stormlures.com and immediately hooked up on a Spot and lost a nice Smallmouth that got hung up in a rope against a dock. We had a couple other rolls at the bait but no hook up's. We switched over to our other game plan and caught 5 nice channel catfish and 10 blue gills in the 7 to 8 inch range (no big gills) on 6lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com VMC #2 Bit Keeper Hooks www.vmchooks.com and a night crawler. By that time the sun was high and we decided to head to the ramp but we stopped one more time and for the next 45 minutes had a blast catching and also losing several Rockfish and Hybrids on a VMC Smoochin Minnow Head Jig www.vmchooks.com and a Prowler Smoke Glitter Grub www.prowlerlures.com . We lost 2 heavy......let me say again heavy Rockfish when they got us around a bridge pilling and just sawed the line into. A great day with my youngest that is getting ready to get his drivers licenses this month...I want to take advantage of these opportunities while I have them. Rick  www.tennesseebassguides.com

Combination Report w/o 5-31 & 6-8-2010

This is going to be a combination report on Normandy and Tim's that covers portions of the past 2 weeks. Normandy: Daniel and I met Doug Markham at Normandy last week early one morning to help him find some Walleye....Daniel and I fished 3 1/2hrs and had zero Walleye but Daniel had a nice Largemouth and 5 Spots....After we returned from a short vacation I went to Tim's Yesterday by myself (4hrs) and with David Honey today. Our largest fish are pictured above.  Rapala DT6 and DT10's www.rapala.com accounted for the bulk of the fish with some being caught on a shaky head as well.  Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Nick A Jack 5-25-2010

I had a good but "TUFF" day on Nick A Jack today with Mr. Ken Jenkins. We caught and released 25 Largemouth but as I said we had to work for every one of them. There was NO easy ones not even 1. Rapala DT 6 and DT4's www.rapala.com and a Prowler Finesse Worm www.prowlerlures.co on a VMC 1/8 ounce Shaky Head Jig www.vmchook.com did the trick for me today. All of my fish was caught on a new Yank Um 7'3" Spinning rods with either 6lb or 8lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono, this makes a great combination of sensitivity and strength. Check out all your fishing needs at Murfreesboro Outdoors including a complete line of Rapala-Sufix-Prowler and The New Yank UM Rods. Tell Randy I sent you....... If you purchase a Yank Um Rod at Murfreesboro Out Doors between now and the last day of July you will be entered in a drawing for a Free Guide Trip" with me on either Tim's Ford or Nick A Jack. See the store of all details and rules. Rick McFerrin www.tenneseebassguides.com.

Center Hill 5-24-2010

Other than picking his final grades, Daniel is out of school for the summer so we took advantage of his first day out. We put the boat in the water on Center Hill at 5:45am and loaded up at 9:30am with 47 big blue gill and 1 flat head cat fish in the well and headed for hot grease at the McFerrin house. I don't do enough pan fishing but I plan on changing that this summer while Daniel is out of school. More to come this week from Nick A Jack and Tim's ....Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Nick A Jack 5-20-2010

I fished with Doug Markham today on Nick A Jack and film 2 great videos for his web site. All the bass we caught was on a Rapala DT4 www.rapala.com  6lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com Red Breasted Sunfish and all Gills on Sufix mono VMC Bait Keeper Hooks www.vmchooks.com and power baits. All of my bass was caught on a 7'3" Yank Um Spinning rod. These rods are as light as a feather-super sensitive and powerful, check them out at Murfreesboro OutDoors. Doug will have these videos on his site soon. Great day on the water with Doug and a mixed bag to boot. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Nick A Jack 5-13-2010

This was a very short trip today on Nick A Jack with Mr. Wesley Dale. The 2 above was our best of 25 that we caught early this morning before we had to leave the lake due to Wesley's son getting sick at school. The over all size of the fish today was smaller. The best bait was a Prowler Finesse Worm www.prowlerlures.com on a VMC Shaky Head Jig www.vmchooks.com Zero wind and bright blue skies...on Tim's tomarrow....Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Nick A Jack 5-11-2010

Another great day on Nick A jack with Mr. David Honey. We caught and released 52 Largemouth and still took time to find some big Blue Gill and Shell Cracker for an upcoming video that I will be doing with Doug Markham Out Doors. Rapala DT4 www.rapala.com Storm Kickin Minnow Swim Bait www.stormlures.com Prowler Finesses Worms www.prowlerlures.com  on a VMC Shaky Head www.vmchooks.com did the trick today. I will be back on Nick A Jack Thursday and Tim's on Friday and will update you then. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 4-27 & 29-2010

I spent two great days this week  with Mr. & Mrs. Dale Abbott from Chicago Illinois. The two days that we spent together were as different as day and night as far as the weather was concerned. Tuesday it rain and stayed cloudy most of the day and today it was bright sunshine but that didn't stop us from putting some great Smallmouth in the boat. Prowler 4 1/2 inch Grub www.prowlerlures.com on a 1/4 ounce VMC Smoochin Minnow Head Jig www.vmchooks.com 6lb test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com paid off on Tuesday. The Abbott's like to throw live bait so today we did just that and it worked like a charm. VMC Bait Keeper Hooks-tiny split shot and a Tuffy minnow worked for us today...good change of pace and a lot of fun to. More to come next week.  These are some of the fish we caught in the 2 days. I look forward to this fall when I may be fishing with these good folks again. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 4-26-2010

I fished Tim's today with Mr. Parker Crist from California and we had a great time even though the air temp had dropped considerably. (Almost felt like winter again)  The pictures above were our best fish that we put in the boat. We also lost almost as many as we caught. Prowler 4 1/2 inch grub www.prowlerlures.com on a VMC Smoochin Minnow Head Jig www.vmchooks.com and a Terminator Spinner Bait www.terminatorlures.com  did the trick today. Parker was a very good fisherman and I enjoyed the day big time. More to come tomarrow. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 4-24-2010

For the past 2 days I have fished with a great group of guy's on Tim's Ford. Sometime ago Danny Collins who I have fished with before contacted me about a trip using my boat and his as a trailer. So I had the pleasure of fishing with Stan Forston-Michael Forston-Brian Collins-Collin Williams and Danny.  The fish above was from Friday the 23rd (date stamp was wrong)  6lb  Sufix Pro Mix mono www.sufix.com Prowler 4 1/2 inch Grub www.prowlerlures.com on a VMC Dominator Smoochin Minnow Head www.vmchooks.com  did the trick again over the past 2 days. Thanks guys I enjoyed fishing with you. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 4-20-22-2010

For the past 3 days I have had the pleasure of fishing with  Mr. Joe Walsh and Mr. Gary Gemmer. This is the 3rd time that Joe and I have fished together and it was a great trip. Pictured above are some of our better fish that we put in the boat....not pictured is the 20-yes-20 Smallmouth that we lost over the past 3 days. These Smallies are wild and come straight up out of the water instantly when you stick them. Best baits for the 3 days was a Prowler 4/12inch grub www.prowlerlures.com on a 1/4ounce VMC Dominator Smoochin Minnow Head www.vmchooks.com  a Prowler Slim Jim rigged weightless-Rapala X Rap www.rapala.com Rapala DT6 all on either 6lb or 8lb Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com   Joe and Gary look forward to fishing with you again. More to come this week if the storms don't get to bad. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford  4-19-2010

I fished Tim's with Mr. Jason Foster and Mr. Chris Daniel today and had a great time. The only problem was that we lost 3 Smallmouth in the 4 to 5lb range plus 4 others that were great fish as well. The Smallies were wild this morning and would slam a Prowler Grub www.prowlerlures.com on a 1/4ounce VMC Dominator Smoochin Minnow Head www.vmchooks.com come straight up out of the water and tail walk half way back to the boat. I'm using the Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com in either 6lb or 8lb test to throw the Prowler Grubs and as I have said in the past this is some fantastic line that you have to try. Randy at Murfreesboro Out Doors has a full selection of the Pro Mix check it out there. More to come tomorrow-Jason and Chris I really enjoyed fishing with you. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com 

Tim's Ford 4-16-2010

I don't know about anyone else but things tightened up for me considerably on Tim's this past couple days. We have fish on bed now all over the lake, the water temp is in the high 60's and even some low 70's.....unbelievable temp change in 3 1/2 weeks. Yesterday I fished with the Wolf father and son team and today with Earl Hull. Both days our fish came on a Terminator Spinner Bait www.terminatorlureds.com  a Terminator Jig with a Prowler Craw  a Prowler Grub www.prowlerlures.com a Prowler Shaky Head Finesses worm. And a Rapala X Rap www.rapala.com We had other fish but these were the ones I took pictures of. Adjust-adjust-adjust......More next week. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Nick A Jack 4-13-2010

This was my 2nd day with Tim White and a great day it was. We caught and released 32 Largemouth (17 pictured above)/ Big fish was 4lbs 14 oz and we had numerous 3lb plus fish today. Best baits was a Terminator Jig www.terminatorlures.com and Prowler Craw combo www.prowlerlures.com  a Prowler Creature Bait and a Rapala Shallow Shad Rap. www.rapala.com . We had a great day shooting these over the past two day and look forward to having Tim in my boat again sometime this year.  55 Lar5gemouth in 2 days.....I'm back on Tim's this Thursday and Friday and will up date you then. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Nick A Jack 4-12-2010

I met Rapala Pro Staffer Tim White at Nick A Jack this morning and we fished from 6:00am until 12:45pm and caught  21 Largemouth all about the size of the 9 above. Our largest fish was 3lb 8oz and all but a couple were caught on a Terminator Jig www.terminatorlures.com . I did loose 1 big fish that got me into some lay downs and I couldn"t get her out. We didn't have enough wind today to blow a feather across the lake....slick-slick-slick.........Tim and I will be back on the water tomorrow on Nick A Jack and i will update you then. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 4-9-2010

I fished today with Mr. Brian Fultz and Mr. Mike Napier on Tim's Ford and had a fantastic day. We caught 25 total....22 Smallmouth-2 Largemouth and 1 Kentucky. The 2 largest Smallmouth were 4lbs 10 oz and 4lb 2oz. We also had 10 other Smallmouth over 3lbs each many of them in the 3lb 8oz to 3lb 10oz range. Terminator Spinner Baits www.terminatorlures.com and the old reliable Rapala DT6 www.rapala.com need the job again. Brian and Mike you were both great to ffish with. I look forward to another trip with you.  Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguyides.com   Note: Mike Napier is the owner of a Marina in Jasper Tennessee located just 3 miles from Shell Mound Ramp on Nick A Jack Lake , His office number is 423-942-2694 and his cell is 239-878-4686. Mike works on all brands of outboard motors. Give Mike a call for more information.

Nick A Jack 4-8-2010

What a day on the water with Mr. David Honey. Honest truth...I just stopped taking pictures. We caught and released 60 (no misprint) Largemouth 17 pictured with the big fish being a great 6lbs 4oz. These fish would nail a Rapala DT6 www.rapala.com  David and I have had many great trips together but this was fantastic. Back on Tim's tomorrow. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 4-6-2010

I spent a tough but very enjoyable day with the father and son team of Ted Reed and his father Ted Sr. They both are great guys that hung in there all day inspire of it being as tough as it was. We started off quickly with 2 Smallmouth at our first stop and then it just continually got tougher as the day progressed. We caught and released a total of 9 for the day ( 1pig) right at 5lbs on a Prowler Soft Shad www.prowlerlures.com rigged on 10lb Test Sufix Pro Mix Mono www.sufix.com with a VMC 5/0 #7316 Wide Gap Worm Hook www.vmchooks.com  these VMC hooks are unbelievably sharp and is the 1st hook to have 3 microbarbs that helps with a quick hook set and a Terminator Spinner Bait www.terminatorlures.com. I will be on Nick A Jack Thursday and back on Tim's Friday so I will update you then. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 4-5-2010

Pictured are 6 of 14 that Jerry Steakley and I caught on Tim's Ford today on Spinner Baits www.terminatorlures.com . The Smallmouth would absolutely unload on the blade today.  Water temps ranged from 59 to 61 degrees and at last it was hot....a nice 85 when we left the lake. More to come this week. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 3-30-2010

Ronnie Richards and I made a bee-line to the areas where I have been on fish and.....zero...let me say again zero. We struggled for several hours until I made a change that turned out to be the answer at least for us today. We caught several more fish than the ones pictured above. We also lost 3 big fish and 1 that Ronnie lost was a very big fish. We were throwing a 1/4 ounce VMC Dominator Smoochin Minnow Head www.vmc.com with a Prowler Grub www.prowlerlures.com and a 1/4 ounce Rocky Top Custom Jig with a Prowler Flappin Craw Trailer.  This warm weather will help things considerably as the week go's on. More on Thursday....Rick Mcferrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 3-29-2010

Mr. David Honey and I put the boat in the water this morning at daylight and could have ramped out at 10:00am because the bite died on us quickly. We lost a great Smallmouth at the boat (I guess it to be) around the 4lb range and we caught several other Largemouth not pictured.  Terminator Spinner Bait www.terminatorlures.com  and a Luhr-Jensen radar 10 www.luhrjensen.com worked for us today. More to come tomorrow........Rick Mcferrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 3-26-2010

I had a great time with Earl Hull and Larry Harvin on on Tim's today. It was coooold...... to say the least and the wind stayed 15mph plus until the front moved through around 1:30pm. Big fish was a 6lb 14ounce Largemouth and a 4lb 4 ounce Smallmouth.   90% of all of our fish was caught on a 3/8 ounce Terminator Tungsten Series Spinner Bait  with Nickel and Gold blades www.terminatorlures.com and they would hammer the bait. The tungsten series Terminators create a great deal of vibration and turbulence that seemed to be the answer today. I use 10lb Sufix Pro Mix mono on my spinner bait rod for Tim's www.sufix.com and it is unbelievable how strong-limp and powerful this line is for it's diameter. If you live in the Murfreesboro  Randy at Murfreesboro Out Doors is carrying a full selection of the Pro Mix......If you try it you won't be disappointed. More to come next week. Earl and larry thank you for a cold but enjoyable day on Tim's. Earl I look forward fishing with you again in April. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Center Hill 3-23-2010

Daniel is on spring break this week and he wanted to try to catch some of the spots on the Hill so we headed that way this morning and he caught and released 1 Smallmouth and 6 Spots all about the size of the ones pictured above. DT 6 Crawfish Brown Orange Belly is still a good choice. www.rapala.com We had a great time and it's always a blessing to be able to spend a day out with your kids.....Tomorrow Tim's Ford-I will give you an update then. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguide.com

Tim's Ford 3-19-2010

I fished Tim's Ford today with Ron Kairdolf and we pretty much struggled all day. When we put the boat in this morning at 6:30am in Turkey Creek the water temperature was still 43 degrees and the air temp was 40 degrees. I wanted to focus as much as possible on Smallmouth only today and the 2 above was our largest. We fished from Turkey Creek all the way to Wagner Creek and numerous places in-between. We threw just about everything today except a Carolina rig and I wish we had stopped long enough to do that. The warmest water of course is up lake and there is still good color in much of that area. All of our fish was caught on 6lb test Sufix Pro Mix www.sufix.com and the #5 Shad Rap www.rapala.com  that you see pictured above and as you can see it is very near the size of the shad the fish were feeding on. We had 6 total and all were released in good shape. I talked to friends on Normandy-Guntersville and Center Hill today it it sounded like it was slow just about every where-at least for them. I'll be back on Nick A Jack tomorrow and will update you tomorrow night. Come on constant warm weather!!!!! Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com  Nick A Jack Update: Good friend Jerry Steakley ask me to fish a Warren Co. Bass Club tournament with him on Nick A Jack yesterday. This was the first tournament I have fished in over 20 years...but I did have a good time. The result went like this 1st place was 5 fish @ 16lbs 11oz...2nd place was 5 fish @ 16lbs 4oz....3rd place was 4 fish @ 11lbs 4oz....and I'm not sure of the weights after that. Jerry and I finished 3rd and our big fish was an even 5lbs....big fish for the tournament was 5lb 2oz..2 ounces larger than ours...Thanks Jerry for the invite...Rick

Center Hill 3-18-2010

It only took 3 years but good friend Roy Armistead and I finally hooked up on his home water "Center Hill". It seemed like every time we scheduled a trip something always came up to keep us from going but today was the day and Roy did good. We were on fish right away and stayed busy from 7:00am until 2:00pm catching and releasing 20 Spots and 1 Smallmouth.  It felt good sitting in the back of the boat-having some one else put me on fish and he even brought me a Sub Way sandwich. I was in hog heaven all day.  The is a great time to be throwing crank baits like the Rapala DT6 in the Dark Brown Craw and the DT6 Chartreuse Brown www.rapala.com  it seemed to be their favorite colors today. Roy was also bragging about the Sufix Pro Mix 6lb test www.sufix.com that he has been using to crank with. To quote a man that has most likely bought every brand of line available over the past 50 years...."Rick this is some of the best mono I have ever used-I don't get the loops like you do with other lines and the strength and durability in unbelievable."  If you live in the Murfreesboro area Randy at Murfreesboro Out Doors has put in Pro Mix in 6lb through 14 lb test....I also know in the Cookeville area that Outdoor Junction is carrying Pro Mix as well. I did some lake hopping this week but will be on Tim's tomarrow. Roy thank you-your a great host...and a good friend......Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Nick A Jack 3-16-2010

It was a tough day on Nick A Jack for David Honey and I. We put the boat in at daylight and fished until 1:00pm. We caught and released 6 Largemouth- 3caught on a Prowler Lizard Carolina Rigged-1 caught on a Rocky Top Custom Tackle Jig with a Prowler Flappin Craw trailer www.prowlerlures.com and 2 on a Rapala DT6 www.rapala.com Big fish was 5 plus only problem they were few and far between. Most of the trucks were gone out of the lot when we came in so it looks like it was tough all the way around. Misery loves company! Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassuides.com

Tim's Ford 3-11-2010

I had 5 good hours on Tim's today catching and releasing 16 Largemouth on a #5 Rapala Bleeding Olive Shad Rap and 1 Hybrid on a Rapala Parrott DT6.  www.rapala.com I also had 3 other fish to the boat that I lost and a couple short strike that I didn't hook up on. I have some open dates this spring and things are going to break loose on Tim's within the next couple weeks. We soon should be on good Smallmouth-Largemouth-Walleye and Hybrid bite, give me a call.  Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 2-26-2010

I met Mr. Ronnie Murray at the State Park ramp this morning at 10:00am and we fished until 2:15pm. All we used was a Float N Fly and fished 5 spots in the 4 hours we were out. Water temperature when we got to the lake was 39.7 and when we left 41.3. If you haven't fished this rig your missing a fun/relaxing way to catch these Smallmouth. Many guys use braid tied to a 3 way swivel and then Fluorocarbon down to the fly.  I simplified that a little bit for me and use 6lb Sufix mono www.sufix.com straight through. Sufix offers a variety of  small diameter low memory strong lines that work in all weather and cover conditions. What ever your particular need is on the waters you fish Sufix has a line that will do the job. Check it out at your local tackle store.   Until this water temperature warms this technique is still a good one to go to. Ronnie and I are going to fish again here in a couple weeks and hopefully the water temp will be warmer. More to come next week. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 2-12-2010

I rescheduled  my Thursday and Friday guide trips this week for later in the month so I ventured out on Tim's Ford today with Mr. Jerry Steakley to see if we could find a Plan B for the tournament that he was going to fish on Saturday.  Jerry had found a few fish in another area of the lake so our goal yesterday was to find a backup just in case. The tournament is going out of Rock Creek so we put in there and was greeted with 38 degree water and the warmest we found any where in the river was 41.  For the day we caught 6 largemouth (3 keepers) and 2 big crappie. All of our fish came on the 4 following Rapala crank baits.  a DT4 Helsinki Shad......XRap Shad Sliver......Black& Silver Shad Rap www.rapala.com and a Luhr-Jensen Root Beer Chartreuse  Speed Trap www.luhrjensen.com.  We tried several other baits but no takers. We didn't see many boats on the water today but I did talk with a gentleman at the ramp when we were leaving he said that he didn't have a bite 1 all day. Air temp when we put in was 29 degrees and it was 33 when we loaded the boat.  The color is good in the river and if we could get just 2 or 3 warm days in a row you wouldn't even need hooks on your Rapala crank baits to catch them......Good to get back out-I have a jam packed week next week but hope for at least 1 day on the water maybe in Brazil....By the way I talked with Jerry Williams from Outdoor Junction in Cookeville and Randy at Murfreesboro Out Doors they both have a good supply of the Sufix Pro Mix in stock www.sufix.com . Check them out....You owe it to yourself to try this line...it's great! Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com  UPDATE: Jerry and his partner finished 2nd out of 50 plus boat in the tournament Saturday. The pattern we found held up..I think they had 5 fish that weighed a total of 12 pounds plus and was 1/2 lb from winning it all!...Jerry congratulations

Tim's Ford 1-22-27-2010

I'm late getting one of my posts up so here we go. I fished last Friday the 22nd choosing to throw Tuffy Minnows only. I got to the bait shop and they were out of Tuffy's and had about 2 dozen Shiners so I bought them. I don't know about you but I would much rather have a good Tuffy or Creek Minnow over a Shiner any day. Just a personal preference.  I moved several times before I got my first bite which promptly hung me up on "something" and broke me off.  I moved down the bank hung a big fish, fought him out into deep water and then.....nothing.....I reeled in with a bare hook. Moved a short distance and caught the Smallmouth in the top left hand corner. I lost 2 more fish in short order-then caught a Largemouth that I didn't take a picture of.  By then I had used up the Shiners so I headed home rather frustrated. (1-27-2010) Yesterday I got to the late late...lost my cell phone somewhere...Put in and ran up lake to my first stop. Caught 3 nice (3-3 1/2lb) Largemouth on a Luhr-Jensen Speed Trap www.luhrjensen.com Reached in dry storage for my camera only to find out that I had left it in the truck. Later I headed back toward the ramp picked up my camera and took pictures of the 3 different Largemouth above that I caught later in the day. I also hung and lost 2 other fish that I didn't see.  By then the 1/2 day was gone. Yes these things to will pass. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 1-19-2010

I'm almost ashamed to put these pictures up....to say the least it wasn't my best effort in photography. But they are what they are and here they are!!! I caught 1 Smallmouth-1 Largemouth and 4 Spots. 4 on Tuffy minnows-6lb test Sufix Pro Mix www.sufix.com #2 VMC Bait Keeper Hooks www.vmchooks.com and the other 2 on a #8 Silver Rapala X Rap www.rapala.com. Water temperature was 38.3 when I got to the lake and only 41 when I left at 2:00pm.  The water temp 10 feet and below had to be very cold because it would stun the Tuffy's  within the a couple casts. I haven't had that happen in many years.  More to come latter this week. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 1-14-2010

I'm out of hibernation and Daniel is back in school and what a great day to get started back again here in the new year. It was 19 degrees this morning when Mr. David Honey and I slipped the boat into Tim's Ford.  We actually had to break ice with the boat in several areas this morning to get from spot to spot. We fished from 7:30am until 2:15pm had 9 bites and put the 6 in the pictures above in the boat. All 3 of the top 3 Smallmouth was over 4lbs with the largest weighing in at 4lbs 12ounce.  5 of the 6 fish were using 6lb test Sufix Pro Mix line www.sufix.com VMC #2 BaitHolder Hooks (#9291BZ) www.vmchooks.com and Tuffy minnows. I did catch a 4lb 6ounce Smallie on a Float N Fly Rig. Once again I need to tell you about the Sufix Pro Mix line that I'm using. If your tired of line that kinks up and is stiff you absolutely need to get a spool of Pro Mix.  It has tremendous low stretch properties-low memory and comes off a spinning reel as smooth as silk. I use the Clear Blue so I can see even the slightest of ticks when fish are finicky.   The #2 VMC Bait Holder hook that I'm using is made with high levels of carbon which increases the strength of the steel and provides a cutting edge point that is razor sharp. When you set the hook it's going to do it's job. I've always been amazed at some folks that pay high $$$$$ for rods and reels then want the cheapest hooks that they can find at a local discount store. More to come next week. If you want an opportunity to catch Smallmouth like these above give me a call I have scattered open dates. More next week. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford w/o 12-28-2009

I fished Tim's Ford twice this week. Once with Mr. David Liu and once with Mr. David Honey. I have other pictures that's in David Liu's cell phone that I will post when I receive them. All in all it was a tough bite for me this week. I struggled getting on any kind of a pattern that lasted. All of our fish were caught on either a Rapala DT6 www.rapala.com or a Rocky Top Custom Lure Jig www.rockytopcustomlures.com  with a Prowler Flappin Craw www.[prowlerlure.com More to come next week. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com  By the way I have had several people asking about where they can buy the Sufix Pro Mix line that I have been using www.sufix.com . If you live in the Cookeville area Rick Reed at Out Door Junction has it in stock as well as Randy at Murfreesboro Out Doors in Murfreesboro. Both stores carry a great selection of Rapala, Storm, and Luhr-Jensen baits as well. Check them out!

Tim's Ford 12-14-2009

It's good to be back on the water after battling a sore throat all lat week. I put in this morning right at day light 6:15am and fish until 11:30am. I had 12 bites and put 9 of the 12 in the boat. These fish would hammer a Luhr-Jensen 014 Orange/Red Speed Trap (color # 0863) www.lurhjensen.com Big Smallmouth  was a 4lb 4ounce and the largest Largemouth was 3lb 15ounces. Two of the three fish I lost (both Smallmouth) was as large as my best two. Water temp was 50.5 degrees and for most of the morning I didn't have much of a wind. I have a few scattered days open this winter at the discounted price. If you would like a chance to catch a big Smallmouth now is the time. Give me a call at 615-765-7303 or e-mail me at rickm@dtccom.net  Thank you for visiting my site. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 12-04-2009

Have you ever had a sleepless night? Well last night was one for me. Looking back at yesterday if I had it to do over again I would have made some different decisions.  Over the past several weeks  I have been on a good live bait bite (see posts below). So when we got to the lake yesterday I had all the confidence that it would be a repeat. The truth is that at least for us and the locations we fished (I covered a lot of water) the live bait bite was off. I don't know if you have ever felt like you could "make" fish bite a certain bait-if you have you know what my mind set was yesterday. I don't want to make this sound like it was a bust....we caught 9 Smallmouth for the day with the 2 in the picture above being our best and they came late in the trip on a Buck Eye Shad.  Any time you can put a 5lb plus Smallmouth in the boat it's not bad. But we should have been throwing these more throughout the day. By the way I forgot to reset the date in the camera when the batteries died. These guys were great to fish with and Rick I hope we are able to do this again....Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 12-1-2009

It's good to be back on the water today after traveling to the in laws for the holidays.  I fished today by myself getting ready for my guide trip later this week. I caught everything today (14 Smallmouth-3 Black Nose Crappie and 4 Small Hybrids) on 2 things.....a Rapala X Rap www.rapala.com and tuffy minnows...More to come later this week. I have scattered dates open through the winter at the discounted rate and things are just going to get better and better. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 11-20-21-2009 Tow Day Report

I fished Tim's the past 2 days with Mr. Mark Lane and Mr. Dana Adams. The fish above was our best and we did have several others that we didn't take pictures of.  We lost several good fish over the past two days that either jumped and threw the bait or got us under brush. Mark and Dana it was good fishing with you. I need to tell you again about the Sufix line that I'm using that is fantastic called Sufix Pro Mix. It has a small diameter, very limp, extremely strong and comes off a spinning reel like no line that I have ever used. For my live bait rig I'm using the 6lb test Clear Blue and a #2 VMC Fast Gap Live Bait Hooks. These hooks are super sharp and keeps a good point even in the rocks on Tim's. Click on the Sufix and VMC logo under my sponsors tab to view these great products.  I'm taking all of next week off for the Holiday's but will be back on the water on the 30th. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 11-16-2009

Mr. David Honey and I had a great trip (BUT) today on Tim's Ford throwing Tuffy minnows. Now I'll explain the "BUT".  We hung and lost at least 6 big fish in brush that we couldn't get out, plus David lost two others that we saw. One was the biggest Smallmouth that I have seen for a while on Tim's, two jumps and away she went.  We caught and released 6 or more smaller fish that's not pictured as well.  All this happened within 5 minutes or less from the ramp we used.  More to come later this week...........................Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tims Ford 11-13/14-2009

(13th) I spent a beautiful day on Tim's Ford today with 2 very nice folks, John and Karen Roberts who live near Atlanta.  We struggled with "NO WIND" all day but still managed to catch and release 12 all caught on a Shad patter Rapala DT6 www.rapala.com  We only had 4 Smallmouth and the rest were Largemouth. Water is still falling and water temp stay just under 60 degrees all day today-it's heading in the right direction. Karen and John your great to fish with. (14th) I fished with the father and son team of Greg Johnson today on Tim's we never fired our big motor until 8:30 because of the fog.  We found it much tougher today than yesterday with zero wind 90% of the day. The two bottom pictures are our best two. Greg you have a good boy there and a good fisherman as well. I'll be fisting with Greg and Nick in July when they are back in town. Until next week.  Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 11-9-2009

I fished Tim's today by myself and had a great 4 hours on a Rapala DT6 Shad pattern. www.rapala.com This was one of those you didn't have to wonder if you got bit day's -they would hammer the DT. I took 6 pictures of the 14 total that I caught, all the fish were about the same size that you see above. I will be back on Tim's 2 more times the end of this week. Water is continuing to fall and the temp is still hovering around 60-61 degrees. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 11-6-2009

I fished Tim's today with Mark Lanius and Richard Doland and caught fish on a variety of baits including a Rapala X Rap www.rapala.com  Prowler Baby Brush Dawg www.prowlerlures.com and live creek minnows. www.creek.com  Water temp was in the low 60's and still falling and we had basically no wind at all today. We had several fish we didn't take pictures and the 4 above was our best. Mark and Richard it was good fishing with you again. Rick www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 10-29-2009

Another good day on Tim's Ford with Mr. David Honey. The lake continues to drop, I'm not sure how much we are down but we still have a long way to go to winter pool, but at least it is going in the right direction. Water temp was 63 more or less just about everywhere we fished today. Those brown fish sure do love that Rapala X Rap www.rapala.com . X Rap and a rig did the trick today. More to come next week......Great day David! Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

October 26-2009

I had a very pleasant day on Tim's Ford fishing with Charlie Pike today. When I got to the lake I found out that the Corp had dropped the lake almost a foot over night and it's down about 18 inches or more from last week. It took perseverance and moving quite a bit but it paid off. We caught fish today on a Rapala X Rap www.rapala.com a Luhr-Jensen Radar 10 www.luhrjesen.com.  We also lost 2 very good fish that just came unbuttoned. Charlie it was a pleasure fishing with you. Rick www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 10-19-2009

I had the pleasure of fishing today with Mr. Dale Abbott  and Mrs. Joy Castillo from Chicago Ill. Dale has several family members down here for a week and unfortunately they have ran into high water and tough times on Tim's. The water may have come down 8 to 10 inches in the past 2 or 3 days but it doesn't appear to me to be much more than that. Water is still over many of the private dock owners walk ways and the main walk way at the State Park Ramp is a foot under water. I talked with 3 different people that fished Tim's this past week end and it was tough going them with most of their fish being caught on a jig. We started out slowly but then I switched to a Rapala XRap (XR08) www.rapala.com which is the smaller 3 1/8 inches long size in the silver/black shad pattern. The shad in the areas where we were fishing were small so I tried to match their size the best we could which paid off almost immediately.  The results for the day was 4 Kentucky's-1 Largemouth-1 Smallmouth and 1 small Rock Fish. Not a tremendous day but under these changing conditions on Tim's not bad either. Dale and Joy were great to fish with and hopefully they can repeat what we did and finish out their vacation by lifting some over the rail. Daniel is on fall break and we had planned 2 or 3 days on the water the rest of this week (BUT) he is in bed with a temperature and sore throat so it looks like we will be close to the house. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Lake Barkley 10-15-2009

For the past 2 or 3 years good friend Ken Jenkins has asked me to go to Lake Barkley in October to get in on some of the hot top water action. We finally got together yesterday knowing that we had a chance of muddy water due to all the heavy rain we have been having here in Tennessee but we headed out anyway. Barkley was clearing but still had a stain and Ken began to catch a few short fish on top. Then I started tossing the NEW Rapala  Helsinki Shad pattern in the DT10 & DT 6. and the bass would absolutely nail the Helsinki Shad but when the occasional bass would strike short they were stuck anyway with the super sharp extended VMC Surset Treble Hooks which are on both the front and back of these baits. This is only one of several new colors that we have at Rapala this year and I can tell you that the Helsinki Shad is going to be a "Big Time Winner" check them out at your local sporting goods store or on line at www.Rapala.com If you live in the Murfreesboro area Murfreesboro OutDoors have these in stock now. I also need to tell you about some fantastic Sufix Line called "ProMix" This line is Extra Limp and comes off a spinning or casting reel as smooth as silk. It is also unbelievably tough and abrasion resistant. I was very impressed with the knot strength.  ProMix is manufactured in various strengths and is offered this year in "Clear Blue" or "Lime" By the way Ken and I lost track on the count somewhere around 50 bass yesterday. Should be against the law to have that much fun. Thanks Ken for a great day. Rick www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 1--06-2009

I fished Tim's Ford today with Jon Simmons and truthfully we struggled all day.  We caught fish on a variety of baits including a Rapala X Rap www.rapala.com  a Rocky Top Custom Tackle Jig www.rockytopcustomtackle.com  with a Prowler Flappin Craw trailer www.prowler;ures.com. and a swim bait. The two above was our best but we also had some smaller Smallmouth as well. 71.6 degree water temp....It will get better. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 10-2-2009

I took several days off preparing for revival at our church but was back on Tim's today. A quick update: Tim's Ford has more water in it for this time of the year that I have seen in a long time.  I don't want to mislead you, we aren't at a flood stage,  but several of the walk ways going out to the docks are under water which is unusual for this time of the year.  The water temperature was 73 and stayed there all day with a stout south west wind. All of our fish we caught (and lost) was on either a Rapala DT6 www.rapala.com or a swimming Rocky Top Custom Lure Jig. www.rockytopcustomtackle.com  with a Prowler Flappin Craw trailer www.prowlerlures.com I had a good time with Bob Cunningham and Ron Taylor and we are going to do it again this winter. More updates next week. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 9-23-2009

What a great time today with the Hybrid on Tim's today. They would absolutely try to destroy a Rapala Skitter Walk www.rapala.com .  I caught 9 total today and all ran about the same size as the 5 in the pictures above. I also caught 4 small Largemouth 2 small Smallmouth on the same bait. I got to messing with the Hybrid and I abandoned everything else, they can sure stretch your string. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 9-21-2009

I was suppose to shoot some video this morning on Tim's but the weather shut that down quickly. I thought I might at least avoid the storms and did for a couple hours. Then it was heavy rain and lightening and my boat back on the trailer sitting in the parking lot waiting for it to clear. (I finally gave up and headed home)  But before all that happened I did manage 4 bites (caught 3) swimming a black and blue Rocky Top Custom Tackle Jig www.rockytopcustomtackle.com with a Prowler Flappin Craw trailer www.prowlerlures.com. The 2 above was my largest for the day. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 9-14-2009

Ron Kairdolf and I met at The Cracker-barrel in Manchester this morning at 4:45am and headed down to Tim's. We slipped the boat in the water just at daylight and headed to our first spot. We had 5 blow ups on top water within the first 15 minutes and didn't stick a fish. We moved to another area and had several other missed opportunities. The 2 above was our best of 8 total for the day. Ron caught either 4 or 5 on a Prowler Slim Jim www.prowlerlures.com rigged wacky style later in the day. Off the water by noon and back to the house in time to take a nap.  I will be fishing with Ron hopefully a couple times this winter. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 9-11-2009

At the last minute my clients for today had to cancel so I fished Tim's from 6:00am to 10:00am this morning by myself. I decided just to throw top water baits and that's what I did for the entire 4 hours. The Rapala Skitter Walk www.rapala.com  produced some decent fish today and had several blow up's that missed. I lost one very good Smallmouth and 1 good Largemouth as well. Big fish was 5lb 4oz on the digital scale. If you like throwing top water baits Tim's is good to go.  More next week. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 9-9-2009

Between the holidays and trying to get things done here at the house I have taken a little time off from Tim's.  But this morning I put my boat in right at daylight and caught 1 Largemouth and 1 Smallmouth almost immediately swimming a Rocky Top Custom Tackle Jig www.rockytopcustomtackle.com with a Prowler Flappin Craw trailer www.prowlerlures.com. Water temperature was 76.6 degrees and as you can see from the picture very little wind. I went 2 1/2 hours without a bite throwing a variety of baits and then I switched to the Rapala Skitter Walk (SW08 Holo Silver) www.rapala.com pictured above.  My second cast down that area and "Wham" the 5lb 1oz Smallmouth engulfed the bait. I caught and released 8 more Largemouth and Smallmouth on the Skitter Walk before I put my boat back on the trailer. All in all not bad for bright sun shine no wind and 80 degree plus day. I need to bring you up to speed on the new line that I'm using.  Rapala purchased Sufix line sometime ago and they have a great variety of line to fit any condition. I'm very impressed with the Sufix Pro Mix that I'm using. (6lb-30ln test-3 colors)This line has very low memory, low stretch and comes off the reel as smooth as silk to give you extra distance on your cast. When your fishing a clear lake like Tim's on a day like today the extra distance means a lot. If you haven't tried Pro Mix I urge you to try it. Well....2 drive ways to seal yet this week and then my big jobs hopefully will be completed...Sometimes work gets in the way of fishing....Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 9-1-2009 Looking For Walleye "BUT"

I fished Tim's this morning with the intention of trying to find some Walleye and zeroed out. I took advantage of the early hours checking out some areas for bass and caught the one's that you see in the pictures above. The Rockfish picture is from last week, I thought I had lost it.  I trolled multiple areas of the lake for Walleye with a variety of baits but to no avail. I should have stayed with the bass bite they were very active in the areas where I fished. I have noticed that the Spots in Tim's are getting bigger every year. I lost one this morning when I tried to sling it into the boat that was a solid 3lb fish. (I know better with light line) I will be back on the water Thursday and will give you an update then. If your throwing them in the right place it's hard to beat a Prowler Soft Shad www.Prolwerlures.com and A Rapala Skitter Walk on Tim's right now. Not sure why the camera jumped dates on the pictures, they were from today.  www.rapala.com on Tim's Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 8-27-2009

I fished Tim's Ford today with Mr. David Honey and had a good day. Our day started out kind of funny, we had several blow up's on a Prowler Soft Shad www.prowlerlures.com  and just couldn't get a good hook up. We caught fish on a Prowler Slim Jim a Storm Mad Flash www.stormlures.com a Storm Swim Bait and top water. Rapala makes some great top water baits like the X-Rap Walk, Skitter Walk and Skitter Prop that will do the trick on Tim's www.rapala.com.  David had 4 GOOOD fish hung on the Swim Bait and they just came off. One almost took the riod away from him right at the boat. Great day with a good friend. More to come next week. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 8-25-2009

I fished Tim's today with Mr. Jerre Morton and his son-in-law Mike Dowsett from London England. We started out with 3 short Smallmouth and Mike lost a Smallmouth the size of the one pictured above. It was another challenging day on Tim's but ity won't be long before the leaves will be falling the winds will chill up and the water temp change. Storm Mad Flash Crankbaits www.stormlures.com  and Prowler Slim Jim and Soft Shad www.prowlerlures.com did the damage today. More to come Thursday. I will be fishing with Jerre and Mike again in December when Mike is back in the states, I'm looking forward to that. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 8-18-2009

I fished Tim's today with Mr. David Honey and had a interesting time. By the way I forgot to set the date on my camera these were today's fish.  These 2 Largemouth above was our largest fish that we put in the boat. We also had some smaller bass and lost 3 good fish and it's hard to tell how many short hits we had throughout the day. This would have been an easy 20 fish day if it had all come together. (IF IF IF) Prowler Soft Shad was the best for me today. www.prowlerlures.com Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tims Ford 8-14-2009

It was hot (92 degrees Air-85 degree water) and a challenge for myself, Jay and Caleb Satterfield today on Tim's.  For two days this week the majority of our fish were caught on a Storm Swim Bait www.stormlures.com  Dog days of summer are on us and you just have to keep moving, switching up baits and stay focused. It can be slow, hot and frustrating but don't give up. You have to be mentally tough on Tim's this time of the year or you will go home with your tail tucked between your legs. This was a good father and son team and a pleasure to fish with. . And Caleb caught the first 2 Smallmouth of his fishing career today.  Way to go Caleb!!!!!More next week Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 8-11-2009

I fished Tim's Ford today with the father and son team of Russell and John Wright. Truthfully it was tough for us all day until we switched to a Storm Swim Bait www.stormlures.com . We had a storm blow through around noon so I dropped Russell and John off at their truck and I stayed under a boat slip for 45 minutes until the storm passed through. I stopped at a couple places on the way back to the ramp and caught the two fish in the bottom pictures. Russell and John were great to fish with and they hung in there even with things as slow as they were. Two very nice people......Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Tim's Ford 8-7-2009

By the look of how Daniel was bundled up it would make you think it was winter-but no it was a very chilly August morning here in middle Tennessee instead. This is the only day this week that I was free to fish so Daniel and I ran down to Tim's for  5 1/2 hrs to see if we could find any Hybrid and Rock Fish. But our first priority was to make a quick check on 1 particular spot that has given up some great Smallmouth over the past several weeks and the results was (Daniels holding it) This is 7 Smallmouth over 4lbs off the same spot and all were caught on a Rocky Top Custom Tackle Jig www.rockytopcustomtackle.com and a Prowler Flappin Craw trailer www.prowlerlures.com  We caught 10 total Hybrid and Daniel is holding his two largest. If your on Tim's and locate suspended fish try vertically jigging a Luhr-Jenson Krocodile Spoon www.luhrjensen.com and hold on. As we were going down the bank Daniel spotted a mother Raccoon and 1 of her young ones.  I have two trips next week on Tim's and will update you then. Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com

Week Of July 27-2009

This has been an interesting week to say the least. First of all I had problems getting my pictures to upload so I'm several days behind getting these reports up.  I will combine the 3 days that Daniel and I fished into 1 report. Daniel is going back to school starting the 7th so we decided to fish 3 different lakes this week. Monday the 27th Daniel and I fished Nickajack lake with very little success. We caught and released 8 small Largemouth in the 12 to 14 inch range. Tuesday the 28th we fished Old Hickory and caught 12 Largemouth and Daniel is holding the 2 largest that he caught swimming a Rocky Top Custom Tackle 1/4oz jig www.rockytopcustomtackle.com with a Prowler Flappin Craw trailer www.prowlerlures.com . Also take a look at the snapping turtle in the lower right hand picture that picked the same jig up. This guy must have weighted 25-30lbs easy-check out his claws. On our 3rd day I couldn't get Daniel out of bed on the 30th so I fished Tim's by myself. The Smallmouth in the center picture weighed 4lbs 4oz I lost 3 other Smallmouth the same size when the jig just came loose right at the boat. I kept looking and looking at the jig and trailer and then I figured out what I was doing wrong. I was throwing the same Rocky Top jig but with a larger trailer. What was happening these fish weren't  getting the entire jig in their mouth so I was barely getting the hook in them-I shortened the craw and 3 casts later....4lb 4oz in the boat. I won't wait that long again I assure you before I switch up. I also caught several Hybrid and Rock Fish about the size of the one pictures on a Luhr-Jensen 5/8oz Krocodile Spoon www.luhrjensen.com  and a couple other baits. I will miss my fishing partner when he enters his Freshman year of high school.  More to come next week Rick McFerrin www.tennesseebassguides.com