Crappie Fishing at Reelfoot Lake, Tn.

If you love to fish you gotta take a trip to the number 1 Crappie destination in Tennessee. Reelfoot Lake http://www.state.tn.us/environment/parks/ReelfootLake/ is located in the northwest corner of Tennessee near Tiptonville. This majestic lake was created by the earthquake of 1811-12. They say the Mississippi River actually flowed backward during this event. The area was heavily forested and the remains of this cypress forest are still found above and beneath the lakes waters making it excellent for fishing. Anglers fish for more than 50 species including Reelfoot's "Big 3" of crappie, bass and bluegill.

We took our son on this trip and rented a pontoon boat which gave the three of us plenty of room to move about. Each of us caught crappie, the largest of which was 16" in length and weighed approximately 2 lbs. It's an easy place to catch crappie because of the cypress stumps and especially during the spawning season in April.

One of the nicest places to stay around the lake is the Blue Bank Resort http://www.bluebankresort.com/ which has fishing packages (includes room and boat rental) and is located on the bank of Reelfoot. They have a incredible wrap-around deck in the marina where you can access your fishing boat right next to your room. There is also a moonlight cruise you can take. Reelfoot is the winter home of the American Blad Eagle which makes your trip great for bird watchers, photographers, and naturalist.