Ivey Loc: South Central Tennessee, Tim's Ford Lake

Like to introduce myself, Everyone calls me Ivey form Tennessee live on Tim's Ford lake south central TN. Good Smallmouth, Largemouth, striper and crappie fishing on the lake and good trout, Rainbow, Browns and Brook fishing for miles below the dam. I prefer to fish for Smallmouth and like to fish after dark when possible. I've fished the Tennessee river impoundments Guntersville, Wheeler, Wilson, Pickwick for over 40 years. They're all great lakes with a chance to catch a trophy is possible on all of them. You can to paddle the Elk river below the dam and fish for trout on the hot summer days. The river is a natural air conditioner and cools the the air even on the hottest days. If I'm out on the lake or paddling the river I usually got spinning gear in my hands. I do a little fly fishing and some bait casting for top water largemouth but I really love to fish a light hair jig that I tie myself. That's about all I got so hi y'all let's go fishing.

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Hey Ivey, welcome to the forum. Are some really great folks on here, some might even be from your neck of the woods. It's a little late for some of them back there, wait til tomorrow and I'm sure you will hear from some. Good luck and tight lines.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Welcome to the forum Ivey. I have never fished for smallies after dark. What do you use? Sounds like you spend a good amount of time on the water. Will you please go back into your profile and update your location so you don't have to mention where you're from each time you post? For future reference it will put you in touch with folks in your area and them with you. Thankyou

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Hey Spirit, see you're still up. Got your new license yet?

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

I got a email that's proof of purchase. The license itself will come in the mail probably next week. I can fish with the email til I get it. $72.61

saw1 Loc: nor cal Windsor

Dadgum, sorry to hear it's that much. I won't be able to get out this week so I have plenty of time. Walmart is only 5 min. away so I get mine there. Hope you catchem next time you go out.

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

Colorado license for resident senile citizens is $9.75. Catch a lot of fish Spirit.

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

Welcome to the forum Ivey, looking forward to stories and pics.

audigger53 Loc: Severn, MD

Welcome Ivey, we're all a bit crazy here, but that goes with fishing. IMO Lots of good folks and lots of knowledge. All of us can learn something new, so any tips you have pass them on. Glad you fond us.

Ivey Loc: South Central Tennessee, Tim's Ford Lake

Thanks for the replies @Sprit Smallmouth after dark is just about like smallmouth during the day. I usually fish a hair jig tipped with a craw trailer of some sort. The fish here will move up after dark and makes them a little more accessible. Fishing close to Channel swings and points will usually get you in touch with a few fish. Also use a 1/2 oz Colorado blade spinnerbait, that I also make myself, slow rolling along the same type structures will get plenty of violent bites. cast them along channel drops and points, allow it to tick along the bottom during retrieve and hang on cause they will crush them and try to take the rod out of your hand. During the summer months it's warm enough to fish all night and after 10 the lake will settle down from the ski boats and the fish move up.
I do spend a good bit of time on the water but age is catching up now and slowing me down a little. Growing up in this area there's a lake or river close in any direction, an hour drive puts you on a great lake but since I live about 800 feet from the ramp at Tims Ford Dam it's hard to go much farther. Pickwick lake is my second favorite lake and sports some really big Smallies and Largemouth. Personal best Smallmouth comes from Pickwick at 7 pounds 4 oz. with two others over 7 and a boat load of 6 and 5 pounders. I've got pics but haven't figured out the site and posting yet, I'll get there.

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

I fish for smallies in the spring when they're on their beds. I fish from a float tube and throw a kastmaster up by the bank and work it back like I was playing with kitten. They can't seem to resist it. I do catch and release so I don't know how big my biggest is, but nowhere near your 7+. Probably closer to 3. But a 2 pounder can be a handful on what I use to catch em.

Graywulff Loc: Cortez,Co.

Just curious, what color the kastmaster Spirit? I know where the beds are here but have a dog of a time catching!

Ivey Loc: South Central Tennessee, Tim's Ford Lake

You are so right about the smaller fish/gear, I used to do a lot of wading in the small streams and rivers around here and they are all packed with Smallies. 3pounds are big in these places but on lite gear they will give you a really good battle.

Steelhead Mickey Loc: NJ

Welcome Ivey!
I love to fish for smallmouth. Look forward to your photos & smallmouth tips!

On a side note, didn’t we meet at the hospital? You were hanging out with a tall, thin pole-lock...

Ivey Loc: South Central Tennessee, Tim's Ford Lake

thanks for the welcome, never been to Jersey, unless you been around south central Tennessee.