Nashville Beginner Lake Fishing | ONX Charters

Published Date: October 4, 2025
Fishing

$250 - $700 price range

Summary

Looking for a laid-back way to try fishing? This 4-hour trip on Tennessee waters is perfect for beginners and families. As the afternoon sun starts to dip, you'll have a chance to reel in bass, crappie, and other local fish. Don't worry if you've never held a rod before - your captain will show you the ropes, from basic techniques to safely handling your catch. With all gear provided, you just need to bring your fishing license and any snacks you want. It's a great opportunity to learn a new skill or simply enjoy some time on the water. The boat can take up to 4 people, so grab some friends or make it a family outing. Whether you're hoping to land your first fish or just want a relaxing afternoon, this trip offers a perfect taste of Tennessee fishing.

Nashville Beginner Lake Fishing | ONX Charters

Sunset Catches

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Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and largemouth bass caught while fishing in Nashville

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Largemouth bass caught while fishing in Nashville

Great day out in Nashville!

Nashville never disappoints.

Nashville's Sunset Fishing Adventure for Beginners

Ready to wet a line and learn the ropes of fishing? Our Nashville Afternoon Fishing Trip is perfect for newcomers and casual anglers looking to soak up some Tennessee scenery while trying their hand at catching some of the state's most popular game fish. Whether you're a total newbie or just brushing up on your skills, this 4-hour trip on local waters is designed to get you hooked on fishing (pun intended).

What to Expect on the Water

As the afternoon sun starts to dip, you'll hop aboard our comfy fishing boat with up to three of your buddies or family members. Your seasoned guide will cruise you out to some prime fishing spots, sharing local knowledge and pointing out landmarks along the way. We've got all the gear you need - rods, reels, tackle, and bait - so you can focus on learning the basics without worrying about equipment. Your captain will walk you through everything from baiting your hook to reading the water, making sure even first-timers feel confident casting a line.

Casting 101: Tips for Newbies

Don't sweat it if you've never held a fishing rod before - that's what we're here for! We'll start with the basics of casting, showing you how to get that line out where the fish are biting. You'll learn about different techniques like bottom fishing for catfish or working a lure for bass. We'll cover how to set the hook when you feel a bite and the proper way to reel in your catch. Safety is key, so we'll also go over how to handle fish and remove hooks without hurting yourself or the fish. By the end of the trip, you'll have the skills to start fishing on your own if you catch the bug.

Top Catches This Season

Tennessee's waters are teeming with a variety of fish, and we'll be targeting some local favorites. Largemouth bass are the rockstars of freshwater fishing, known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. Crappie, often called "papermouths," are fun to catch and make for great eating if you're looking to take some home for dinner. Smallmouth bass, or "bronzebacks," put up a great fight for their size and are a blast on light tackle. Depending on the season and conditions, we might also hook into catfish, bluegill, or even the occasional walleye. Your guide will clue you in on what's biting best and how to target them.

Species You'll Want to Hook

Largemouth Bass: The heavyweight champ of Tennessee lakes, largemouth bass can grow up to 10 pounds or more. These bucket-mouthed predators are known for their explosive strikes and powerful runs. Spring and fall are prime times to target them, when they're actively feeding in shallower water. Anglers love largemouth for their fighting spirit and the challenge of outsmarting them with different lures and techniques.

Crappie: Don't let their size fool you - these tasty panfish are a favorite among local anglers. Crappie tend to school up, so when you find one, you've often found a bunch. They're most active in the spring during spawning season, but can be caught year-round with the right tactics. Light tackle and small jigs or minnows are the ticket to filling a stringer with these silver-sided beauties.

Smallmouth Bass: Often overshadowed by their largemouth cousins, smallmouth bass are pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting fish in freshwater. They prefer cooler, moving water and rocky habitat. Smallies are most active in late spring and early fall, eagerly attacking both live bait and artificial lures. Their acrobatic leaps and dogged fights make them a favorite among sport fishermen.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

There's something special about fishing as the day winds down. The water takes on a golden hue, the air cools off, and the fish often become more active. It's a perfect time to unwind, connect with nature, and maybe land that fish of a lifetime. Our afternoon trips are laid-back affairs - we're here to have fun and hopefully put you on some fish, but there's no pressure. It's all about enjoying the experience, whether you're reeling in a monster or just watching the sunset over the water.

Time to Book Your Spot

Ready to trade in your work shoes for some boat shoes and give fishing a try? Our Nashville Afternoon Fishing Trip for Beginners is the perfect way to dip your toes into the world of angling. With expert guidance, all the gear provided, and some of Tennessee's best fishing spots at your fingertips, you're set up for a fun and potentially fish-filled adventure. Whether you're looking for a unique way to spend an afternoon with the family, a low-key bachelor party idea, or just want to try something new, this trip fits the bill. Remember, no experience is necessary - just bring your sense of adventure (and your fishing license). Spots fill up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to book your trip. Who knows, you might just discover your new favorite hobby! Give us a call or book online to reserve your afternoon on the water. We can't wait to show you why fishing is one of Tennessee's favorite pastimes.

Learn more about the species

Crappie

Crappie are a blast to catch and perfect for beginners. These pan-sized fish usually run 7-12 inches long and put up a scrappy fight on light tackle. You'll find them schooling around brush piles, fallen trees, and dock pilings in our local lakes and slow-moving rivers. Spring is prime time when they move shallow to spawn, but fall can be hot too. Crappie are most active at dawn and dusk, so plan your fishing accordingly. Folks love targeting them for their tasty, flaky white meat - perfect for a fish fry. To catch more crappie, try using small jigs or minnows under a bobber. Work your bait slowly around structure, and pay attention to the depth where you're getting bites. Once you find the right depth, you can often catch a bunch from the same spot. A local trick: use scented plastics to entice finicky biters when the bite slows down.

Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass are the heavyweights of Tennessee's waters, typically ranging from 2-10 pounds. You'll find these ambush predators lurking near submerged logs, weed beds, and drop-offs in lakes and slow-moving rivers. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but they'll bite year-round. Anglers love largemouth for their explosive strikes and acrobatic fights. They're also tasty eating fish when caught from clean waters. To land a big one, try working a plastic worm slowly along the bottom near cover. These bass have great eyesight, so natural colors often work best. When the water's murky, switch to brighter lures to get their attention. Remember, largemouth aren't leader-shy, so you can use heavier line to muscle them out of cover. Patience is key - let them take the bait before setting the hook. With some practice, you'll be reeling in Tennessee's favorite gamefish in no time.

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are the scrappy fighters of Tennessee's rivers and lakes. These bronze beauties typically run 1-4 pounds and love clear, cool water with rocky bottoms. You'll find them around current breaks, boulders, and ledges. Spring and fall are prime seasons, but early mornings and evenings can be productive all summer. Anglers prize smallmouth for their acrobatic leaps and hard-pulling fights - pound for pound, they're one of the toughest fish in freshwater. They're also excellent eating when prepared fresh. To hook into more smallies, try crawdad-imitating lures or small spinners. Work your bait with a stop-and-go retrieve to trigger strikes. Here's a local tip: when the water's low and clear in late summer, try skipping small soft plastics under overhanging trees. Smallmouth often tuck into these shady spots to ambush prey. Be ready for an explosive hit!

About the ONX Charters

Vehicle Guest Capacity: 2

Manufacturer Name: Mercury

Maximum Cruising Speed: 65

Number of Engines: 1

Horsepower per Engine: 250

Ready for an easy-going afternoon on the water? This 4-hour guided fishing trip is perfect for newcomers and casual anglers looking to wet a line in Tennessee's beautiful lakes. As the day winds down, you'll have a chance to learn the basics or brush up on your skills while trying to land some bass, crappie, and other local fish. Your friendly captain will show you the ropes, from proper techniques to safely handling your catch. With room for up to 4 people, it's a great way to spend time with family or friends. No need to worry about gear - all the essential rods, tackle, and bait are provided. Just remember to bring your fishing license, and feel free to pack some drinks and snacks for a relaxing time on the boat. Whether you're brand new to fishing or simply want a laid-back outing, this trip offers a fun way to enjoy nature and maybe even reel in your next big fish story.

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