Benny, Maggie, April, and Robbie heading to Broadway — Benny, April, Maggie, and Robbie walking towards Broadway.

After some conversations with Benny, it was determined that I needed to get to Tennessee to catch one of their giant catfish, and deliver a rod I built him. At this point, I never fished for catfish, and surprisingly never caught one( until 2 days before our trip). So, we worked out a date that would work for all of us. This time my boat was staying in Milwaukee, but my wife April is coming with. The plan was simple. Stay in the hills of Tennessee with Benny and Maggie while we fish for a few days, then head to East Nashville to stay with Robbie and Sam so we can enjoy some live music from Loose Lips then traveling back to see the eclipse while in the path of totality.

We left the 40-degree temperature and headed south. Once we crossed the Ohio border the temps skyrocketed to 76 degrees. After some hours the roads narrowed and began to twist. The scenery changed, mountains, hills, old trailer homes, fog, this is what we were hoping for. I couldn’t keep the smile off my face. Getting to see good friends was what the trip was for but the land rich with southern culture made the trip so much better. We pulled up in the evening to inviting dogs, warm food, cold beverages, and smiling faces. This trip is going to be one for the memories.

Waking up in this atmosphere hit us different. The fresh air and the quite recharged us from long drive and we were ready to get to the water. We talked gear and tactics while Benny was rigging up his new rod “BIG JUICY”. The plan was to hit one of the rivers and throw cut bait out while we relax and wait for fish. So naturally, the wind picked up, and the drizzle came. But we fished on. The stories and laughs were the plentiful while we waited for a bite that just wouldn’t occur.

Big Juicy- custom rod made for Benny by Spring Green Tackle.

After an evening of playing cards, we awoke once again to try to catch the elusive catfish. the wind continued to blow, and the misty rain continued to fall. This weather was not ideal for catching the cats. At this point we decided to head back to the launch, set the rods up at the pier, and hang out in the truck while it rains. The girls decided to head to a restaurant for a few drinks while we continue to fish from the pier. Benny casted the rods out and while we waited another boat pulled up to leave but they were having some issues getting loaded. Benny was able to help get them all trailered up which must have given us some good juju because shortly after we heard a clicker clacking.

Benny getting the boat on the trailer through the wind.

The reel clicked a few times, then stopped. I got the rod in my hand and waiting to see what the fish was doing. The thought of the fish dropping the bait came to mind after almost a minute of waiting, then a few inches of line was once again pulled. This continued to happen. Short line pull, then nothing. Slight rod tip twitches, then nothing. What felt like an hour of this was only 5 minutes. I told Benny I am risking it, and I set the hook. What did I do?! The initial tension that was felt on the rod was gone. I continued to reel disappointedly. But wait! The line slowly moved to the side. Was a fish the fish swimming towards me? I reel faster. Then we see it. After days of us laughing at my small Wisconsin catfish, out of the water comes the smallest catfish possible. this fish was short and skinny, the same size as the baitfish we cut up earlier. I did get Benny to take a picture of me in it. this will definitely be a more memorable catfish than an average sized one. We decided to end the day on a high note and head to the restaurant for some food, laughing at my catfish, and discussion of the next day’s adventures.

Tennessee’s smallest catfish caught by me.

Final day of fishing with Benny and we decided tactics need to change. Crappie gear was loaded up and we drove to the bait shop. A quick purchase of some minnows and we were back on the water. We pulled up to a brush pile, and casted our minnows towards it. This was April’s first time using a rod I built her so naturally she catches the first crappie, then another, and another. These are not small crappie either. All great eating sized fish. I was all three of us were beyond excited that April was getting these crappie, but for some reason Benny and I could only catch smaller fish. Some bluegill and a perch were boated but nothing worth keeping. We ended up leaving the water with our heads held high because April was able to get these gorgeous crappie. Benny cooked up these fish for us as a dessert after a great dinner. We stayed up talking and playing cards again, then finally passed out.

Our drive to East Nashville was very relaxing. As soon as we pulled up to Robbie and Sam’s house, we began talking fishing, rods, and life. It was great to be able to catch up with Robbie, and finally meet Sam in person. We headed to Broadway with Robbie to meet up with the band before they perform. It is always great to see everyone and talk a bit before the shows begin. Watching Loose Lips perform is amazing. To be able to call these guys friends makes it so much better. It’s definitely a feeling of pride, seeing them in their element, absolutely killing it, and having a good time. We did this for two nights in a row and had a blast.

Sunday Robbie and I went and fished his Honey Hole. It is definitely “his” honey hole, because I couldn’t catch anything at it. I can say that day was the first time I ever saw someone catch a bluegill on a crankbait. It was a nice little pond that we got to cast for a while and watch deer swim across it.

Monday morning came quick, and we headed out to hit the path of totality for the eclipse. As the eclipse approached totality the sky had an orange ring around the entire horizon, and then the hue of a dark navy approached. Stars were visible, and the moon blacked while the outline of the sun surrounded it perfectly. This was an unbeatable way to end a multi state adventure.

Another Nashville Fishing Trip 04/02/2024

Row vs. Wade

Muskie Float 09-2023

Spring Green Tackle