Alright, let's talk about Tennessee now!!!

[BasserDrew]

With Atlanta over a lot of people have already begun looking towards the Knoxville (Sevierville) stop of the trail. I think many folks that fished ATL will be traveling there and I want to encourage those who are coming north to get in touch with others and possibly carpool up there and hit the water together. Or, try and connect with some of the river bassin members that live closer to that area because as everyone noticed at the ATL tournament the type of anglers that fish these are very cool and helpful towards the other competitors. It really is a different experience than any other type tournament.

So, let's talk about some topics for the TN tournament to start building the excitement! :D

1. How many inches do you think it will take to win each division?
2. Do you think it will be an all smallmouth stringer that will win or will a spot or largemouth come into play?
3. Will an out of stater win again or will someone in TN hold home turf?
4. Will the fish up there be in pre-spawn, spawn or post-spawn?

[Wolka Buzz]

It will be an all smallie weigh in. Fishing will be all post spawn. I don't think the locals will have too much advantage. It's going to be smaller stringer and 53.75 will win it.

[Mickey]

Terry, thats a confident rundown my man.

I say, 90%Smallies with a few chunky bucketmouths sprinkled in. Post spawn. I also think a 55"ish stringer will win. I hope they are more hungry than they proved to be in atlanta for me if not, Im just gonna go swimming and then Im gonna knock an icecream cone out of a toddlers hand and then kick a puppy!

[BasserDrew]

A 53-55 inch bag would be great cause that would mean an average of 18 inches which means that we'd see some photos of some nice smallies! I think if you get into the 50's you got a good chance to place and as we saw in ATL even if you come in second its almost like you win since both places get kayaks!

[Mick_T]

There could definitely be some nice LM measured. The first bass I ever caught on the Broad was a 3 lb LM. I do think that locals with have an advantage at each tourney stop, though. All of these rivers look great from one end to the other. Knowing which areas have the big boys will be the key! I think that a low 50's bag is very realistic, and 60 is even possible. I saw pictures of a 24" smallie from the tourney area caught back in April!

[TheFishinFool]

Id say that the smallies are goin rule this tx.There might be some bucketmouths weighted,but i think the smallies are goin be bigger.And i wouldnt be surprised to see someone with a close to a 60 inch stringer or possibly more.The fishing in my opinion is behind right now compared to the last few years but when it turns on,you better be ready to get the rod ripped from from your hands,and yes postspawn but you might find a few stragglers that havent.

[castapotamus]

Mickey - Hilarious!!

[Mickey]

Yeah I snuck that in!

[BasserDrew]

That had me rollin too Mickey! He's a riot in real life too fellas, let me tell ya!

[Gulpman]

There is a good portion of Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge that is not shown as off limits. The Clinch river should be open but not all the way to the Oak Ridge Park and beyond.

[GodFather of Shoal]

How are the waters around the Sevierville area after all this rain?

[BasserDrew]

I drove through the Sevierville area yesterday and actually fished some as well by just pulling off the side of the road. I caught a couple small smallmouth and the water was gorgeous! It is crystal clear and low. Also drove over the Holston and French Broad and they looked clear as well. Both the Pigeon and little Pigeon were gin clear. Even water here in East Central TN is clear now, but about an hour or two west I'm sure its a different story.

I can take some pics on my way back later this week as well because I am sure after passing all that water I will have to get out and scout some. You guys are going to love this leg of the tourney!