Reels
Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting Reel
A reliable baitcaster for jigs, Texas rigs, and moving baits.
Check Price
An earthquake-formed cypress lake in northwest Tennessee with crappie and bluegill.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Reelfoot Lake for largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill. The best months overall are Mar to Jun, Oct. In October, largemouth bass and crappie are in season, and Soft Stick Bait, Bass Jig and Spinnerbait are a good place to start. There are 7 shops within 45 miles (1 fly, 6 bait and tackle); the closest is Holly's Bait Shop in Portageville, 11 mi away. Kentucky Lake is 77 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Mar to Jun, Oct
In October
Largemouth Bass, Crappie
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
What You'll Catch
Reelfoot Lake Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
10 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Crappie Jig 1/32 to 1/8 oz
LureJig · Bluegill, Crappie
Shop This LureSoft Stick Bait 4 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureBass Jig 3/8 to 1 oz
LureJig · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureSpinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz
LureMoving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Stained water.
Shop This LureBladed Jig 3/8 to 1/2 oz
LureMoving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Around grass.
Shop This LureSquarebill Crankbait 1.5 to 2.5 in
LureCrankbait · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureLipless Crankbait 1/2 to 3/4 oz
LureCrankbait · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureWalking Topwater 4 to 5 in
LureTopwater · Largemouth Bass · Low light.
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Crappie, Largemouth Bass · Under a slip float.
Nightcrawlers Whole or half
BaitLive Bait · Bluegill
Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Largemouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 7 or 8 wt rod, bass-taper floating line, 12 to 16 lb leader for poppers and divers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting rod, 7:1 reel, 15 lb fluorocarbon or 50 lb braid around heavy cover.
Crappie
Fly 8.5 ft 4 wt rod, floating line, small jig flies and minnow patterns.
Spin / Cast 10 to 12 ft jigging pole or 6 ft ultralight spinning rod, 4 to 6 lb hi-vis line.
Bluegill
Fly 7.5 to 8 ft 3 or 4 wt rod, floating line, foam spiders and small poppers.
Spin / Cast 5 ft ultralight spinning rod, 1000 reel, 4 lb line with a small bobber.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Reelfoot Lake
Panfish Lures
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jigs
A go-to crappie plastic on a light jighead, under a float or vertical.
Check PriceReels
Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
Check PriceRod & Reel Combos
Ugly Stik GX2 Ultralight Spinning Combo
Light enough to feel crappie bites and cast small spinners for trout.
Check PriceLine
Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament
Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.
Check PriceRod & Reel Combos
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
Check PriceRods
St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
Check PriceLine
PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
Check PriceSome links are affiliate links. See our disclosure.
Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Reelfoot Lake
Bait & Tackle
Holly's Bait Shop
Portageville, Missouri· 11 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Portageville, MO.
Bait & Tackle
Nelson's Bait & Tackle, Llc
New Madrid, Missouri· 15 mi
Bait and tackle shop in New Madrid, MO.
Bait & Tackle
Whitehall Grocery & Bait Shop
Trenton, Tennessee· 41 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Trenton, TN.
Make It a Trip