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No trip pricing information available at this time.
Cherokee Lake's reputation for producing monster Striped Bass isn't just fishing talk – it's the real deal. This 6-hour charter with Captain Ryan puts experienced anglers right where the action happens, targeting the lake's famous stripers and hard-fighting hybrid bass. You won't find any hand-holding here; this trip is built for folks who know their way around a rod and want to spend their time actually fishing, not learning basic knots. With all your gear, bait, and tackle sorted, you can focus on what matters: landing those powerful Tennessee stripers that make Cherokee Lake a top-rated destination for serious anglers.
Captain Ryan knows Cherokee Lake like the back of his hand, and he's not interested in wasting time in unproductive water. This charter moves with purpose, following seasonal fish patterns and using proven techniques that consistently put fish in the boat. The 6-hour window gives you plenty of time to work different areas without feeling rushed, but don't expect a leisurely cruise – this is an action-driven experience designed to maximize your hookup ratio. The boat accommodates just two anglers, which means more personal attention and better positioning when the fish are feeding. You'll handle your own rod work, but Captain Ryan reads the water and calls the shots on where and how to fish, putting his years of local knowledge to work for your success.
Cherokee Lake stripers respond best to specific techniques, and Captain Ryan has dialed in the approaches that consistently produce results. Depending on the season and conditions, you might be working live bait around structure, casting lures to feeding schools, or trolling productive channels where stripers ambush baitfish. The captain provides all the rods, reels, and terminal tackle – gear that's been tested on these waters and matched to the fishing conditions. You're not dealing with random equipment here; every rod setup has a purpose, whether it's handling the initial strike from a 20-pound striper or fighting hybrid bass that punch well above their weight class. The focus stays on techniques that work, not experimental methods that eat up valuable fishing time.
"We had a great trip. The Stripers were not cooperating, Jay had us reel up and he put us on them fast. Really memorable charter for us. We will definitely be doing another charter next time we are in the area." - Dave
"Although it wasn't the kind of day we had hoped, my nephew did catch 3 fish while I got skunked. (That's why they call it "fishing" and not "catching". But it was expected with the cold and rainy weather. Capt Jay did his very best to find the fish and keep us entertained. He has a wealth of knowledge and was a great teacher. I would highly recommend Capt Jay!" - Chris
"Had a great time on the the lake. Ryan found us a sweet spot and we started hooking fish left and right!" - John
Cherokee Lake's Striped Bass are the main attraction, and for good reason. These fish average 15-25 pounds but regularly push into the 30+ pound range, providing the kind of fight that keeps serious anglers coming back season after season. Spring and fall offer the most consistent action when stripers move into shallower water to feed aggressively on shad schools. During summer months, they hold in deeper, cooler water but still respond well to proper presentation. What makes Cherokee Lake stripers special isn't just their size – it's their attitude. These fish hit hard and fight dirty, using the lake's structure and current to their advantage. When you hook into a mature striper here, you're dealing with a fish that knows how to use every trick in the book. The hybrid bass add another dimension to the fishing, often schooling with stripers but bringing their own brand of acrobatic fighting style. Hybrids might not reach the same size as pure stripers, but pound for pound, they're some of the hardest fighting fish you'll encounter in Tennessee waters.
Cherokee Lake's skilled angler charter delivers exactly what experienced fishermen want: serious fishing time with a captain who knows how to find and catch fish. Captain Ryan's approach cuts through the fluff and focuses on results, using local knowledge and proven techniques to put you on Cherokee Lake's renowned striped bass population. This isn't a beginner's trip or a sightseeing tour – it's a dedicated fishing charter built for anglers who appreciate efficient boat handling, quality gear, and the kind of local expertise that makes the difference between a good day and a great one. With just two spots available per trip, booking early ensures you won't miss out on some of Tennessee's best striper action. The non-refundable deposit secures your date, and you'll settle the balance in cash when you hit the water ready to fish.
July 7, 2025
Although it wasn’t the kind of day we had hoped, my nephew did catch 3 fish while I got skunked. (That’s why they call it “fishing” and not “catching”. But it was expected with the cold and rainy weather. Capt Jay did his very best to find the fish and keep us entertained. He has a wealth of knowledge and was a great teacher. I would highly recommend Capt Jay!
May 26, 2025
Had a great time on the the lake. Ryan found us a sweet spot and we started hooking fish left and right!
September 12, 2024
Cherokee Lake's striped bass are serious fighters that'll test your skills. These silver torpedoes with their distinctive dark stripes typically run 15-25 pounds here, though we've pulled 40-pounders from the deeper channels. They love structure - submerged points, creek mouths, and drop-offs where the water breaks from 20 to 40 feet. Spring and fall are prime time when they're actively feeding on shad schools. What makes stripers special is their raw power - they'll make screaming runs that'll have your drag singing. The meat's excellent too, firm and flaky with a clean taste. Here's a local trick: watch for diving gulls marking baitfish activity on the surface. When you see that commotion, get your live bait or big spoons down to the edges of those schools. That's where the big stripers are waiting to ambush.

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Vehicle Guest Capacity: 6
Manufacturer Name: Honda
Maximum Cruising Speed: 20
Number of Engines: 1
Horsepower per Engine: 150
We had a great trip. The Stripers were not cooperating, Jay had us reel up and he put us on them fast. Really memorable charter for us. We will definitely be doing another charter next time we are in the area.