36.2242° N  ·  84.1575° W  ·  Norris Lake, Tennessee

First Light
On The Water

Guided fishing charters on Norris Lake with a USCG-licensed captain who grew up on this water. Striper, smallmouth, and more — gear, bait, and know-how included. You just show up.

Cast Off

Log 01 · The Water

Anglers Come Here From All Over The World. You're 10 Minutes From The Dock.

Norris Lake isn't a secret anymore — it's one of the healthiest fisheries in the Tennessee River system, and the stripers here run big. Big Reels launches from Lakeview Marina with a USCG-licensed captain who's fished these coves, channels, and creek mouths his whole life, in every season and every kind of light.

800

Miles of shoreline

6AM

Dock departure — first light bite

USCG

Licensed captain · up to 6 guests

Log 02 · One Trip A Day

Book Your Trip

The best fishing on Norris Lake happens in the first four hours of the day, so we run one trip — leaving the dock at 6AM, when the fog is still on the water. Pick your party size below. A deposit reserves your date.

Log 03 · The Day

What To Expect

Fun and big fish — that's why you're here, right? Here's the whole day, start to finish. No surprises, no gear to buy, no experience required.

Full Trip Details
  1. Grab your license

    Anyone fishing needs a Tennessee fishing license — get one online at GoOutdoorsTennessee.com or in person at Walmart before your trip.

  2. Meet at Lakeview Marina — 6AM

    All trips leave from 400 Marina Way in Rocky Top. An early start is the difference between a good trip and a great one, so we're off the dock while the fog is still on the water.

  3. Everything's aboard except your cooler

    Rods, reels, tackle, bait, and life jackets are provided. Bring your own drinks and snacks — and a camera.

  4. Fish the first-light bite

    The best fishing on Norris Lake is the first four hours of the day. Your captain reads the season and the sonar — you spend your time reeling, not searching.

Log 04 · The Guide

Norris Lake Has Always Been Home

“It's where I first learned to fish — and now it's where I teach others to fish.” Big Reels is run by a USCG-licensed captain specializing in striper, smallmouth, and other species, sharing the lake he knows best with visitors from across the country and neighbors from down the road.

Read Our Story

Log 05 · The Proof

From The Water

Fog · 6:12 AM
Striper · 31 in
Main channel
Sunset dock
First catch

Drove down from Ohio for a long weekend on Norris. Best morning of the whole trip — my son caught his first striper before the fog even lifted.

— Charter guest

Monthly Dispatch

R-E-E-L Big News

Lake conditions, what's biting, open dates — and who caught the biggest fish this month. Once a month, never spam.

One email a month. Unsubscribe anytime.