What to bring
Tackle for Franklin
Three picks from the largemouth bass checklist that work for the fish here. Affiliate links: buying through them pays this site a small commission at no extra cost to you.
RodUgly Stik GX2 7 ft medium-heavy casting rodStiff enough to set a hook in grass, tough enough to live in a truck bed.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
ReelAbu Garcia Black Max baitcasting reelAn inexpensive baitcaster that casts cleanly once the brakes are set.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
Soft plasticZoom Trick WormThe Tennessee standard on a Texas rig or weightless along docks and grass edges.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
Spending more? The bigger purchases, compared side by side:
Closest first
Bait and tackle shops near Franklin
The nearest bait, tackle and marina stores to Franklin, each with its own page, directions and phone number.
Cumberland TransitTackle and bait for Davidson County water. Call ahead out of season, winter hours are short.Directions and phone →Fly SouthFly shop and outfitter. Flies, leader, licences and local water advice.Directions and phone →Starkey’s Bait & TackleLive bait, so this is the stop for minnows, crickets and nightcrawlers.Directions and phone →Finn’s Tackle ShopLive bait, so this is the stop for minnows, crickets and nightcrawlers.Directions and phone →Academy SportsChain sporting goods. Rods, reels, line, terminal tackle and a licence counter.Directions and phone →Walmart SupercenterOpen late, sells licences at the counter, and carries terminal tackle and line.Directions and phone →Academy Sports + OutdoorsChain sporting goods. Rods, reels, line, terminal tackle and a licence counter.Directions and phone →Pinewood Canoe & CampPaddle outfitter. Canoe and kayak rental, shuttles and life jackets.Directions and phone →Poindexter Bait ShopLive bait, so this is the stop for minnows, crickets and nightcrawlers.Directions and phone →
Buy it at the ramp
Marinas and bait near Franklin
Access points within reach of Franklin that TWRA records as carrying bait, rentals or marina services.
Fee not listed1.5 out of 5facilitiesCommodore Yacht ClubCumberland River · 15 mi from FranklinDirections and detail →36.13390, -86.92510Fee not listed1 out of 5facilitiesRock Harbor MarinaCumberland River · 16 mi from FranklinDirections and detail →36.15840, -86.88540Free3.5 out of 5facilitiesPercy Priest Marina and Yacht ClubJ. Percy Priest Lake · 19 mi from Franklin1 ramp, 3 lanesrestroomsDirections and detail →36.11160, -86.62270Launch fee5 out of 5facilitiesFour Corners Boat & MarinaJ. Percy Priest Lake · 19 mi from FranklinI-40 to Mt Juliet exit, South on 171 to Hamilton Church Road, left at light1 ramp, 3 lanescanoe / kayak landingrestroomsrentalsaccessible parkingDirections and detail →36.05150, -86.56660Launch fee4 out of 5facilitiesHamilton Creek MarinaJ. Percy Priest Lake · 20 mi from Franklin1 ramp, 2 lanescanoe / kayak landingrestroomsaccessible parkingDirections and detail →36.12750, -86.62140Launch fee5 out of 5facilitiesElm Hill MarinaJ. Percy Priest Lake · 20 mi from FranklinI-40 to Stewarts Ferry, proceed to marina2 ramps, 2 lanescanoe / kayak landingrestroomsrentalsaccessible parkingDirections and detail →36.13370, -86.62230Free1.5 out of 5facilitiesHighway 70 AccessHarpeth River · 19 mi from FranklinHWY 70 and Cedar Hill Roadcanoe / kayak landingrentalsDirections and detail →36.12382, -87.09842
What it looks like
The water around Franklin
What you are buying gear for. Drag or swipe through. Every picture opens that water’s own page.
J. Percy Priest LakeOpen the J. Percy Priest Lake page →Brian Stansberry / CC BY 3.0
Cumberland RiverOpen the Cumberland River page →U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not s / Public domain
Stones RiverOpen the Stones River page →Brian Stansberry / CC BY 3.0
Duck RiverOpen the Duck River page →SBaker43 / CC BY-SA 3.0
J. Percy Priest LakeOpen the J. Percy Priest Lake page →Brian Stansberry / CC BY 3.0
Cumberland RiverOpen the Cumberland River page →Brian Stansberry / CC BY 3.0Franklin water holds largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, crappie, bluegill.