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Gear checklist · 11 items

What to Bring Musky Fishing in Tennessee

Melton Hill, Dale Hollow, the Collins and Caney Fork above Great Falls.

The checklistAll gear checklists

The checklist

Musky gear checklist

Melton Hill, Dale Hollow, the Collins and Caney Fork above Great Falls. Heavy rods, big baits, and the release tools that keep a 45-inch fish alive.

RodSt. Croix Mojo Musky casting rod, 8 ft heavyThrows a 3 oz bait all day and turns a big fish at the boat.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
ReelAbu Garcia Revo Toro BeastLow profile, big line capacity, built for the figure eight.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
LinePowerPro braid, 80 lbNo stretch, no breakoffs on the hookset.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
LeaderFluorocarbon musky leaders, 130 lbTeeth. Never fish a musky bait without one.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
BucktailMepps Musky MarabouThe bait that gets the most follows on Melton Hill.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
JerkbaitSuick Thriller, 9 inCold water and fall fish.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
Soft baitMusky Innovations Bull DawgSlow roll it deep in summer.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
TopwaterJoe Bucher TopRaiderSummer nights on the Collins River flats.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
ReleaseLong-nose pliers, 11 in, and hook cuttersReach past the teeth and cut what will not come out.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
ReleaseJaw spreadersOpen the mouth safely while you work on the hooks.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
NetFrabill Big Kahuna musky netBig enough to leave the fish in the water while you unhook it.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list

These are affiliate links. Buying through them pays this site a small commission at no extra cost to you, and it is how the site stays free.

Where to use it

Tennessee water for musky

14 lakes and rivers on this site hold musky. These are a few; each page lists every public access point.

Where to use itBarren ForkPublic access, limits and what else swims in Barren Fork.See the spots →Where to use itCalf Killer RiverPublic access, limits and what else swims in Calf Killer River.See the spots →Where to use itClear CreekPublic access, limits and what else swims in Clear Creek.See the spots →Where to use itClinch RiverPublic access, limits and what else swims in Clinch River.See the spots →Where to use itCollins RiverPublic access, limits and what else swims in Collins River.See the spots →Where to use itFrench Broad RiverPublic access, limits and what else swims in French Broad River.See the spots →

Bigger purchases

Gear compared for musky trips

The electronics, motors, boats and batteries that cost real money, compared side by side with the Tennessee water each one suits. Affiliate links.

Fish Finders
BudgetGarmin Striker 4$120MiddleHumminbird HELIX 7 CHIRP MEGA SI GPS G4N$700TopGarmin LiveScope Plus LVS34 bundle$1,500
Compare all 6 →
Trolling Motors
BudgetMinn Kota Endura C2 30$150MiddleMotorGuide Xi3 55 lb Freshwater GPS$1,150TopMinn Kota Ultrex QUEST 90/115$3,500
Compare all 6 →
Lithium Marine Batteries
BudgetLiTime 12V 100Ah LiFePO4$250MiddleBattle Born 12V 100Ah$850TopDakota Lithium 36V 63Ah$1,700
Compare all 6 →
All gear compared

Other checklists

Gear for other Tennessee fishing

Largemouth BassSmallmouth BassCrappieBluegill and PanfishCatfishStriper and HybridWalleye and SaugerTroutKayak and Float TripBank and Pier Fishing

Common questions

Musky gear questions

What do I need to go musky fishing in Tennessee?

The 11 items on this page: St. Croix Mojo Musky casting rod, 8 ft heavy, Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast, PowerPro braid, 80 lb, Fluorocarbon musky leaders, 130 lb, Mepps Musky Marabou, Suick Thriller, 9 in and the rest of the list above. A Tennessee fishing license for anyone 13 or older.

What rod for musky?

St. Croix Mojo Musky casting rod, 8 ft heavy. Throws a 3 oz bait all day and turns a big fish at the boat.

What are the best lures or baits for musky in Tennessee?

Mepps Musky Marabou, Suick Thriller, 9 in, Musky Innovations Bull Dawg, Joe Bucher TopRaider. The list above says when each one works.

Where are the musky in Tennessee?

Melton Hill Lake is the best known, with Dale Hollow, Norris, the Collins River and the Caney Fork above Great Falls behind it. The state record came from Melton Hill.

Do I need a leader for musky?

Yes, every cast. A 130 lb fluorocarbon or wire leader. Musky teeth cut braid instantly.

How much does a musky setup cost?

A rod, reel, line and the first three or four baits on this list is a modest start; the rest can be added a trip at a time. Prices are on Amazon, and bait shops in the county you fish carry most of it too.

Are these affiliate links?

Yes. Each link goes to Amazon with this site’s tag. It costs you nothing extra and pays for the site. Nothing on the list was chosen for commission; it is what works on Tennessee water.

Can I buy this gear locally instead?

Yes. Every county page on this site lists the bait shops, marinas and big box stores that carry tackle, with phone numbers and directions.

Keep going

More Tennessee water, and who fishes it

Every guide and charter on this site is listed by the water they run, so you can call the captain direct. Licences, limits and the state record list are one click away too.

Guides by waterLicence and limits