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Gear checklist · 10 items

What to Bring Striper and Hybrid Fishing in Tennessee

Stripers on Norris, Cherokee, Boone and the Cumberland tailwaters, hybrids on Cherokee and the Elk, and white bass running the rivers every spring.

The checklistAll gear checklists

The checklist

Striper and Hybrid gear checklist

Stripers on Norris, Cherokee, Boone and the Cumberland tailwaters, hybrids on Cherokee and the Elk, and white bass running the rivers every spring. Heavy spinning gear and a few baits that imitate shad.

RodUgly Stik Bigwater spinning rod, 7 ft medium-heavyHandles a 20 lb striper and a live shad on a balloon.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
ReelPenn Battle III 5000 spinning reelSealed drag, big spool, no excuses.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
LinePowerPro braid, 30 lbCuts through current below the dams; add a 20 lb fluoro leader.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
TopwaterCotton Cordell Pencil PopperSchooling fish on top at daylight in summer.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
SwimbaitStorm WildEye Swim Shad, 4 inCount it down to the depth the graph shows and swim it back.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
JigBucktail jig, 1 oz, whiteTailwater stripers in the fast water below Cordell Hull and Cherokee dams.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
Live baitOwner Mutu Light circle hooks, 5/0For live shad or skipjack on a free line or balloon.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
SpoonAcme Kastmaster, 3/4 ozWhite bass and hybrids on the river runs in March and April.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
SpinnerYakima Rooster Tail, 1/8 ozThe classic white bass spinner for the Caney Fork and French Broad runs.Shop on Amazon →Why it is on the list
NetFrabill Trophy Haul landing netA striper does not fit a trout net.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 striper and hybrid

34 lakes and rivers on this site hold striper or hybrid. These are a few; each page lists every public access point.

Where to use itCheatham LakePublic access, limits and what else swims in Cheatham Lake.See the spots →Where to use itCherokee LakePublic access, limits and what else swims in Cherokee Lake.See the spots →Where to use itChickamauga LakePublic access, limits and what else swims in Chickamauga Lake.See the spots →Where to use itClinch RiverPublic access, limits and what else swims in Clinch River.See the spots →Where to use itCordell Hull LakePublic access, limits and what else swims in Cordell Hull Lake.See the spots →Where to use itCumberland RiverPublic access, limits and what else swims in Cumberland River.See the spots →

Bigger purchases

Gear compared for striper and hybrid 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 PanfishCatfishWalleye and SaugerTroutMuskyKayak and Float TripBank and Pier Fishing

Common questions

Striper and Hybrid gear questions

What do I need to go striper and hybrid fishing in Tennessee?

The 10 items on this page: Ugly Stik Bigwater spinning rod, 7 ft medium-heavy, Penn Battle III 5000 spinning reel, PowerPro braid, 30 lb, Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper, Storm WildEye Swim Shad, 4 in, Bucktail jig, 1 oz, white and the rest of the list above. A Tennessee fishing license for anyone 13 or older.

What rod for striper and hybrid?

Ugly Stik Bigwater spinning rod, 7 ft medium-heavy. Handles a 20 lb striper and a live shad on a balloon.

What are the best lures or baits for striper and hybrid in Tennessee?

Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper, Storm WildEye Swim Shad, 4 in, Bucktail jig, 1 oz, white, Acme Kastmaster, 3/4 oz. The list above says when each one works.

What is the best bait for stripers in Tennessee?

Live shad or skipjack. Artificial: a 4 in swim shad or a white bucktail jig in the tailwaters, a pencil popper when they school on top.

What tackle for the white bass run?

A light spinning rod, 6 to 8 lb line, and inline spinners or small spoons. The Caney Fork, French Broad and Elk runs happen in March and April.

How much does a striper and hybrid 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