Cherokee Lake an Unknown for Many PAA Pros
Anglers at Cherokee Lake will find opportunities for traditional offshore summer tactics.
PAA Communications
MORRISTOWN, Tenn. – When the field hits Cherokee Lake for the first stop of the PAA Bass Pro Shops Tournament Series presented by Carrot Stix, many of the anglers will be seeing it for the first time in years, or maybe ever.
Tournament dates are July 8-10 on the 28,780-acre lake near Morristown, Tenn. Cherokee Lake hosts many tournaments each year, with local events seeing five-bass limits ranging from 13-18 pounds for four-hour weeknight tournaments to 20 pounds or more for one-day team events.
But the professional circuits have not stopped on the lake in decades.
“It’s been many, many years since I fished a tournament on Cherokee Lake,” said veteran Skeeter pro Harold Allen of Texas, who visited the lake in May to practice before the off-limits period. “It’s been so long ago that I can’t even remember when it was. About all I can remember is it wasn’t a terribly big lake. But I’m sure we’ll be able to do some different things there and will have a good tournament.”
The opening event of the PAA Tournament Series will award up to $400,000 in cash and prizes. The winner will take home $10,000 and a new Phoenix 719 powered by a Mercury 225 Optimax and outfitted with a T-H Marine Atlas Jackplate. Eligible anglers also may benefit from the Bass Pro Shops Tournament Rewards and Phoenix Boats First Flight bonus payout programs.
Daily launches and the first two days’ weigh-ins will be held at Cherokee/Hamblen County Park. The final day weigh-in featuring the top 30 pros will be held at the Bass Pro Shops in Kodak, Tenn.
“I’ve never been to Cherokee Lake but I believe it will be a good tournament,” said BassCat pro John Crews of Virginia. “I think there will be a good number of fish caught and that type of reservoir sets up for good traditional summer tactics. I like fishing in the summer months.”
Tournament week events include public seminars at Bass Pro Shops from 5:30-7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 7, and Saturday, July 10, from 12:30-3:30 p.m. prior to the final weigh-in.
Pro-Am Tournament awards will be given at 3:45 p.m., with the Tournament Series final weigh-in to begin at 4:30 p.m. The Pro-Am on Saturday on Douglas Lake will be a “catch, weigh, release” paper tournament featuring pros not in the final day cut fishing with amateurs. The amateur entry fee is $300, with the amateur winner earning a $500 Bass Pro Shops gift card and the pro winner earning a $250 gift card. Pro-Am payout is 1-in-4 based on field size.
Official Observers registration is ongoing, too. Observer entry fees are $50 per tournament, which allows the Observer to participate up to all three days of the event. Observers must be at least a General Member of the PAA.
In addition to the experience, Observers are registered for a shared-weight competition for Bass Pro Shops gift cards worth $100. To be eligible for the shared-weight competition, Observers must participate both Days 1 and 2.
PAA Sponsors: The PAA Tournament Series is sponsored by Bass Pro Shops, E21 Carrot Stix, Laser TroKar, Markel Insurance, Phoenix Boats, Nitro Boats, T-H Marine, Fishouflage, SolarBat, U.S. Reel, Sign Designs, BoatU.S. Foundation, Mercury Marine and Jasper Engines and Transmissions
My thoughts, are that the tournament anglers are faced with a real challenge. In respect to the water temperature, clear water conditions and weekend pressure. The water on the lower End of the lake is very clear 10 feet visiblity. My prediction 15-17 Lbs. Tops each day, Deep bite all the way. Crankin and Riggin.
Best Of Luck to all Anglers
K.Shaftner
Being from Upper East Tn we will definately have our eyes on J.R Henerd. It’s that time of year when everything starts to click for the young man. The competition level this weekend will surely be something he’s not used to but, I’am sure his adrenalin is pumpin wide open and he is ready. Good luck out there guys and welcome to Upper East Tn!!!!!!
Welcome all of you to East Tenn. Yes at full pool this lake has it all. its true big limits are caught here by many locals. In the spring small mouths are king. But now with a 18in limit on them your best bet is bucket mouths. This lake can get tough when its full and hot. Local hero Jr henard knows where and how to grind out a sack full week to week. 14 to15 lbs will get you in the cut. Lunker of 6 lbs plus is possible. If you have a solid bag dont forget about are small mouths.
Watch out for Local Pro JR Henard. He’s the man on Cherokee!!
Cherokee Lake is in my opinion one of the best Bass Lakes that I have had the privilege to fish. I am like Jeremy, I like the upper end of the lake; from the bridge on up. But I have found over the years that the bigger strings of bass on average come from down the lake. There is a lot of off store structure, humps and ledges that some of these angler will be able to line up and pick off a good limit. It is my understanding that some or our local pros are fishing; that will make it really interesting. I would say from 16 – 20 pounds per day will win this tournament. If they are pulling water, LOOK OUT! BIG STRINGS ARE COMING! The lake is BIG right now; a lot of good water to fish. I am looking forward to my observer experience; to learn some things that I never knew. WELCOME TO EAST TENNESSEE PAA! The greatest country GOD has ever Blessed His nation with!
GOOD LUCK TO ALL COMPETITORS!
JOE B > AKA FLY-N-RINDER
Yeah The Big Indian fishes bigger than one may think!! Heck its full right now now so anglers can fish from Rogersville to Jefferson City!!! I personally love the upper end! That being 25e up to the church!!! There are some good fish in Kee it just worries me it wont be represented correctly! Its a night time bite right now!!!! I hope they catch em but it will be tough during the daylight hours!!! They better pray for TVA to generate some water through!!! The pros will need current for them bass to eat during the day!!!!
I would have to agree with you B. Smith…
this lake is fairly large… especially at full pool like it is now… They will have their work cut out for them in 86-90 degree water…for sure..
I’m sure someone will bring in a 20+lb bag in each day…..
I’m going to be an observer and I’m looking forward to the learning experience…
““It’s been many, many years since I fished a tournament on Cherokee Lake,” said veteran Skeeter pro Harold Allen of Texas, who visited the lake in May to practice before the off-limits period….. About all I can remember is it wasn’t a terribly big lake. “”
Is Harold sure he was on the right lake? Cherokee is approximately 65 miles in length. While the shorelines do narrow from Hwy 25E going up the lake, the majority is 1 1/2 miles across this body of water going cove to cove while ranging in shallow depths to over 95′. The greater depths are not limited to the main channel. Drag you worm or dip you blades of a point averaging 12′-18′ and within a few cranks the bottom completely falls out. Mud to gravel, to boulders, to brush, to just about any type structure you can think of including the popular “Humps”, submerged islands. You may “slay-em” in one area and 4 miles up the lake….everything changes.
Good luck to all and welcome to East Tennessee.
Best Regards,
B. John Smith