Scenic City Fishing Charters
Scenic City Fishing Charters
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Scenic City Fishing Charters conducts guided fishing trips on the Tennessee River, specializing in trophy catfish, largemouth & smallmouth bass, crappie, walleye and other species.
Chattanooga, Tennessee
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Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Scenic City Fishing Charters
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
252 reviews
Excellent
250
Very good
2
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Rodney H
1 contribution
May 2020 • Family
If you're thinking about booking a fishing trip, stop thinking about it and book a trip with Scenic City Fishing Charters!
Sam Simons was our guide yesterday on Lake Chicamauga and on our half day trip we constantly caught fish. Numbers of Largemouth,Spotted,and Smallmouth Bass were all caught early in the morning.
Later we caught big Blue and Channel Catfish. Scenic City has several guides to accommodate you, and customize your trip. Work ethic says a lot about a person and the business they represent. Sam was on the water before we got there catching fresh, live bait and getting everything ready for us. On the trip it was myself and 2 boys, 9 and 10 years old with little to no fishing experience and Sam made us all look like pros!
I just can't brag on these guys enough so I'll let the pictures do the talking! I will be back!
Sam Simons was our guide yesterday on Lake Chicamauga and on our half day trip we constantly caught fish. Numbers of Largemouth,Spotted,and Smallmouth Bass were all caught early in the morning.
Later we caught big Blue and Channel Catfish. Scenic City has several guides to accommodate you, and customize your trip. Work ethic says a lot about a person and the business they represent. Sam was on the water before we got there catching fresh, live bait and getting everything ready for us. On the trip it was myself and 2 boys, 9 and 10 years old with little to no fishing experience and Sam made us all look like pros!
I just can't brag on these guys enough so I'll let the pictures do the talking! I will be back!
Written May 30, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rodney, thanks so much for sharing your experience and pictures. I'm glad y'all had such a great time. We call Capt. Simons our "Live Bait Master." He knows how to catch it and then how to use it! It's not something we can do all the time. Conditions have to be just right. I'm really glad y'all were there on a "just right day!" We'll look forward to seeing you again someday.
Written May 30, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
dwhittington98
Memphis, TN9 contributions
Mar 2020
My 15 year-old grandson and I made a special trip from Memphis during his school's Spring Break specifically to fish in Chattanooga with Richard Simms. On this trip we fished two different days - the first day was with Ben Hayes and the second was with Richard. It was the first time that I had met Ben. Richard has guided for me several times in the past. Both men were excellent fishing guides, putting us on fish of all types and sizes and both were very patient instructors for my grandson. They both had clean and well-equipped boats and the fishing gear was already rigged for the day's fishing adventure. I was quite happy at the end of the day and would very highly recommend Scenic City Fishing Charters to anyone who wants a great day on the water!
Written March 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Don... thank you very much. It was a great pleasure fishing with you and Conner again. We'll be looking forward to our next trip!
Written March 15, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sam B
1 contribution
Sep 2021
My long time friend and I went out with Captain Richard Simms in September 2021. Wonderful experience!!! Captain Simms knew the river and where to find big catfish. We took three that went over 20 pounds and a lot of smaller catfish in the 2 to 12 pound range, excellent eating size fish which is what I wanted. Trophy fish are fun to catch but I like the eating size best. There was an abundance of "eating" size fish as well as 3 heavy weights.
I would highly recommend Captain Simms to anyone that wants to go cat fishing for trophy or eating size catfish. Captain Simms worked hard to make the day pleasurable and productive. He had first class equipment along with a huge amount of knowledge to make the trip pleasurable.
I gave my daughter and grandson a fishing trip with Captain Simms a few years ago. They were thrilled with that trip, which was very productive as well.
Captain Simms is highly recommended to anyone wanting a pleasurable fishing experience at a very reasonable cost.
I would highly recommend Captain Simms to anyone that wants to go cat fishing for trophy or eating size catfish. Captain Simms worked hard to make the day pleasurable and productive. He had first class equipment along with a huge amount of knowledge to make the trip pleasurable.
I gave my daughter and grandson a fishing trip with Captain Simms a few years ago. They were thrilled with that trip, which was very productive as well.
Captain Simms is highly recommended to anyone wanting a pleasurable fishing experience at a very reasonable cost.
Written September 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sam... thanks so much for the nice review, and for calling on us. It was a great pleasure fishing with you and Clay. I look forward to seeing you again soon.
Written September 10, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jason J
Chattanooga, United States1 contribution
Aug 2021
Richard Simms is a world class angler and guide - we could not have been more happy with our 8 hour fishing trip on the Tennessee River. We targeted big blue catfish, and we managed to land 32 during the course of the day. Throughout the trip, Richard was a consummate captain and mate, navigating the boat , bating hooks, and assisting with landing fish. If you are looking for a great experience to share with a loved one, I highly recommend Richard Simms and Scenic City Fishing Charters.
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks very much Jason. It was a great pleasure fishing with you and Dillon. He's a fine young man. We're glad you had fun and hope you'll pay us another visit sometime soon.
Written August 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tobnk
Tampa, FL24 contributions
Jan 2020
I fished with Sam Simons. We had decided to cancel the trip due to weather. The night before, I asked him if he thought we could try. He said the weather was still predicted to be unfishable but we might go for a couple of hours. He picked me up after he had caught bait and it was cold and messy. We caught 2 catfish in the 10 + pound class within the first 20 minutes and lost two more. Then the weather really turned cold with heavy rain. It was miserable. I thought I was a dedicated fisherman but, I have to admire Sam, he was eager to continue. I accomplished what I wanted to do and saw no need for further punishment. I folded, and we headed in. Thanks for a great trip with a dedicated guide! Who knows how many we would have caught if it weren't such awful conditions. A big shoutout to Scenic City and to the "MAN" Sam.
Written January 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Toby... you hit the nail on the head. Capt. Simons is "much man!" Plus he's a hardcore fishermen. It is very kind of you to share your experience... and quite admirable that you were willing to brave that miserable day at all yourself! I was duck hunting that day and we quit early... and duck hunters are supposed to LIKE miserable weather. :-) The overwhelming majority of folks never would have ventured out. Thanks again for the kind words about Capt. Simons.
Written January 21, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
hcctreeman
2 contributions
Mar 2021
Captain Scott Lillie was wonderful on our crappie trip to Chickamauga on 3/9/21. He proved to be a fantastic guide. It helps that the fish were biting well, but I have been on several trips over the years when the fish weren't biting and have experienced good and bad guides. Scott is one of the best I have had the pleasure of hiring.
Not only did he get us on the fish, but he also took the time to show us how he was locating the fish and showed us the techniques that he was using. A good guide is also a good teacher of the techniques used. He is a great guide. (His teaching career off the water probably lends itself to his teaching skills.)
Even after the trip, He has been willing to give us some advice on some places to visit and food to eat in the Chattanooga area where we are vacationing.
I recommend Scott Lillie from Scenic City Fishing Charters with absolutely no reservations. I believe you will have a great trip and service before and after the fishing is done.
Not only did he get us on the fish, but he also took the time to show us how he was locating the fish and showed us the techniques that he was using. A good guide is also a good teacher of the techniques used. He is a great guide. (His teaching career off the water probably lends itself to his teaching skills.)
Even after the trip, He has been willing to give us some advice on some places to visit and food to eat in the Chattanooga area where we are vacationing.
I recommend Scott Lillie from Scenic City Fishing Charters with absolutely no reservations. I believe you will have a great trip and service before and after the fishing is done.
Written March 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for the kind words. Capt. Lillie is a master at his craft. We are extremely proud to have him as one our team!
Written March 15, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TNF665
12 contributions
Dec 2020
I am writing my second review for Scenic City Fishing Charters. I have been out a total of three times with Captain Joe Jellison. Joe is a classs act and a true professional. After my trip yesterday, I am going to add "Milestone Maker" to his description. Joe and I headed out for a half day trip on Nicajack Lake in search of a trophy catfish. My wishes were not to catch sheer numbers, but to help me top my previous PB cat which was 23 pounds. Having been out with Joe before, I had realistic expectations for what a typical winter catfish trip would entail. As expected, the action was a little slow as far as numbers, but was absolutely perfect in achieving my goal for the trip. Afdter catching a nice 20lb blue and another in the 10-12 lb range, Joe took us to some downed trees and we anchored to try the spot. We soaked the baits for 15 minutes or so with nothing more than some finicky fish taking nibbles. As we prepared to start pulling the baits to move to another spot, we had a massive "take down" on one of the rods. Joe grabbed it, handed me the rod and said "BIG FISH"!!!! I knew Joe could tell it was a big one because he had a look on his face that said it all. As I started reeling, it felt like I had caught a Volkswagen. Joe sighed and said he must have wrapped himself into the brush pile next to where we hooked him. With the strong current and wind, Joe knew from prior similar situations that a positive outcome was not favorable. Joe manuvered his boat closer to the snag point as I continued to reel and he looked down into the water and saw the fish only a couple feet below the surface wrapped up in the leader and the branches. My heart almost stopped when Joe said "It's huge"! We immediately went in to search/rescue mode and started trying ways to get this fish without breaking the line and damaging his boat. In my opinion, given the strong current/wind and all factors present, many or most guides would just have cut the line and said there was no hope of getting the fish. Not Joe...knowing how much I wanted to land my new PB, he continued to go above and beyond to give us the best chance to land this fish. We figured out total fight was around 45 minutes, involving Joe actually drivvint his boat into the middle of the brushpile, using his rescue oar to break branches all the while trying not to damage his motor and boat. After his herculean efforts, we were unbelievably able to free the fish from his wooden prison. Once the fish started swimming freely and pulling on the line, what we saw was AMAZING! Thanks to Joe, I now have a new PB Blue Catfish of 74 Pounds! Jow said it was his biggest fish in his boat of the year. I cant thank Joe enough for his determination to get me that trophy fish. This was a day I will never forget. Thank you Scenic City Charters and Captain Joe Jellison!
Written December 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark... what an incredible story. I can't imagine how nerve-wracking that had to have been! I would have loved to have been a fly on the wall watching Joe during your ordeal. :-) It is incredible that the two of you ended it with an awesome positive outcome. Congratulations on the fish of a lifetime!
Written January 26, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kriswyzer
Ankeny, IA22 contributions
Mar 2021 • Family
My 11 yr old son & I love to bass fish, but we consider ourselves pretty inexperienced. Scenic City Fishing Charters provided an awesome and unforgettable 8 hr day for the two of us. Capt. Chris Peters is such a nice guy, very knowledgeable, and works tirelessly at his craft to find fish. It was very rainy/stormy much of the day, but Chris didn't skip a beat and helped us catch fish all day. The biggest and most bass we've ever caught in an outing. Always prioritizing safety, he docked at a marina for a short time to allow a front to roll through that had some lightning.
Really appreciated his patience & how great he was with my son. He is such a great ambassador to encourage people new to fishing, but even if you are a seasoned angler, you will enjoy a day with SC Fishing Chaters. Lake Chickamauga is such an awesome fishery...don't hesitate to book.
Really appreciated his patience & how great he was with my son. He is such a great ambassador to encourage people new to fishing, but even if you are a seasoned angler, you will enjoy a day with SC Fishing Chaters. Lake Chickamauga is such an awesome fishery...don't hesitate to book.
Written March 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom... we REALLY appreciate your report. We are proud that Capt. Peters has chosen be part of the Scenic City Fishing Team. He told me that your son was an absolute BEAST, refusing to stop casting even through the foul weather. It always helps and inspires us when we have clients who truly enjoy the experience, even when Mother Nature throws us a curve ball. Thanks again and we'll look forward to seeing you again.
Written March 18, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Daniel M
2 contributions
Sep 2021 • Solo
Joe Jellison is the man, simply put. I recently went on my first of what will hopefully be many trips with him, and I could not be happier with the outcome of our trip. The overall experience greatly exceeded any expectation I had, whether it was quantity or quality of the fish we caught, his knowledge and ability, his enthusiasm through the day, or the genuine excitement HE showed, when I broke my PB blue cat, TWICE!!! I cannot wait to get back on the water and spend another day with him. He is truly a class act, a professional, just a really good guy that I really enjoyed learning from, talking to, and catching fish with. I'd highly recommend him to anybody looking for an extremely knowledgeable guide on the Tennessee river.
Written September 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel.... thanks so much for the king words. It is an honor to have Capt. Jellison as part of the Scenic City Fishing Team. BTW, "Congratulations" on that trophy flathead!!
Written October 5, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mike Jones
4 contributions
Jun 2020
Great fishing and multiple techniques learned! Richard was a great guide and not only handled all the aspects of fishing, he was also an expert with boat placement and locations. His knowledge of the area was also great for learning more about the people and structures we saw and how they have played a part in the history of the area. As I fought a 30 lbs catfish and felt the muscles of my arms tense against the fish, the current and the anticipation of what was going to surface, I was reminded just how much I love the thrill of the hunt for big fish!
Written June 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for the kind words. We're very proud of the bounties the Tennessee River, and Chattanooga, has to offer. I'll look forward to our next trip!
Written June 9, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
We would be coming late October Do we get to keep the fish we catch. Just enough for a meal? And do we have to clean them??
Written July 3, 2021
On our bass fishing trips, we prefer catch-and-release. On other trips you are welcome to keep all legal-sized fish you like. However, we do not clean fish. Whatever you keep, you are responsible for caring for. Thanks for your interest.
Written July 22, 2021
Hey,
My husband is handicapped and is there any accommodations? Also this will be my gift to him. What dates do you have available in July. Also do we keep the fish?
Written April 24, 2018
Tashiah... my apologies but your question to Scenic City Fishing Charters slipped by me. We have taken handicapped anglers although we do not have special accommodations. Basically it depends upon their ability to get into the boat with your assistance. I've had a couple of folks in wheelchairs whose caregivers were able to actually lift them into the boat. At this writing we have lots of dates available in July. And yes, you can keep any legal-sized fish you catch. I hope that is some help. Please click to our full website for more information and send me an e-mail for more questions. Thank you for your interest.
Written May 27, 2018
behman2017
Tipton, Indiana
Hi, what would you like to know about this attraction? On a half day trip. What time do you usually leave? We are coming in the middle of June, any openings for catfishing?
Written April 27, 2017
We'll adjust schedules based on your needs, but prefer early mornings usually. We have numerous weekday openings in June. Please email or call to nail something down, and thank you for your interest.
Written April 28, 2017
HALF DAY (minimum 4 hours on the water) ... $200 (1 person), $250 (2 people), $350 (3 people)
FULL DAY (minimum 8 hours on the water) ... $300 (1 person), $400 (2 people), $500 (3 people)
Rates are total for the number of people noted. We're flexible and will pro-rate charges for other fishing times, as needed.
Written May 29, 2020
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.