If you fish in Tennessee, you will want to read this book. It not only covers most of the public waters open for fishing, it includes rigs and artificial baits, phone numbers for lake information and contact numbers for guides. There is also information on obtaining maps of the lakes discussed. It would be a great asset for a fisherman living in Tennessee or one planning a trip there.

Tennessee is divided into three geographical areas, West, Middle and East, and the lakes of each have their own chapter. Each chapter includes origins of the lake, either natural or man-made, and includes a physical description of it. A rating for the fish species is included in chart form for each, then detailed information on how and were to catch them is presented. A map of each lake shows specific fishing spots discussed, and pictures in each chapter back up the text.

A short "Lake at a Glance" gives specific physical information, including size and depth for each. Included in each chapter is a suggested pattern for each species for each season of the year, a valuable place to start for the visiting angler unfamiliar with the lakes.

The authors of this book are extremely knowledgeable about Tennessee fishing. They host a radio show "Outdoors with Vern & Doug" on the Tennessee Radio Network. Tennessee Angler magazine is edited by Vernon Summerlin. Doug Markham is a regular guest on Tennessee Outdoorsmen broadcast on public television stations in the state. Each have also written several books on their home state of Tennessee and wildlife and fishing there.

If you are a freshwater fisherman, you will benefit from the information in this book, even if you never fish Tennessee. Its organization makes it easy to follow and to find the information you want. From pro bass fisherman to the weekend angler looking for a meal, all will enjoy and learn from this book.

Review by Ronnie Garrison, Freshwater Fishing Guide at About.com