T.J. Petty is a fifth generation hunting and fishing guide on Reelfoot Lake in northwest Tennessee. Petty grew up hunting and fishing the lake and has been a professional guide for the past 12 years. What makes fishing and hunting with Petty a special experience is tradition. Part of Reelfoot Lake is named after Petty's great, great, Grandfather Henry Coot Baltezor; this section of the lake is called Coot Slough. Because of this family tradition, Petty is steeped in experience and knows every section of the lake.
When duck-hunting with Petty, you will encounter many species of duck including Pintails, Mallards, Wood Duck, Gadwalls and Teal. When fishing with Petty, you will experience a mecca for Crappie and Bluegill.
Whether you are hunting or fishing - or both, T.J. Petty is the only guide service you need. Book your next adventure with T.J Petty's Guide Service today! Better hurry - our season fills up fast!
Here's a video of highlights from last year. The hunting and fishing were great - but the fun and fellowship were even better!
T.J. Petty's Personal Hunting Philosophy
Big decoy spreads, lively duck calling and a well-brushed blind that sports both natural and man-made camouflage. We also incorporate a lot of movement with motorized equipment that includes robo-ducks and feeder-ducks that keep the water stirred up making it especially visible to ducks as they fly over. Bottom line: When the ducks come in, well bring them to you.
T.J. Petty's Personal Fishing Philosophy
Crappie and bluegill are what its all about on Reelfoot Lake: When fishing for Crappie we use big comfortable boats with spider rigging. Spider rigging is a rod holder that grips 12 to 15 rods. Once set-up, we slowly troll over rows of stumps to hook the big ones.
When fishing for Bluegill, we use fly-rods rigged with a floats and small sinkers. From there, it is all about fishing sunken tree tops and beds. Get ready for a good fight!
Dear T.J.:
Just a short note to say "Thank you" for guiding us on the lake Dec. 30, 2010. Both Willis and Jones had a great time and are ready to come back next year.
I could not have asked for a better outing for father and sons. Hopefully next year we will be able to bring our third son Alden along too.
I enjoyed your and Frank's company as well. Thanks again for a great day.
Very truly yours,
BLAIR & PARKER
Attorneys at Law
Etowah, TN
These are real letters from real folks. Guess you could say they are happy campers!
Tennessee is well known for producing big deer and big racks. The Volunteer State is also one of the top five states for producing trophy whitetail. Whether you are looking for a trophy or just wanting to fill your freezer - we have a hunt for you!
Your day starts well before dawn with your guide taking you to a tree stand that has been placed in an area that has been well scouted. We primarily hunt from tree stands, but will sometimes incorporate ground blinds depending on what we see. You start early and stay late to provide you the best chance to harvest your whitetail.
Picture yourself, as daylight breaks, stepping into a heated duck blind. The smell of a hardy breakfast cooking on the stove (yes ,there is a stove and oven in the duck blind). Delicious cinnamon rolls, ham, sausage, biscuits, gravy and eggs keep you fortified as you and your guides scan the skies. The calling begins, the water churns, and soon you have ducks cupping-up on the decoys. There is just one more thing to say - take-em boys!
With a lull in the action, a hot lunch is served. Hamburgers and French fries, home-made lasagna and garlic bread or fried fish from scratch is handed up to you with the beverage of your choice. You eat until you are full and then look skyward again! It's the only way to hunk duck - the T.J. Petty way!
The lake is disturbed slightly by the troll-motor as you edge toward hidden crappie beds and rows of sunken cypress stumps teaming with large Blue Gill and Crappie. Rods bend and you know you are hooked up. The fight begins!
We have fishing experiences for every level of angler. Just want to have fun? Kick back enjoy a cold beverage and let us do the work for you. Feel like you know something about fishing? We can get you in the zone and keep you there.
Hey friends-
I want to personally invite you to come see why T.J.Petty's Guide Service is second to none. I come from a long line of outdoorsmen, so you could say it's in my blood. I take pride in offering you the best guide service on Reelfoot Lake. Experience, knowledge, tradition and personal attention is what we're about. I stake my reputation on it.
T.J. Petty
The National Wildlife Federation (NWF) is the country's largest private, nonprofit conservation education and advocacy organization, with over four million members and supporters, and 47 state and territorial affiliated organizations. The NWF strives to remain a national network of like-minded state and territorial groups, seeking balanced, common-sense solutions to environmental problems that work for wildlife and people. Its mission is to inspire Americans to protect wildlife for our children's future.
Delta Waterfowl Foundation is a non-profit organization operating in both Canada and in the United States whose mission is to provide knowledge, leaders and science-based solutions that efficiently conserve waterfowl and secure the future for waterfowl hunting.
Book now!
Our season fills up FAST!
Duck Hunting Rates
$125 per person per day (4 person minimum): Includes a delicious, hot breakfast, a hearty lunch and 8 hours of hunting.
$150 per person per day for 3 persons or less.
Fishing Rates
$225 per person per day (2 person minimum).
$50 for each additional fisherman.
T.J. Petty's Guide Service can arrange your next hunting or fishing trip. We have affordable options to fit most groups and budgets. Contact T.J. Petty today for the adventure of a lifetime!
