Fishtales in Chattanooga: Local Tackle Shop with Rentals and Guide Services

Fishtales is an independent tackle retailer on the north side of Chattanooga that stocks freshwater and light saltwater gear, rents fishing equipment, and books guided trips on the Tennessee River and nearby lakes. The shop serves both casual weekend anglers and serious tournament fishermen, with particular strength in bass and catfish setups.

What Fishtales actually stocks

The shop carries rod-and-reel combos, tackle boxes, live and frozen bait, lures, line, and seasonal inventory tuned to what's running in local waters. Hard goods range from budget Zebco spinners ($25 to $45) to mid-range Shimano and Abu Garcia combos ($80 to $200). The bait selection rotates: shiners and shad are available most days; crawfish and bluegill appear seasonally. A small fly-fishing section holds basic trout rigs and a limited fly selection, though this is not the shop's focus. Unlike big-box retailers, Fishtales doesn't carry camping gear, general outdoor clothing, or boating equipment.

Services and pricing

Fishtales offers equipment rental, guided fishing trips, and custom rod building. Rental rates start at $25 per day for a basic spinning combo (rod, reel, tackle bag) or $40 for catch-and-keep gear that includes hooks, line, and a small selection of lures. Guided trips with the shop's staff run $300 for a half-day (four hours, one or two anglers) or $500 for a full day (eight hours). Trips target bass, catfish, and crappie depending on season; the shop books trips March through October most reliably, with reduced availability in summer heat. Custom rod building starts at $150 for labor on customer-supplied blanks and runs to $300 for a completed rod using shop components. Confirm current rates before booking, as seasonal demand shifts pricing on guided services.

How it compares to other Chattanooga options

Fishtales differs from national chains like Bass Pro Shops (located in the Chattanooga area) by offering same-day rod repairs, personal trip planning with knowledge of specific launch points and seasonal patterns, and direct access to guides who fish local water regularly. Bass Pro carries a vastly larger inventory, competitive pricing on entry-level gear, and multiple departments (camping, boating, clothing), making it better for one-stop shopping or buying niche items. Fishtales wins for anglers who want to rent before buying, need rapid advice on conditions, or prefer working with guides from a small shop. For anglers focused on saltwater or fly-fishing specifically, neither shop is ideal; specialized fly shops or coastal outfitters in nearby areas serve those niches better.

Who it suits and who it should not

Fishtales works well for recreational anglers new to the Tennessee River system, families wanting a half-day outing without equipment investment, and locals chasing catfish or bass who value quick tackle swaps and current water intel. It also suits repair work and custom rod projects that take time. Tournament fishermen and serious fly-fishers often already own their gear and may find the selection limited; they use Fishtales mainly for restocking and bait. Anglers targeting offshore or specialty saltwater species should look elsewhere.

What the first visit involves

Walk in, describe what you want to catch and where, and ask what's working. Staff typically spend 10 to 15 minutes on rigging advice and bait selection. If you're renting, bring a photo ID and a credit card for the deposit (usually $50). For a guided trip, book at least a week ahead during spring and fall; the shop will send you a meeting location, what to bring (sunscreen, water, cooler), and what species are likely that week. Arrive 30 minutes early for your trip; guides depart by boat from a marina on the Tennessee River.

Hours, parking, and logistics

Fishtales is open Tuesday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; it closes Mondays. Street parking is available in front; the lot holds about four cars. The shop is accessible by car from North Shore Drive and is roughly 15 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. Confirm hours before a weekday visit, as seasonal staffing sometimes shifts opening times in winter.

Fishtales fills a gap between the convenience of big-box retailers and the specialized depth of regional fly shops, making it the practical first stop for anyone renting gear or seeking a guided trip on local water.