Percy Priest Lake 8/17/2014
 

First post on here. I went to Jefferson Springs Recreation Area last weekend in Smyrna, TN. Had some pretty good success--caught 8 (smallest 1.5lbs, largest 3lbs) bass. All from the bank, as I don't have a boat or kayak. All were caught with Pop-R or Mini Torpedo.

Here are some pictures:

Welcome to the forum and congrats on your catch.

Regards




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Welcome to the site. Nice fish.

This is my first post too. I moved here not long ago from NV. I joined a few years ago to check things out when I visited cousins who live here.

I checked that recreation area from a satellite view and It looks like it actually boarders the Stones River rather than the lake. Not that it matters, but I wanted to make sure I'm looking at the right place.

From the aerial view it looks like the only shore fishing area is near the boat ramp. There seem to be too many trees at the shoreline in other spots for shore fishing.

Can anyone tell me if there are picnic tables out there?

Thanks

Yes, there are picnic tables there but I believe they are on the right just before you get to the ramp. I sometimes launch from that area and see bank fishermen all the time and they seem to have some luck there. Please be aware, that there are sometimes undesirables that hang out at that ramp from time to time. I guess that can be said for several ramps on Percy Priest lake. Just be aware of your surroundings and overly friendly men that may approach. It happened to me once while I was trailering up my boat but he wasn't so chatty when he noticed I was open carrying my .45 that day and wasn't buying what he was selling.

Thanks for the heads up titan. I'm in the process of getting my ccw permit right now. I'm getting fingerprinted in a few days then a couple month's wait for the actual permit.

It should not take months, call them within 4 weeks to see what the status is. I did that and they shipped it next day to me. That was 6 years ago.

You do know that caryring on Corp property is illegal. Seems kind of stupid that an honest citizen can't legally protect himself/family.
Hamilton Creek is a Metro park and is posted "No Firearms".
Could result in 11 mo and 29 days.

Yes, I'm hoping for a quick turnaround for the permit. I've found myself fishing in some pretty remote locations since moving to TN. Things happen in not-so-remote places too. When visiting here 2 years ago I was at Med Ctr Pkwy greenway area and some huge guy wanted me to stop fishing and give him a lift somewhere. I was close to making a 911 call, but he left.

Yes but a few things come to mind. First the Corps doesn't have a police force to enforce this law. I have had conversations with Sheriffs deputies at the boat ramps before when I was open carrying and they had no problems whatsoever.

Second, here is a recent case where that law was challenged in Lewiston Idaho and it was ruled in favor of the carrier of the firearm. It is an interesting read. I believe I will take my chances and if need be I would take it to court like the lady in Idaho.

http://www.mountainstateslegal.org/n...s#.U_-STcVsh8E

The entire lake is corps property, corps jurisdiction. I always announce to TWRA that I am carrying, when approached. No problems.

Thanks for posting ttitan27. Very interesting read.

I got stopped by Fish and Game earlier this year, had the M&P OC'd and had no problem, I alerted him to the fact I was carrying. I also ran into the Sheriff while OC'ing on the water, no issues there either. It's Technically illegal but they don't enforce it. If they did I would just CC or put it in a compartment.

The local Corp riding around has no lawful authority (so I was told). Also I have been told by others that TWRA officers have told them that they do not care so lond as you have a permit. Most law officers do not care. However, there is always one wanting to make a name for himself.

Pookie, I know it is Corp property. Still Metro Parks has authority at Hamilton Creek and it is posted as I stated earlier. I was talking to another fisherman at the ramp about carrying. He said even if you got arrested there is not much possibility of a DA prosecuting. This guy worked in the Davidson Cty courts.


I do not understand why I can have a firearm in my car on school property but not in a Metro park. Must be a Democrats law.

It doesn't matter, Sambo just wants to argue.

Whether a traffic stop or stopped by TWRA, I announce it either way. Technically, even if you are open carrying, that is not probable cause to stop you or even ask you for your permit. It is merely a courtesy to them that I offer the info.

Years ago I quail hunted on corp prop. Dove hunting is allowed and I still occasionally deer hunt on JPP prop.
I know, not quite the same...

I simply pointed out the law. That is fact and not an argument.
If you are carrying in a prohibited area that is illegal and you can be arrested, permit or not.
From all I have heard and read it is not wise to OC. The real bad asses may not approach you and then draw. They could slip up with weapon drawn and shoot you before you draw.

"Indeathinite"
 

Nice post and I like the pics. Welcome to the forum!

Prove it?

I've never seen anywhere on Priest that was posted. I, as well as plenty of others here have open-carried, some have dove hunted, I have duck hunted on Priest, I have also participated in field trials at Poole's Knob. Was everybody illegal? Bird Dog and Retriever trials are held regularly at Poole's Knob, sanctioned by TWRA.

Edited to add: Doesn't TWRA operate a pistol range on Corps Property? Maybe Hobson Pk?

That could always happen, I usually CC but sometimes I will OC especially on the lake in my bass boat. I fished the other night and when I left it was dark and there were a couple sketchy guys talking to a young lady in a car, could have been Mervs girlfriend for all I know. When I pulled up with my boat I was on alert at all times and made sure I was aware of my surrounds, If you approach me at night, hand is going to the holster just in case. Main thing is be aware of your surroundings.

First sign on your right after you turn into Hamilton Creek.
Good ole Metro has it in the rules in small print.

Hunting is permitted in designated areas. I know a guy who turkey hunts across from the rowers dock in Hamilton Creek.
There are designated areas where guns are permitted. This is true on TVA property also.
My point is you can't legally carry except in designated areas.

This may be of benefit.

www.handgunlaw.us/states/tennessee.pdf

That's this weekend right?

Juice, if you see her again, get her number for me.

I forgot to get it last time. I'm sure she still wants me!

I doubt that she will pay for your penicillin. Also doubt she will refund the $10 you paid her.

The retriever trial is usually October and April. In the Fall, it is the weekend UT plays Bama.

That's an easy fix. Launch somewhere besides Hamilton Crk.

Only reason i asked was my UPS guy mentioned something about dog trials and gonna get wet this weekend doing it.

I have the opinion that OC is a much better decision. I mean let's be honest, nobody here really wants to have to get into a situation where you may have to shoot and/or kill someone. If your gun is concealed some thug may try to pull a move on you not knowing until it's too late that you're carrying. If you OC then that same thug may think "That's a .45 on his hip, I'll leave him alone." Just my $.02

Or you carry and AR/AK pistol hanging from a single point harness on your chest. It's going to take a lot for someone to want to rob you at that point. When in public I like it concealed, that way I blend in and I am not a target if someone does want to rob a place and shoot people. On the lake in my boat, OC.