Favorite Places - Blue Bank Resort

Everything about Blue Bank Resort says "fishing destination," and when you slip out the boat harbor and onto Reelfoot Lake, it typically doesn't take long for the fish to add affirmation. Fertile, shallow, weedy, and loaded with stumps and cypress trees, Reelfoot has always reminded me of a giant farm ponds. And it fishes like a pond, with jumbo bluegills, thick-bodied largemouths, plentiful crappie and fat channel catfish usually relating to obvious, visible cover. The crappie, which bite well during the fall, will be the main attraction when I visit Reelfoot next week.

Back at the resort, johnboats in the harbor provide handy access to the lake, and footpath-connected fishing platforms provide good foot access. Inside the lodge's common area, guides and guests trade fish stories around the pool table, over cups of coffee and in the tackle shop. Breaking "fish camp" stereotypes, Blue Bank always stays super clean and caters to non-fishing family members with comfortable cabins, a beautiful pool and hot tub, Wi-Fi floating about and amazing food that ranges from fresh fish to thick steaks to fried pickle appetizers that will draw you back repeatedly.

Of course, a good argument could be made that the biggest draw of Blue Bank has nothing to do with the fishing or the facilities. Much like many of my other favorite places to visit, Blue Bank is Blue Bank because of the folks who own and operate the resort and the guides who take visitors out on the lake. I'm Reelfoot-bound Sunday morning and am really looking forward to a couple of days of fall fishing and to time spend sitting around the dinner table and on the back deck with friends.