Doug Cheek fondly remembers fishing with his father George, a tradition he was happy to carry on with his son Alex. He began fishing specifically for Striper (also known as Rockfish, but whose proper name is Striped Bass) around the turn of the century. Then, while he was still working, it was just a hobby. Upon the sale of his Ford dealership in 2018 and subsequent retirement, and seeing a need within the community, Doug decided to start a second business as a Fishing Guide. He has several friends who are guides and feels that between the guys who have been doing it for 20 years and those who have offered guide services in the past few years we now have the right balance to meet the needs of the community. However, don’t expect to call today for a trip tomorrow, most are booked a couple of weeks out, longer for Saturdays. His Facebook page, word of mouth, and occasional referrals from docks keep Cheek plenty busy. If demand increases much more, he’ll need to add another boat and captain to his fishing guide business.

Although his son Alex helps occasionally, his job as Night Manager at the Walmart in New Tazewell occupies a lot of the younger Cheek’s time, thus Doug is the primary guide for AC/DC Striper Guide Team. As Norris Lake is growing in both residential population and as a vacation destination, more people have a desire for a guide to take them to where the fish are. Cheek explains that Stripers are a migratory schooling fish that move up or down the lake with the seasons, so you can fish for them all year. They are particularly fun to fish due to their size and the fight they offer when reeling them in, and they are good table fare (good to eat). “You don’t find a more sporting freshwater fish” says Cheek.

Where to fish and which bait to use depends on the season. In early Fall they are in deep water near the dam. In Spring time they are up in the north end of the lake around Tazewell. Being a migratory fish, you just have to follow where they are. This time of year, it is generally around the Anderson County Park area. Cheek pulls his 21 foot G3 Sportsman 2100 to where he needs to be based on where the customer is and where the fish are. He prefers to use live bait, alewife minnows this time of year, otherwise he might try shiners or gizzard shad.

Customer service is a top priority for the Cheek family and their AC/DC Striper Guide Team business. Doug Cheek will meet you where you are at safe light for your 4 hour trip. He provides everything for the excursion except whatever the customer might want to eat or drink. So the rod, reel, tackle, bait, etc. are all provided including cleaning your fish and sending it home with you in a ziplock bag ready for the freezer or the frying pan. He particularly enjoys taking young kids out to learn to fish. It’s a big rush for most people as few have ever caught an 8-10 pounder before!

There is no age limit, just whatever age the parents are comfortable with. He’s had several 4 year olds and that’s a really fun age to teach to fish. He takes a maximum of 5 people out, sometimes it’s a family, other times it’s a few buddies. Rules and regulations are taken seriously. Everyone must have a valid Tennessee fishing license, which is available for 3 days, 10 days, or the year. Visit https://gooutdoorstennessee.com to get your fishing license or learn more about sportsmen activities and guidelines. Cheek is licensed and insured and has gone through all of the proper steps to offer professional charter services in the state of Tennessee.

Remember, to secure fishing guide services from Doug Cheek, be sure to call well in advance of your planned –two to three weeks in advance is recommended. Doug Cheek will be happy to share the joy of Striper fishing on beautiful Norris Lake and help you prep your catch for cooking. It’s also a great gift for that hard-to-buy-for person in your life as Gift Certificates are available!

Visit the AC/DC Striper Guide Team Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ACDC-Striper-Guide-Team-101618628307064 or call Doug at 423-489-9496.