Derek Kinsler

Rating

Anglers' gallery (151)

What anglers say

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  Jennifer Radabaugh

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  Indiana, US

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  Member since 2026

  5.0

  Verified

  NEW

  amazing time

  4 Hour Trip – Float - 2:00 PM on October 14, 2026 • 4 adults

  my 2 boys 13 & 14 have taken an interest in fishing and have been begging me to take them. my hisband and I booked the 4 hour float as one of our excursions during fall break. Derek was our guide and we had an awesome time. He lead us to the fish and directed us every step of the way. he kept all the poles in operation consistently, educated us all, and provided good conversation. The smiles on my boys faces was priceless abd just what i was hoping for. Everyobe caught fish and some of us caught many! Derek kept my boys laughing, safe, and allowed us to make a lasting memory. Ryker caught the most fish and lost the most lures…sorry Derek 😬😁. Would definitely do it again!

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  Michael Gilliam

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  California, US

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  Member since 2026

  5.0

  Verified

  Great experience

  4 Hour Trip – Float on May 4, 2026 • 2 adults

  We had an outstanding experience with Smoky Mountain Fishing Company, special thanks to our guide Derek. Booking was seamless, and Derek reached out ahead of time to make sure we were fully prepared for the trip. When we met at the ramp I could tell he knew exactly what he was doing, and that confidence carried through the entire day. He was easy to talk to, very friendly, and kept the experience relaxed. especially when we made mistakes, or missed a fish, which he handled with a playful attitude that made the experience even more enjoyable. Once we got on the water, Derek didn’t waste any time. He was direct. if the fish were on the left, cast left. On the right, cast right. That kind of clarity made a big difference because we didn’t waste time fishing in the wrong places. We started upriver and he had his vehicle shuttled downstream, which allowed us to cover several miles of water. The bite was steady all day, and we caught both rainbow and brown trout. The highlight was my wife landing her biggest rainbow trout ever. Derek handled that moment like a professional. He stopped the boat, kept my wife focused, and made sure that fish made it into the net. While I caught a solid one too, hers was definitely the star of the show. Derek was clearly invested in getting us on fish, while still keeping it our responsibility to catch them, which is exactly how it should be. He came fully prepared with all the gear we needed, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. I highly recommend Derek and Smoky Mountain Fishing Company to anyone looking for a great guided fishing experience. I wouldn’t hesitate to book with him again.

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  Jeremiah Bean

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  Indiana, US

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  Member since 2026

  5.0

  Verified

  Fantastic memories made

  6 Hour Trip – Float on May 27, 2026 • 2 adults

  When the family decided to vacation in the Smokey Mountains this summer I set off to find a fishing trip for my son and I to experience together. Booking and fishing with guide Derek not only make that bonding fishing trip come to fruition, but also made for some fantastic fishing. The communication was outstanding and Derek’s passion for fishing truly made for an amazing six hour morning trip complete with plenty of fish to cook on the grill later that night. Thanks for the memories Derek

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  Heather Hanley

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  Wisconsin, US

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  Member since 2026

  5.0

  Verified

  NEW

  Great experience!

  4 Hour Trip – Float on October 21, 2026 • 2 adults

  Captain Derek was absolutely amazing! Not only was he knowledgeable about techniques and fish in general, he was great company. Even though we did not catch any fish, we had lots of laughs and great conversations! Highly recommend!!

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  Kelley Schulze

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  Texas, US

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  Member since 2026

  5.0

  Verified

  Fishing with Derek

  4 Hour Trip – Float on July 31, 2026 • 3 adults

  We had a great fishing experience! The weather was beautiful and the fish were biting! Derek was a fantastic guide and very knowledgeable about fishing and the area. I really appreciated the ease, organization and efficiency in which the trip went. We spent the entire time on the water fishing. I would highly recommend this trip for all anglers from novice to the most experienced.

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