6.1.13 I'm in the June GON!

If you haven't already seen it, the June issue of GON has a great article on finesse fishing for deep spots in summer, featuring me, Louie Bartenfield. If you've been fishing with me in the summer, chances are we used a dropshot rig a time or two. I catch more spots in a 12 month period on this rig than anything else, and you can too. Be sure to pick up a copy and share your feedback on my facebook page. Click the image at right to see the article online.

5.24.13 Behind-the-Scenes Gallery is Up!

We have uploaded the camera boat shots from the recent shooting of another episode of Stihl's Reel in the Outdoors with Joe Thomas. Special thanks to our Camera Boat "Extra Seat" Giveaway winner, Alan Osborne, for taking the pics. Thanks Alan! Click Here to see the gallery.

We punked Joe during the shoot--ask me about it. We got him pretty good.

Read more about the shoot on my Biography Page

5.20.13 I'm am Strike King!

I'm excited to announce Carters Lake Guide Service is now supported by Strike King Lure Company! Thanks to Hook n’ Look's Kim Stricker and Mark Copley with Strike King for making this deal happen. Strike King's diverse lineup of baits will give my customers more opportunity to use top-of-the-line products against our mighty Carters Lake Spotted Bass. Remember the Hook n’ Look show filmed last May at Carters where Kim Stricker and I destroyed the dozens of big spots? We did so using the New Strike King KVD Sexy Dawg walking topwater bait. I’ll be fully stocked with those and a full arsenal of Strike King gear! Thanks again to Strike King and Hook n’ Look for making this happen!!!

I’m even better equipped to get you on a giant, trophy-sized spotted bass! How long has it been since you swung into a fish that pulled back? REALLY pulled back???!!! There's a reason why we call our spotted bass, "Green Stripers" ---they pull like one!!!

I’m about two-months out for booking with very few openings. Send me a booking request today to get on the books now so we can catch you the spotted bass of a lifetime!

4.1.13 I'll be at Academy Sports on April 21st

I'll be at Academy Sports in Dalton with manager Judd Kennedy on April 21st from 11:00am to 5:00pm. Just look for my center console Skiff out front. I'll be answering questions one-on-one about sonar, SI/DI, choosing the right rod for spring fishing techniques, how the upcoming spawn transition should affect your game, and more! Judd and his great staff at Academy will have deals and sales going on that will help you gear up for some of the year's best fishing. Courtesy of St Croix, purchase any St Croix rod from Academy in Dalton on Sunday April 21st and come outside to my boat and receive a free St Criox hat or tee shirt. I also have some giveaways from Big Bite and SpotSticker Baits. Don't miss it!

2.18.13 New Testimonial

I have received some wonderful testimonials from clients over the years. Today I received one that is particularly special:

"I'm no stranger to bass fishing and fishing guides. I was the Director of Advertising for BASS for 8 years during the incredible late 70's and 80's. After that I started my own company The Longshore Media Development Group Inc and represented all the BASS properties( for over 25 years) plus In Fisherman, Florida Sportsman, Saltwater Sportsman, Western Outdoors, Texas Fisherman, Chevy Outdoors to name a few. I had hundreds of opportunities to go bass fishing with the best..." READ MORE...

1.01.13 Hook 'n Look Season Opener...with ME!

This is it, folks. This is the episode of Hook 'n Look with Kim Stricker that we filmed last spring on Carter's Lake that had such incredible topwater action. We've caught an early preview of the show, and it is great. It will air for the first time Saturday, January 5th, at 11:30am, and again at 4:00pm on the Outdoor Channel. Enjoy!

11.23.12 Winter Finesse Fishing

Honestly, we think this is the best video we've done yet. It is 18 minutes of fish-catching action you won't want to miss. Bill, Adam, and I shot this on Black Friday, 2012 and boated over 40 fish that day. Best 5 were over 17lbs---all spots. You too can load up on the spots in early winter/late fall, and this video shows you how. Check it out...

10.21.12 New St.Croix Video is Up

I often get asked about 'what is a good all-around, versatile rod that I can use for all kinds of fishing?' You don't have to look any further than the deck of my boat: I use St.Croix RAGE rods in 6'10" medium and recommend them to everyone I can, especially this time of year when "junk" fishing prevails.

AB and I put together a little video for you guys to talk about fall fishing and St. Croix RAGE rods. Check it out...

10.17.12 ***FREE St.Croix Rod Giveaway!***

Our Facebook page still has that new-facebook-page-smell, but we're quickly building an audience. To help give things a bump, I've decided to give away a free St.Croix 7ft, med-heavy Avid Series baitcasting rod. --truly an awesome rod. Special thanks to Dugout Tackle and St Croix Rods for their awesome support since 2008! The drawing will be held on November 7th. To enter, simply go to the Carters Lake Guide Service Facebook Page and post a number between 1 and 1000 on our timeline. Good Luck!

10.1.12 October and Fall Fishing The cold is coming a little earlier this year. That means an early turn-over and fish moving into late fall patterns earlier. Check out my latest fishing report for advice on how you can boat the big ones in October.

ALSO: New social buttons have been added to my site. Please share!

8.16.12 Dropshot Action video up! Here is a video of some of my clients that went out with me recently---just a typical August day...only 50-60 bass caught in a morning with a flathead catfish in the mix.(fun-fun-fun!). You all have to get in on this action while it is here. Here is a link to the video

7.23.12 New video up! Check it out here.

Air Dates Announced! - I'm told the episode of Stihl's Reel in the Outdoors shot earlier this year with Joe Thomas will air on Friday, July 27th, and again Saturday morning on the Outdoor Channel. This show was intended to feature the float-n-fly technique and our huge Carter's Lake spotted bass. ...and Carter's didn't disappoint. Joe caught his all-time best spot---a 5.5lb monster! If you don't get the Outdoor Channel and would like a copy of the show, I will have DVD's available. Shoot me an This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. after the 27th and I'll give you one.

WATCH THE TRAILER

June 2012 - Folks, the bite is great at Carter's Lake! If you have kids, a wife or girlfriend, that you want to show a good time and catch fish, NOW IS THE TIME. The deep bite is really starting to come together. There's nothing like wenching a big Spotted Bass up from deep water with lite line and a medium action rod. Shoot a booking request to me and get your trip in while its hot! Check out my fishing reports for more details on this great bite. Keep an eye on the photo gallery for the latest Carters Lake Mags' too!!!

Thanks for visiting CartersLakeGuideService.com! My name is Louie Bartenfield, and I have been a professional fishing guide on Carter's Lake since 2004. Carter's lake is known as a "trophy lake" for huge spotted bass, but has monster striper, hybrids, walleye, panfish, and catfish (see links below). I fish over 300 days a year, not just on Carter's, but on several area lakes.

I can accomodate any skill level from "never-held-a-fishing-rod-before" to avid tournment angler. Between myself, and partner guide Bill Payne, we can get you on a successful fishing trip just about any day of the year. Give us a call, or send a booking request today!

I've spent thousands of on water hours teaching sonar interpretation including Side Imaging Technology, graph orientation, sonar sight fishing and clear water techniques such as drop shots, jigging spoons, suspending jerkbait, deep water cranking, Fish Head Spins, and any other techniques for deep water structure fishing. If you want help learning your new sonar/side imaging unit, I am your guide !!!

I offer special rates for on water sonar trips, we will go in detail until you fully understand and comprehend your unit.

I also offer Trophy Float N Fly trips throughout the winter months !!!