20 years bass fishing experience from tournament angling to guided trips.
Capt. Jim Leary grew up in a small town in Ohio fishing ponds with his Father and Grandfather till he got a little older and started venturing to the big waters of Lake Erie where he learned to fish off shore (before GPS and Navionics cards) and the smaller inland lakes that Ohio has. Tournament fishing really got his attention and started fishing local trail, after 2 year of fishing from the front deck a guy by the name of Steve took him around a local lake and really opened his eyes to what bass fishing really is, that fired him up even more.
Two years later he found a new home in the state of Alabama 45 miles from Lake Guntersville why you may ask “I wanted to move to Gville since I watch George Cochran catch almost 100 lbs of bass in 4 days on a JerkBait”. He worked for a local pest control company named Cooks Pest Control in sales for 3 years, while fishing every chance he had before he took the plunge to fish for a living. It was just him and his best friend Belle on the road for one year as a co angler in the FLW Tour after that experience which was eye opening in many ways.
On Saturdays of the tour events they would have a National Guard Soldiers tournaments and he was selected to do a couple of them and that was when he knew where his heart was, it was to take people fishing and teaching new techniques and enjoying time with others and sharing the guided fishing trips and memories of a day on the water.
Even though Capt. Jim started Guntersville Bass Guides bass fishing guide service he still has that tournament bug that he has to treat every now and then “Tournaments really get me fired up sometimes I cant sleep the night before” now don’t think he keeps his clients from fishing these spots on trips ” I do well in tournaments because my clients and I will figure out how to get the big ones to bite together just like any other trip clients come 1st” he guides on the same spots he tournament fishes on, its because he isn’t going to fish somewhere he doesn’t know if the fish are there.
Thanks for checking out Guntersville Bass Guides Fishing Charter Service
Our Mission
- To Have Fun
Fishing is FUN!! We want you to have a trip of a life time! - To Catch Fish
Now we can’t guarantee fish catches, but we can promise that you’ll be around them. - We Treat You with Respect
Whether your a 1st time anlger that is looking to get started or a seasoned tournament angler, you can rest assured that we’re going to help you. We’re committed to providing you with top notch gear from Duckett Fishing Rods and Reels with Sunline Fluorocarbon to the most current lures from NetBait, 4×4 Bass Jigs, and knowledge. We approach every day and clients with a smile.
Guides
Capt. Jim
Jim is the owner of Guntersville Bass Guides. Jim is a highly skilled fisherman that uses his tournament knowledge of the lake to put his customers on bass of a lifetime.
Capt. Shane
Shane has a lifetime of fishing knowledge on Guntersville, Shane is very versatile and will do what it takes to put fish in the boat.
You may request to fish with Capt. Shane
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Spring break and we booked a 6 hour trip with captain Jim. It was a once in a lifetime day. My 16 and 12 year old sons put together a 30 lb bag. With a 9, 8, 5, 4 & 4 lb fish. At least... read moreSpring break and we booked a 6 hour trip with captain Jim. It was a once in a lifetime day. My 16 and 12 year old sons put together a 30 lb bag. With a 9, 8, 5, 4 & 4 lb fish. At least 15 fish caught in 6 hours. Professional and knowledgeable. read less
Kevin Presley4/06/2021 -
Captain Jim is an awesome guide! He knows the lake very well, and was also extremely organized and prepared for our trip! He was very personable and patient and provided great service. Best of all, on a little bit of a tougher day he put... read moreCaptain Jim is an awesome guide! He knows the lake very well, and was also extremely organized and prepared for our trip! He was very personable and patient and provided great service. Best of all, on a little bit of a tougher day he put me on some fish. When we got back to the boat launch all the other anglers struggled and were shocked when I told them how many fish we caught! Great trip and can't reccomend Jim and his guide service enough! If you're headed to Lake Guntersville, give yourself an unfair advantage and call Guntersville Bass Guides! read less
Steven Hadley11/28/2020 -
Myself my dad and uncle with over a combined 170 years fishing experience met captain jim at a local restaurant near guntersville lake not knowing he was a guide until the last day of our trip gave us advice on how to catch more fish... read moreMyself my dad and uncle with over a combined 170 years fishing experience met captain jim at a local restaurant near guntersville lake not knowing he was a guide until the last day of our trip gave us advice on how to catch more fish and it worked for us if ever i make it back i will surly book a trip with him. After coming back to the home lakes it has caught us more fish. Thank you captain Jim Leary read less
david ferree11/08/2020 -
My brother and I had the pleasure of spending the morning with Capt. Jeff recently and had a wonderful trip! Despite torrential rain and high winds, we were on fish all morning! From the moment we stepped on his boat it felt like... read moreMy brother and I had the pleasure of spending the morning with Capt. Jeff recently and had a wonderful trip! Despite torrential rain and high winds, we were on fish all morning! From the moment we stepped on his boat it felt like we were getting together again with an old friend. Capt. Jeff was so friendly and helpful. If you are looking for a guide on Lake Guntersville, you absolutely cannot go wrong with Guntersville Bass Guides. These guys are the real deal! You will NOT be sorry booking with them. Already looking forward to the next trip! read less
Rusty King10/04/2020 -
Amazing experience! We called two hours before and he was happy to take our boys out on the lake. I would definitely recommend this guide service!
Bridgett Emerson7/28/2020 -
Had a great time fishing with capt jim.he took care of us an made sure we where on the bass the whole time.He took great care of my wife an daughter an gave me a chance to fish.this experience with him has changed my wifes... read moreHad a great time fishing with capt jim.he took care of us an made sure we where on the bass the whole time.He took great care of my wife an daughter an gave me a chance to fish.this experience with him has changed my wifes and daughters views on fishing now they cant wait to go when we get home.they cant stop talking about how much fun they had.capt jims a great guy to fish with my family and i had a great time with him..thank you capt jim hopefully we will be back to fish with you again. read less
dnice 14777/22/2020 -
My 7 year old son and I had an excellent fishing trip with Captain Jim. He was determined to find the bass and help my son land “the big one”. We can’t wait to do it again!
Round 2 - Our first trip... read moreMy 7 year old son and I had an excellent fishing trip with Captain Jim. He was determined to find the bass and help my son land “the big one”. We can’t wait to do it again!
Round 2 - Our first trip with Captain Jim was supposed to be 3 generations (my father, myself and my son) on the water catching fish. Unfortunately, as we were getting ready to launch we got a call that my Grandmother had passed so my father had to forego the trip to attend to the details. My son Jacob and I decided to carry on with the understanding we would make the trip again with all three generations. We had a blast and Captain Jim made a new friend in Jacob (my 7yr old). Fast forward 6 weeks and we had the chance to give it another go. Once again, we had a blast. We caught fish, made memories and Captain Jim taught my son multiplications!
Jim- Thank you. We are looking forward to taking The Deuce next April. read lessDavid Parsons7/17/2020 -
June 30th & July 1st of this year 2020 my husband & I went out with Captain Jim! Our time with him was nothing but a great experience. Jim was kind, patient & really easy to get along with. He put us ON THE FISH.... read moreJune 30th & July 1st of this year 2020 my husband & I went out with Captain Jim! Our time with him was nothing but a great experience. Jim was kind, patient & really easy to get along with. He put us ON THE FISH. I reeled in the biggest bass I’ve ever caught. Definitely booking more trips with him in the future. Thanks CaptainJim read less
LanaJos GirlCrew7/01/2020 -
My 7 year old son and I had an excellent fishing trip with Captain Jim. He was determined to find the bass and help my son land “the big one”. We can’t wait to do it again!
David Parsons6/03/2020 -
Man me and my wife had the BEST TIME with captain Jeff!!! Very professional and polite and he’s all about getting you on the bite!! Fished a few different set ups in many different spots but he put us on em. Definitely will be booking... read moreMan me and my wife had the BEST TIME with captain Jeff!!! Very professional and polite and he’s all about getting you on the bite!! Fished a few different set ups in many different spots but he put us on em. Definitely will be booking another guide with him. definitely A 5/5 star rating read less
Brandon Collier5/24/2020 -
Updated 03/2018 ... read moreUpdated 03/2018 Jim really knows how to take care of his client's!! I was on fish right away both days! I will be back soon!! This group of guys really know their stuff when it comes to putting you on fish, and quickly too!! Thank you Jim and Mike for 2 great day's of fishing!! I would recommend these guys to anyone from beginner to expert!! Trip #2 in November 2016 was a huge success, and a lot of fun!! Once more Jim did the job!! He is a top notch guide, but this trip was much more, it felt like two good friends fishing together!! Fishing with Jim and Guntersville Bass Guides is a contagious thing, I'll be back to do it again, and again!! If you want a trip of a lifetime, I suggest you book one with these guys, it's an experience you'll never forget!! It's making memories!! I'll be back!! Thank you again buddy!!
03/2018. Updated. Third year coming back twice per year. Jim is one of the hardest working guides I know. He knows when I come to the BIG G, I'm looking for quality, not quantity!! He finds big fish, and he finds them quickly!!
I've told Jim on a number of occasions that if he needs a reference, have anyone contact me. I'm telling everyone, you won't be disappointed, from 1st time anglers, to fast action fishing, to hunt for big bass, Jim's got it all!!! Thank you Jim!! We will do it again tomorrow!!
03/2018 part 2 Updated
To all reading this!! All I can say is after today I have a new personal best!! Jim battled the wind, the rain, and even a tornado two nights ago, and today almost 30 lbs. in five fish anchored by an 11 lb. big old bass!! Guntersville Bass Guides, you rock!! Captain Jim is top notch, if you book with him, just listen to him and fish!! Jim will give you the trip of a lifetime, just listen to him. He is an amazing guide, and a great person!! Thank you Jim Leary.
11/242018.
Yet another great trip with Jim. The fishing was tough, but Jim found them once again. Fishing with Jim is no longer client based, we just click. I said it before, but it's like fishing with a friend!
Anyone looking for a quality trip, Jim is that guy, yes, he can put you on quantity if that's what your looking for, but when I come to G, he knows we will be in search of big bass. If anyone wants to enjoy the BIG G with a great guide, and more so, a great person Jim is that guy.
11/2019
Another great trip with Jim Leary and Guntersville Bass Guides!! This time I brought a buddy from Michigan, Hunter Buter made his first trip to Guntersville Lake. Although the size fish that Jim and I are used to wasn't there, the numbers were. The fish were on the move, but as usual Jim found them. We all were catching fish.
I've said this before and I will continue to say it, Jim Leary and Guntersville Bass Guides are top notch!! Jim will always work to find fish in any weather pattern! I will be back again and again.
Fishing with Jim over 3 years now, and it's not a guide/client relationship!! Jim and I are great friends!! I'll be back!! Highly recommended for sure!!! read lessMike Harvey12/16/2019 -
I came all the way from California to fish with GBG-they did not disappoint. Capt. Shane is very knowledgeable about bass fishing and knows the lake and the spots to find the fish. The weather was cold and raining but determined to catch a... read moreI came all the way from California to fish with GBG-they did not disappoint. Capt. Shane is very knowledgeable about bass fishing and knows the lake and the spots to find the fish. The weather was cold and raining but determined to catch a bass...and we did and what a beauty. Enjoyed the experience so much planning on coming back in a few months. Thank you Jim Leary! read less
Tracy Watson10/31/2019 -
We had a great time with Capt. Jim and MS. Bell. This was my first ever guide trip, and the experience was excellent. Capt. Jim is a class act and worked hard for us to catch fish, and we caught em up!. We will book... read moreWe had a great time with Capt. Jim and MS. Bell. This was my first ever guide trip, and the experience was excellent. Capt. Jim is a class act and worked hard for us to catch fish, and we caught em up!. We will book again real soon! read less
Robert Sharp9/23/2019 -
Captain Jim is a professional! I contacted him to arrange for a group of 5 to fish at the Big G! I selected the “Roughing It” trip and he took care of the rest! He arranged for us to stay in... read moreCaptain Jim is a professional! I contacted him to arrange for a group of 5 to fish at the Big G! I selected the “Roughing It” trip and he took care of the rest! He arranged for us to stay in cabins across the street from the boat launching area. The cabins were clean and comfortable. We arrived at the cabin late the night before we were to fish not knowing what to expect the next morning.
Captain Jim was there the next morning as scheduled at 5:15am with two other guides and their fully equipped bass boats and fishing gear and away we went. The next eight hours were filled with an amazing life experience that none of us will forget.
My fear of bringing 4 guests from out of town and not catching any fish was soon nullified. Within 15 minutes of launching we (Cpt Jim and I) had caught 3 fish and we had reports that the other boats were also having luck! I was introduced to Belle, Capt. Jim’s fishing partner who was bringing us all luck. She would give each fish we caught “sugar” (a little lick) before throwing them back, and then she’d curl up in the bottom of the boat to prevent getting a treble hook embedded in her doggie hide.
Capt. Jim knows the lake well, not only for fish, but also for the other wild life that inhabit the area. As we were cruising to the next hot fishing hole, an American bald eagle flew about 30 feet above our heads, undoubtedly looking for morning breakfast. What a beautiful site!
We cruised to five or six different holes trying to catch the big ones we could see on the fish finder. Capt Jim checked all his resources to find the fish. He checked how much water was being released through the dam up river. Knowing this, would most certainly affect the fishing. Capt Jim adjusted how we fished...depths, types of bait, and retrieval methods, to entice the fish to bite.
We all met at the end of our eight hours and shared our fishing experiences. In all we had caught between 80 to 100 fish. If you’re looking for a great fishing experience, give Capt. Jim a call! He’s one of the best! read lessPaul Metzger8/29/2019 -
Wow.....!
We wanted something to do as a team and this was the chosen activity although, I had never fished before.
I was enthusiastic but, to be honest did not know what to expect and wasn't really expecting any success or if I am really... read moreWow.....!
We wanted something to do as a team and this was the chosen activity although, I had never fished before.
I was enthusiastic but, to be honest did not know what to expect and wasn't really expecting any success or if I am really being honest, to enjoy it all that much (fishing had never really appealed to me).
How wrong I was! We arrived on Monday night at the cabin that had been organized by Jim and it was great. Clean, comfortable and with everything you would possibly need. It was also across the road from the boat jetty where we would be collected the following morning, this really made a difference when we were hitting the water at 05:30.
There were 5 of us which, meant we had three boats and our particular captain was Jeff.
We quickly hit the water and found our first fishing spot (we had many throughout the day) where Jeff, was a great instructor and very patient with a complete newbie and really took time to teach me everything from casting, to the technique's for attracting and catching fish to finally reeling them in.
As I said I, was pessimistic about my potential success and with my initial lack of casting abilities, we were all amazed (especially me) that I didn't hook someone and that at least one of us, didn't get a new piercing to go home with. Mix this, with my uncanny ability to knot the line or, cast in the wrong direction and less that a few meters from the boat, it looked like it was going to be a long day.
Jeff however did not give up on me and was supportive and encouraging throughout, always having a rod available ready to go with bait irrespective ofd how many times I fouled the line.
So lets move on a few hours and I am casting (fairly competently and still injury free for all) and catching fish that I would never believe and in fact, not only did I get the biggest fish of the day (although my colleagues may argue) I also believe I caught the most fish....
The whole experience was incredibly well organized and I cannot fault anything or recommend highly enough.
Jim and his team are incredibly well organized, knowledgeable and most importantly great fun and focus on making the day a great fishing experience. If I get the opportunity I will definitely be back.
So whether you are an experienced fisherman like most of my colleagues or, a complete novice like myself I could not recommend Guntersville Bass Guides highly enough.
Jim thanks to you and your team for an unforgettable day and hope to see you again. read lessMark Fitzpatrick8/14/2019 -
I would highly recommend Guntersville Bass Guides. The experience exceeded every expectation I had. Their knowledge of the lake showed as we were able to catch fish every place we stopped. Great job and I will be back and tell everyone I know about you guys.
Steve V8/14/2019 -
Went out yesterday with Cap. Jim. Very impressed. I was hesitant to pay for any guide thinking there would be alot of small fish. I was wrong. Great balance of numbers, quality, and different ways to catch them. Our best... read moreWent out yesterday with Cap. Jim. Very impressed. I was hesitant to pay for any guide thinking there would be alot of small fish. I was wrong. Great balance of numbers, quality, and different ways to catch them. Our best 5 was rocking 24-25 pounds. Very respectable this time of year. Will definitely book again! read less
John Stroud6/26/2019 -
Went out yesterday with Cap. Jim. Very impressed. I was hesitant to pay for any guide thinking there would be alot of small fish. I was wrong. Great balance of numbers, quality, and different ways to catch them. Our best... read moreWent out yesterday with Cap. Jim. Very impressed. I was hesitant to pay for any guide thinking there would be alot of small fish. I was wrong. Great balance of numbers, quality, and different ways to catch them. Our best 5 was rocking 24-25 pounds. Very respectable this time of year. Will definitely book again! read less
John Stroud6/26/2019 -
Jim worked hard to get us on the fish at Chickamauga. Great communication from start to finish. Made things really easy for me and my son, and we are already planning on coming back this fall for some Guntersville action. Thanks... read moreJim worked hard to get us on the fish at Chickamauga. Great communication from start to finish. Made things really easy for me and my son, and we are already planning on coming back this fall for some Guntersville action. Thanks Captain Jim! read less
Jeff Jordan6/06/2019 -
Went out with Captain Jeff for a 6 hr trip on Gville yesterday. Hands down the best day of fishing in our life. Jeff was awesome, very helpful, and very personable. We caught a lot of fish and a lot of big fish in a... read moreWent out with Captain Jeff for a 6 hr trip on Gville yesterday. Hands down the best day of fishing in our life. Jeff was awesome, very helpful, and very personable. We caught a lot of fish and a lot of big fish in a lot of different ways. Awesome first day of our honeymoon. Can’t thank Guntersville Bass Guides enough and we’d recommend them to anyone looking for a great day on the big G! read less
Aaron Creech6/04/2019