Colorful Tennessee River Rat Hunts For Freshwater Clams And Mussels -The Tennessee Traveler WTVF

Let me introduce you to T. J. Whitfield. This colorful Tennessee river rat hunts for freshwater clams and mussels. Kentucky Lake offers the perfect breeding ground. Approximately 80 percent of the mussel shells exported from the United States are harvested in Tennessee. T. J. Whitfield started brailing for clams and mussels long before Kentucky Lake was formed because he wasn’t too enthusiastic about fishing. He uses brails that are short boards rigged with chains and small barbless hooks. When he slowly drags the brails across the bottom of the lake, the clams clamp down. T.J. told me that they catch themselves. His boat, “Old Betsy” is the largest braiingl boat on the lake. T. J. Whitfield is proud to say he’s a river rat. He told me that once the Tennessee river get in you, it never gets out. This story aired on WLAC-TV (WTVF) Channel 5 Eyewitness News in 1973.
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‪@georgiatraveler‬
The Traveler series with Andy Johnston was an Emmy award winning program that showcased amazing people, unusual things, local legends, food finds, outdoor activities, folk art, and family fun. In 2022 the Walter J. Brown Media Archives at the University of Georgia founded The Original Georgia Traveler -- Andy Johnston Collection to preserve and maintain the stories.
This story is presented for educational and preservation purposes and is covered under Fair Use. At the time it was broadcast the television station had a blanket music license with ASCAP, BMI and SESAC. The station maintains that license today. All music used is covered under that agreement.
#kentuckylake #freshwaterpearls #originalgeorgiatraveler #favoriteyoutubers #heartland #rufushussey

[@5funnyCats]

God love this little man. He's a true, blue Appalachian American.👍👏

[@georgiatraveler]

He was a simple guy who loved where he lived and took care of his family.

[@olskool3967]

very nice video Andy! thank you for putting these out, i look forward to them,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

[@georgiatraveler]

Hi like the older ones from Tennessee a lot. It's great state. All it's missing is a coastline.

[@TheTishy44]

Pretty cool dude.

[@georgiatraveler]

Thank you for watching. If you like this one check the main Original Georgia Traveler channel. There are about 170 stories like this one.

[@Quiksilversurf311]

Great upload Andy!

[@georgiatraveler]

I really appreciate all your support. It helps. Thank you

[@Quiksilversurf311]

@@georgiatraveler Absolutely Andy!

[@dumbasscountryboy]

I can still remember when it was legal to do this and had friends that would dive for them on the Tennessee river and told me stories of cat fish they seen that were as big as Volkswagens. 😂 They always tried to get me to do it but I was afraid they were telling me the truth 😂

[@georgiatraveler]

Hey Jerry, I glad you liked the story. You reminded me of something. The only time we ever got in trouble with the law was trying to do a story about a bunch of guys noodling for catfish. Noodling is fishing for catfish by swimming down and sticking your arm into the mouth of one of those giant fish. The Tennessee Game and Fish stopped us because they didn't want people doing it. Jerry I hope you'll subscribe and check out the other stories on the channel.

[@dumbasscountryboy]

@@georgiatraveler yeah I could see why they didn’t want people doing it because you never know what might bite your hand off. Lol

[@georgiatraveler]

@@dumbasscountryboy The catfish these guys were hauling up were almost 6 feet long.