Location: Athens, Tennessee, USA
Paddlefish Mini-Expedition
Diving with paddlefish
Big Fish Expeditions Paddlefish Adventure
Jump into history with the primitive paddlefish; an enormous yet rarely photographed freshwater fish related to sturgeon and listed as vulnerable on the IUCN red list. These elusive animals are the last remaining relics of an ancient lineage of cartilaginous fishes that split from the evolutionary tree more than 300 million years ago; 50 million years before dinosaurs first appeared.
Looking like a cross between a billfish and a basking shark, these strange cartilaginous fishes use their receptor filled rostrums to search for plankton in the lakes and river systems of the Southeastern US.
Once prolific throughout North America, paddlefish stocks have been heavily depleted by overfishing, harvesting them for their roe, and the damming of rivers.
Why Come with Big Fish Expeditions?
Although generally difficult to find and approach, we have been granted access to Loch Low-Minn during the winter season when it is normally closed to divers. During the early spring, temperatures in the lake are relatively cold and the visibility is at its best. Because of the cool conditions, the paddlefish are far more sluggish than they would be in the summer and much more approachable.
BFE trip leader Jennifer Idol first visited these fish during her journey diving in all 50 states and has since returned several times to photograph their unusual shape with a long rostrum (snout like extension from their nose). She has learned the best time of year and approach for successful encounters.
Jennifer’s work on paddlefish has appeared in numerous publications, including Alert Diver, Scuba Diving and her book An American Immersion, in which she highlights this strange fish in Tennessee.
THE ENCOUNTER
Scuba diving with freshwater American Paddlefish in Loch Low-Minn.
2022
DATES
March 4-8 4 SPOTS AVAILABLE
PRICE (USD)
$1,795 per person double occupancy
$2,295 per person single occupancy
LEADER
Jennifer Idol
2023
DATES
TBA 6 SPOTS AVAILABLE
PRICE (USD)
TBA per person double occupancy
TBA per person single occupancy
LEADER
Jennifer Idol
Photo © Jennifer Idol
DETAILS
ACCOMMODATION
Comfort Inn, Athens
Breakfast included
EXPERIENCE LEVEL
Level One / Open Water Diving Certification.
Some cold water scuba diving experience would be an asset.
WHAT YOU SHOULD BRING
- 2 piece 7mm wetsuit or a drysuit for diving with the paddlefish.
- Fins, mask, snorkel and a neoprene hood, booties, and gloves.
- Warm clothing for exploring nearby waterfalls. Evening photography might be chilly.
- Wide angle lenses
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Three days of diving with paddlefish – 2 tanks per day.
- Tanks and weights.
- Entrance fees to Loch Low-Minn.
- Experienced paddlefish dive guide.
- Group Van Transfer from the Nashville airport to Athens (Arrive by 5 p.m.)
- Four nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Athens.
NOT INCLUDED
- Personal diving equipment (all gear can be rented)
- Lunch and dinner
HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY
Our Paddlefish Adventure starts with a group shuttle from Nashville Airport (BNA). Please be ready to board the shuttle at 5pm. On the last day of the trip, we will have you back at the airport by 12 noon.
Photo © Jennifer Idol
Photo © Jennifer Idol
Photo © Jennifer Idol
Photo © Jennifer Idol
Photo © Jennifer Idol
Photo © Jennifer Idol
Photo © Jennifer Idol
ITINERARY AND DAILY DIVE SCHEDULE
| Day 1 | Arrive at Nashville airport, where Jennifer will pick up the group for the transfer to Athens, TN. Time allowing for those who arrive, we will eat in Nashville and possibly see a couple sites. Check into the hotel and prepare for morning dives. |
| Days 2-4 | After a relaxed breakfast, we will drive you to the lake for two long dives with the paddlefish. After a thorough briefing from Jennifer, dive buddies will pair off to encounter paddlefish.
After a late lunch nearby, you will have time to download images and charge batteries before dinner. Depending on timing and weather, there may also be a chance to explore the countryside with Jennifer before returning to Athens for supper. |
| Day 5 | On the final morning of the trip, Jennifer will take the group back to Nashville for afternoon flights. |
Photo © Jennifer Idol
Photo © Jennifer Idol
Photo © Jennifer Idol
Ready to sign up or have a question about this trip?
Contact Big Fish about this Expedition
Paddlefish
Mini-Expedition
Photos © Jennifer Idol
Big Fish Expeditions
Big Fish Expeditions Founder Andy Murch has spent the last two decades chasing big animals all over the world. Few people have Andy’s knowledge and organizational skills necessary to put together a professional expedition. Have a look through some of the comments from our guests: testimonials.
Guest Feedback
ANOTHER GREAT ADVENTURE WITH BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
Just returned from my second trip with BFE and it went off perfectly. The true adventure of these trips always present challenging logistics but they pulled it off flawlessly. I would highly recommend BFE to anyone looking to get “off the grid” and experience a wildlife trip of a lifetime. I am looking forward to my next adventure with them. Thanks again!!
Scott O.
Detroit, Michigan
GO. YOU WILL NEVER REGRET IT!
I have been on 3 Big Fish Expeditions trips by now and have more trips to look forward to in the near future. First of all I share a big passion for sharks, whale and other big marine life and Big Fish Expedition is all about that. As an amateur photographer is great to be among equals and even better to get new tips and ideas from professionals.
Andy is very helpful showing new tricks and talk about UW photography in between dives. Sure the destinations offers world class diving but it’s also about the people and the relation to people and Andy surely gives everyone the feeling of being very welcome and try to give everyone a lifetime experience.
Another good thing is that Andy is maybe the only pro shooters who offers trips to very reasonable prices. I won’t go into details about all the good dives I’ve done with Big Fish but instead say GO, you will never regret it!
Br, Rasmus Raahauge
Denmark
BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
I have been on a couple of Big Fish Photography Expeditions trips now. They are always well organized, and exceed my expectations! Andy puts together unique and action-packed trips. I’m looking forward to my next dive experience with him.
Trisha S.
Vancouver, BC
ABOUT BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
5 stars!
I’ve been on three trips with Big Fish Expeditions. Each one was well organized and jam packed with unique wildlife encounters. I am booked for another trip next year and for many more to come. Highly recommended!!
ABSOLUTELY AMAZING TIME WITH BIG FISH EXPEDITIONS
Andy is one of the best in the business. I would highly, highly recommend anyone interested in an animal focused trip to go with big fish expeditions.
The quality of experience and knowledge of the trip leader really sets them apart. Expect to get your fill of animals no matter what the trip is. Andy is also great at finding other animals to incorporate within the trips.
If you’re looking for a shark trip or big animal experience, this is your place. Period.
Enjoy!
Jesse B.
Ontario, Canada
AMAZING TRIPS
Amazing trips, just finish my 7th with Big Fish Expeditions, many more to come! 
Sene M.
Canada
