My granddad, who lived in Kennett MO, used to fish Reelfoot back in the 60's. There wasn't a bridge over the Mississippi nearby at the time so they'd take a ferry across the river, if I recall, they brought their outboard, but rented a boat. They'd go over in the evening, fish all night, all the next day then come home. They'd catch a lot of fish (crappie and bream) but would always complain that on average the fish were a bit small. I never have fished it, but I've heard lots of stories.