Honoring a Legacy. Committed to the Catch. Focused on the Experience.

Nashville Fishing Guides is more than a charter service—it is a legacy. Our company was originally founded by Merv W. Johnson, Jr., a well-respected outdoorsman, skilled fisherman, and beloved member of the Middle Tennessee fishing community. Merv built this guide service with passion, precision, and a commitment to helping people experience the joy of catching fish on Percy Priest Lake. His personality, knowledge, and larger-than-life laugh made every trip unforgettable.

On May 15, 2024, Merv passed away unexpectedly while launching his boat—doing what he loved most. His loss was felt across the entire community. To those who knew him, Merv wasn’t just a fishing guide; he was a mentor, a storyteller, a protector of his family, and a man who lived every day with purpose and heart. His passing left an irreplaceable void, but also a powerful responsibility: his legacy had to continue.

Carrying the Torch: Captains Brian Holloway & Brian Schneider

After Merv’s passing, USCG Captains Brian Holloway and Brian Schneider stepped in to keep his operation alive—not for profit, but out of respect, gratitude, and a deep desire to honor what Merv built. Both captains had fished alongside Merv, learned from him, and admired the standard he set on Percy Priest Lake.

For Brian and Brian, this business has never been about the money. It’s about continuing a tradition of integrity, skill, and authentic guiding. Too many charters on Percy Priest treat fishing trips like glorified boat rides—running the clock instead of running patterns. That was never Merv’s way, and it’s not ours.

At Nashville Fishing Guides, we pride ourselves on our ability to put clients on fish, to teach effective techniques, and to create real, memorable experiences. We don’t make excuses. We don’t “just ride around.” We fish—and we catch.

Who Merv Was — A Legacy Worth Protecting

To understand Nashville Fishing Guides, you have to understand Merv.

Born on March 18, 1948, Merv grew up as the fifth of seven children, through constant change, hard work, and a love of the outdoors. With a Red Ryder BB gun in his hands, he hunted squirrels and rabbits after school. He later graduated from New Albany High School and attended Bible College before being drafted into the U.S. Army Scout Dog Platoon during the Vietnam War. Serving with his loyal partner, “Mr. Buck,” Merv walked point for his brothers, facing danger head-on with courage and grit.

After his service, he mastered the pipefitting trade in Indiana, earning his prestigious “Golden Arm.” He built a family, found deep love with his wife Susi, and welcomed his daughter Sophia in 2009—a blessing he cherished every day.

When he moved to Tennessee for his dream retirement, Merv dedicated himself fully to fishing. And as everything he ever pursued, he did it with intensity, mastery, and a passion few can match. He became one of the most respected guides on Percy Priest Lake, known for his skill, honesty, humor, and unforgettable presence—often sharing stories with his iconic laugh and posting legendary Facebook cooking photos.

Merv was a protector of his family, a loyal friend, a skilled huntsman, an incredible cook, and a natural teacher. His influence made thousands of people better—fishermen and non-fishermen alike.

We will forever be grateful for the opportunity to know him, learn from him, and continue what he started.

Our Mission Moving Forward

Nashville Fishing Guides exists today for one reason:

To honor Merv’s legacy by providing the highest-quality fishing experience on Percy Priest Lake.

Every trip reflects the values he lived by:

• Integrity — Be honest, work hard, do things the right way.

• Skill — Know the water, know the fish, and respect the craft.

• Service — Make every client feel valued, supported, and engaged.

• Results — Put people on fish. Teach them. Celebrate the catch.

We don’t cut corners.
We don’t chase trends.
We don’t run charters just to fill time.

We fish—just like Merv would have wanted.

In Loving Memory of Merv W. Johnson, Jr.

March 18, 1948 — May 15, 2024
Forever a friend, mentor, and the heart of Nashville Fishing Guides.
We thank you, Merv. We miss you. We honor you every day we launch the boat.