August 12th, 2010

The lake level is about 1.5 feet below summer pool and the water temp at KY Dam is 88 degrees.  The Lake is clear. 

Weekly Highlights 

“Beginner enjoys luck that’s envied by veterans”
Ellis and Brandon Hissong (Photo-L) were ready to go fishing at 5:15 AM but I don’t think either one of them were prepared for what was about to happen.  You see Brandon doesn’t fish much and his father Ellis, hadn’t bass fished in years.  In fact, this was their first trip fishing for bass on Kentucky Lake.  Once we got past the over runs, backlashes and rods slapping the water it was pretty smooth casting going forward.  It’s every guides dream to see a client catch “the big one” but it’s not often one witnesses someone do it twice on their first trip.  “I think I’m hung” is all too familiar words we guides hear and as I looked in Brandon’s direction I could see his rod was bent in that familiar arc that told me he wasn’t hung up but had a really nice bass on.  After a great fight a six pound largemouth made it to the net, the biggest bass Brandon had ever caught.  Amongst all the back slapping and cheers I noticed the shakey Head was laying in the net.  The big bass had been barely hooked and Brandon played the fish beautifully. Moments later Brandon would catch another big bass that was darn near “a twin” completing a day that would be envied by many a fisherman.  Lost in all the excitement was the fact that the biggest deal of all was that father and son got to share the special moment … one they’ll always remember.  I’m glad I was there too! 

“Razorback fans go hog wild over Kentucky Lake bass”
Richard & Levi Hudson and Steve Harrison (Photo-L) share a lot in common.  They are rabid Arkansas Razorback fans and they like to catch fish!  The goal was to catch some bass and learn to fish the Shakey Head.  With the bite slow due to the heat and lack of wind and current, fishing would be a challenge.  However, experience has shown that its times like this when the Shakey Head really shines.  The end result was we caught a lot more than we thought we would and some good ones too!  It just goes to show when you have willing participants and match the tackle and lures to the mood of the fish good things can happen.  Thanks guys!

Current Generation and Prime Feeding Times … All species, especially bass on the ledges, respond favorably to current this time of year.  The amount of current in the lake varies according to the TVA Water Release schedule.  Successful anglers take into consideration the prime feeding times and the TVA Water Release Schedule.  Being at your favorite fishing hole during these times will increase your odds of success.  To find the Prime Feeding times in your area Click Here.  To review the TVA Water Release Schedule for Kentucky Lake & Lake Barkley Click Here.

Fishing Report

Largemouth Bass fishing on Kentucky Lake has been really good this week, just ask Robert Walter of Malcolm Creek Resort (Photo-L).  Several productive patterns have emerged.  During windy days schools of bass are positioning themselves along main lake banks and wind swept points and feeding on schools of shad.  Also huge schools of bass have moved shallower in the main lake itself.  Specifically, we’ve found these schools feeding on shad around shell beds in 10-12 feet of water.  The most productive shell beds have been located within a cast of deeper water.  The best lures have been the Strike King Super Finesse worm in Pumpkin/ Green Flake on a PJ’s 3/16 oz. jig head and slow rolling a Zorro Aggravator 3/8 oz. spinner bait in White and Chartreuse over shell beds.                                                         

Unfortunately we have also seen our share of days this week whereby we have had little or no wind and heat indexes way over the 100 degree mark.  The fishing was harder on the fishermen than the fish but we still managed to catch a good number of bass by down sizing our lures and slowing down our presentations.  The best method for catching bass during these times was to use our trolling motor to slow troll a 4” Strike King finesse worm on a 1/8 oz PJ’s Shakey Head Jig thru the shell beds.  Using the lighter weight and smaller lure produced some really big bass as well as some pretty good numbers of fish too.

Ledge fishing has been at the mercy of the TVA induced current.  During increased generation the ledge fishing gets a whole lot better and so does the crankbait bite. If you find the right spot you can really catch a lot of fish and some big ones too! What’s been especially notable is, while you can catch a lot of fish on the ledges during the day, they are even better at night.  After dark, the bass move on top of the ledge, feed aggressively and are relatively easy to catch once the school is located.  Reference the generation schedule and the Solunar tables to determine the best times to fish. (See Links above) The magic depth at night seems to be the 13’ to 17’ range and 22’ to 24’ deep during the day.  Whether fishing during the day or at night, the most productive lures have been a jig and a Shakey Head.  The jig combo consists of a Tiny Paca Craw in Green Pumpkin / Cotton Candy and a one quarter or one half ounce PJ’s football head jig.  Dragging this lure seems to produce the best results and the unique shape of the PJ’s jig resists getting hung up especially when fishing around shell beds and heavy cover.  

Topwater is fair especially in the very early morning and late evening hours, as the shad are near the surface and are very vulnerable to schooling bass.  The best surface baits have been the Rapala Skitter Prop in shad color and a Lucky Crafty Sammy 65 in Shad. 

Smallmouth Bass are being caught early & late on main lake points and off shore on submerged rock piles and shell beds. Also an occasional Smallmouth has been caught among schooling Largemouth.  Best results are coming on Strike King Super Finesse worms fished on a 3/16 oz. PJ’s jig head.  Dragging the lure slowly on the bottom works pretty well too.   

When is the best time to go night fishing?  Right NOW!  Experience the Thrill of Bass Fishing at Night

Just ask Mark Mueller of Cape Girardeau (Photo-L) who caught these nice bass this week fishing Shakey Heads.  Our night fishing season is in full swing and it has been very productive.  The same lures you used during the day are very productive at night and the best spots during the day can be even better at night.  There is just something about catching a really big bass at night that really turns a fisherman on! 

For more information on putting together a night fishing trip send an email rk@kicknbass.net or call 270-703-6133.

Bluegill, Redear and Crappie …. No Report.  However, we had another massive mayfly hatch over the last few days so bluegill fishing should be very good.  I’d try a Shelton’s bluegill bug in black and fish it with and without a cricket.

Catfish are being caught near secondary and main lake ledges on cut bait, night crawlers, and large minnows.  Best depths are 15 feet deep at night and 30 – 40 feet deep during the day.   

Trolling has consistently caught some really good Stripers (Photo-R Malcolm Creek Resort.)  One of the best ways to troll is using the Ken’s rig.  The Ken’s rig resembles a spinner bait without the hook and blade. Instead, a ball bearing swivel is attached where the hook and blade would be.  Monofilament leaders of different lengths are attached to the swivels with the top leader about 30” and the bottom about 18 inches.  A white or chartreuse rooster tail spinner is tied to the top leader and a deep diving crank bait on the bottom.  The middle hook on the front treble is removed to reduce hang ups.  This rig gets down deep where the fish are less susceptible to the heat. The Ken’s rig has been a killer and at times we have caught a fish on both baits.  The Fisherman’s Friend in Lake City, Ky. has the Ken’s rig. (270)362-4323.  White Bass are improving and are being caught in two ways, casting or trolling.  Some good fish have been caught casting a ¼ oz white rooster tail at fish chasing shad in the jumps or letting the lure flutter down the drop and then bring it in on a slow steady retrieve.  Also casting a silver & black Pop-R or shad colored Rapala Skitter Pop has been a pretty good back up plan for “jump fishing”.

Other News …

Sept. 4th Tournament to benefit the Brinegar family
Ronnie Brinegar, a tournament director for FLW Outdoors was severely injured last month in an auto accident and is now currently a patient in recovery and rehabilitation at the Shepard Center in Atlanta, Ga.  The Brinegar family needs your help. On September 4th a benefit bass tournament will be held at Ky Dam Marina to assist Ronnie and his family. Tournament registration will be held at Fast Eddie's Tackle on U.S. 68 East from 5-7 PM on September 3rd.  A pre-tournament meeting will be held at 7:15 immediately following registration.  Fast Eddie's will be cooking complimentary hotdogs and hamburgers.  You can still register at the ramp up until 5:45 a.m. on Saturday morning.  If you can’t fish the tournament, donations can be made to guarantee the payout with the remaining proceeds going to assist the Brinegar family. Contact Danny York 270-906-5477 or Steve Alvarado 270-841-4626 for the details.

“Performance Jigs Company of Missouri Introduces New Product to Market”  
Performance Jigs Company (PJ’s) a leading supplier of quality jigs has introduced a 5/16 & 7/16 oz. Bass Extractor jig to the market.  This much anticipated product features an ultra sharp 6/0 hook and will be ideal for Shakey Head style of fishing and will accommodate larger baits especially 10” or longer worms.  Be sure to ask for this product at your local retailer or visit PJ’s website at www.pjlures.com or call 417-546-4522

Kick'n Bass Fishing Tips are now on VIDEO!  Each week Kentucky Lake T.V. & Kick'n Bass will feature a fishing tip that will help you become a better angler.  Click on this link http://www.kentuckylake.tv/fishing/kentucky_lake_fishing.htm for this week's fishing tip from Kentucky Lake T.V. & Kick'n Bass!  

Guide Bookings …
Fishing is very good on both lakes right now and I still have a few days available in August & Sept.  So, if you wish to book a trip email Kick’n Bass at rk@kicknbass.net  If you feel the need to speak to someone concerning your booking make sure you include your phone number in the email. 

Tournament Prep Packages Available …
September & October are Big Tournament months here on the twin lakes.  Be sure to ask about our Tournament Prep Packages.