August 19th, 2010

The lake level is about 1/2 foot below summer pool and on a slow rise due to an influx of water from the south.  Expect increased current flow as TVA siphons off the excess water to bring the lake in line with normal operating levels.  The water temp at KY Dam is 88 degrees and the Lake is clear.
 
Catch of the Week
 
“Petefish Brothers Kick Some Bass and Top the Century Mark”
 
As a rule Kick’n Bass Weekly Highlights don’t include numbers but when you fish with two brothers who’s last name is “Petefish” and experience a trip of a lifetime, it warrants throwing out all the rules. 

Back in the spring Alan (far right) and I had a couple of really great crappie trips and he promised to come back and bring his brother Don (far left) to sample the bass fishing.  The plan was to do a little Shakey Head fish’in and visit with their childhood friend Bob Williams (Center) owner of Whispering Oaks Resort.   
 
Despite an early morning north easterly wind, that had given the bass a mild case of “lockjaw”, we managed to catch a dozen nice bass on the lea side of the lake.   About midway into our morning the wind shifted from the southeast and it was time to go offshore and fish the ledges.  For the next several hours the three of us experienced some of the best fishing anyone could ever expect.

Catching over 100 bass in a few hours doesn’t happen very often and when it does it puts your mind and body into overdrive.  With each fish caught I could see the Petefish brothers gaining more confidence in their angling ability.  The once errant casts and missed hooksets were a thing of the past.  Other than jumping off an occasional big fish, their day was pretty much flawless.  Not to take anything away from the fishing, because it was phenomenal, but what impressed me the most was how the Petefish brothers enjoyed each others company and cheered for one another.   Now … that’s what fishing with Kick’n Bass is all about!

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 pretty productive just ask Robert Walter of Malcolm Creek Resort & his son Joey (Photo-L).  During windy days bass position themselves along main lake banks and wind swept points and are feeding on schools of shad.  Also schools of bass are chasing baitfish 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 dragging a 3/8 oz. Eakins Jig in Missouri Craw over shell beds. 

Ledge fishing has been better this week due to increased current generation and Southerly winds.  A combination of these two factors can really enhance the bite. If you find the right spot you can really catch a lot of fish and some big ones too!  Reference the generation schedule and the Solunar tables to determine the best times to fish. (See the links above) A couple of lures have really been productive.  The top producer has been a 3/16 oz PJ’s Shakey Head jig with a 4” Strike King Super Finesse worm in Pumpkin / Green Flake. Another interesting combo was the new PJ’s 7/16 oz Bass Extractor jig with 6/0 hook fished with a 10” Berkley Blue Fleck Power Worm as a trailer.  The PJ’s 7/16 oz jig allowed us to fish deep when we needed to and keep the bait in the strike zone despite the waves and current.  It proved to be an excellent choice at times and several big fish were caught using this combo.

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.   
 
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 Stripes.  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.  Also 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 …
 
If you have a really great fish recipe that you want to share send it to:  rk@kicknbass.net
 
Here’s one I know you’ll really like!  It’s guaranteed to make your tongue slap your brains out!
 
Pistachio Crusted Filets
½ cup Shelled Pistachios, chopped
½ cup Pankos bread Crumbs
2 Tbsp grated parmesan cheese
½ Tsp Sea Salt
1/8 Tsp Pepper
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
4 of your favorite Fillets
2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
Line a small pan with aluminum foil and Spray with Pam.  Lay filets in pan and brush filets with Dijon Mustard.  Combine ingredients to form a paste and spread on top of filets using a fork.  Bake at 425 degrees 10-12 minutes. 
 
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
 
Guide Bookings …
Fishing is very good on both lakes right now and I still have a day or two available in late 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.