August 26th, 2011

Lake Conditions
Lake Levels … As of this morning both lakes are about 2 foot below summer pool give or take a few inches and in the midst of a slow drawdown. 
Water Clarity … The water on both Lakes is in great shape for fishing.  With the drawdown in progress, the shoreline is exposed and during times of wind and waves so expect some color in the water.
Water Temps … Surface temps on both lakes are in the mid 80’s and could fluctuate higher in the afternoons due to the unseasonable heat.

Fishing Report
Bass fishing has been very good this week for numbers as well as big fish! (Photo left, Kick’n Bass with a good one).  We’ve had several limits of keeper sized Largemouth most days and one morning in particular I watched Robert High of Mayfield, Ky (Photo right) catch a nice limit in about 15 minutes fishing a main lake point.  Both Largemouth and Smallmouth are feasting on schools of shad on main lake points and secondary points in the front halves of the creeks and bays.  Shell beds located on flats adjacent to the ledges on the main lake are also holding schools of bass.  In some cases bass are travelling with white bass and are feeding under the white bass jumps.  Ledge fishing has been feast or famine but best during times of current generation.  Right now bass have a one track mind and that is “FEEDING”. With the warm water bass metabolisms are in high gear and “Find the bait fish and you’ll find the bass”.

Best Baits … bass are located in several areas of the lake and being caught using a variety of methods but the most consistent method for Kick’n Bass clients has been fishing soft plastics and fishing them slow.  Basically we’ve employed a 1-2-3 combination to catch our fish.  1). To make the most of the early morning bite, we’ve used a ZMan swim bait like the Scented PaddlerZ  in any type of shad color fished on ¼ or 3/16 oz 5/0 lead head which has been absolutely deadly on bass chasing shad on the points as well as in the jumps.  2.) Once the shallow water bite has subsided, we switch to Shakey Heads using Zman 7” Finesse WormZ which has allowed us to extend the bite.  Several colors of worms have produced but the degree of success depends on choosing the optimum color based on the water clarity and amount of daylight.  Also with the lake drawdown in progress, the water levels and water clarity is changing daily and you must adjust you lure choice accordingly.  The exposed banks are subject to wind and waves which can add color to the water.  Below will give you an idea of what color ZMan worms have been working best for us and under what conditions.

Note: Overcast Conditions or Sunny skies seem to increase the need to have the proper color choice.  The best overall Shakey Head jig is PJ’s Bass Extractor in 3/16 oz.

3.) Deep diving crankbaits have caught some fish on the points and ledges but in reality plastics fished slowly ruled, especially for the bigger fish we caught. Shallow running crank baits are catching some fish on the points but generally speaking they are smaller.  A ½ oz PJ’s football jig in Missouri craw has also been a good backup choice for fishing on the points. Topwater action is decent early and late.  The best bait is a Rapala Skitter Prop.

White Bass … Although we bass fished most of the week and didn’t have much time to devote to White bass, when we did it was very good. The whites are really feeding on schools of shad. Best locations are the mouths of the bays and where the creeks meet the river channel.  Before sunrise when the fish are up shallow, they can be caught by casting a Silver or Gold Steel Shad blade bait or by trolling a Ken’s rig.  While we caught some doing both and at times we caught two at a time on the Ken’s rig, the bigger fish came on the Steel Shad.  The Ken’s Rig (The Fisherman’s Friend in Lake City 270-362-4323) 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 Ken’s Hybrid Spinner (1/16 oz) is tied to the top leader and a deep diving crank bait on the bottom.  I snip off the middle hook on the front treble to reduce hang ups and troll at idle speed in the mouth of the bays in 15 - 20 feet of water. Once you locate a school of fish and get a hook-up mark the spot and make multiple passes and most likely you’ll catch a bunch.

Catfish, Bluegill & Crappie … We didn’t have the opportunity to fish for these species therefore there is no report.

New “Ledge Grouser” kicks Some Bass!
Master lure designer Ken McGregor at the Fisherman’s Friend in Lake City, Ky. is at it again!  Ken has developed a deep water jig especially for fishing ledges called “The Ledge Grouser”.  I’ve been using this jig for several weeks now fishing a ZMan 10 ½ “Saw Tail worm with good results.  Now it’s time to let the cat out of the bag!  The bottom of the jig resembles a mining grouser with a series of cleats that pushes whatever it comes in contact with and creates a good deal of sound when drug over rock or shells.  This bait is unique and offers an attractive alternative to the football head jig. The lure comes in several sizes and your favorite colors and the Big Bite Hook takes care of business too!  Also the keepers are available in screw lock for soft plastics and a straight wire for the ZMan Elaztech baits.  The “Ledge Grouser” is available at The Fisherman’s Friend (270-362-4323) and tackle shops around Kentucky and Barkley Lakes.

Sonar Tip of the Week 

The screen shows several bass located around a hump in the middle of a bay. Note the ball of baitfish suspended over the hump and the brush pile with baitfish. Casting a diving crank bait, we were able to pick off the aggressive biters and then cleaned up using Shakey Heads.  With out the aid of our electronics, locating these fish would not have been possible.  

Kick’n Bass can help you get more out of your electronics and become a better fisherman.  Here’s just some of what Kick’n Bass can do to make your units more user friendly and in turn help you become a more productive angler …

• Make sure your HDS unit(s) has the correct settings for the type of fishing you do.  In a lot of cases the units are set for “general use” not specific.
• Install the overlay data on the screen that you want.  Example: Depth, Water Temp, Time, etc.
• Arrange the screens so they display what you want them to show and make going from page to page orderly and non-confusing.  
• Eliminate unwanted, non-practical on screen data that clutters your screen and gets in the way of using your unit to its maximum potential.
• Demo the unit for you to help you be familiar with the screens and commands, so you’ll have a good understanding of how to use the unit and take advantage of its fish finding capabilities.
• If needed, install the most recent updates.  

As a bonus Kick’n Bass will help you learn to read an electronic topo map and find “places of interest” that could be potential fishing hot spots.

To schedule an on the water fishing trip with instruction send an email to rk@kicknbass.net

Kentucky Lake Pontoon Tour

A Pontoon Tour is a great way to enjoy Kentucky Lake!  Leave the boat driving to us and sit back, relax and enjoy the beauty of Kentucky Lake.  Our tours offer local knowledge, interesting tidbits and history about Kentucky Lake and the surrounding area.  Sit back and enjoy the large, comfortable pontoon boat with adequate shade while your tour guide navigates the waters!  Bald eagles, great blue heron and other wildlife abound. Don't forget your camera!

• Family Fun Outings
• Fall Color trips
• Trolling for your favorite species of fish
• Main Lake or Tailwater Area
• Church & Club Groups Welcome
• Corporate & Business Trips Available

We can customize our tour if you have something special in mind, just be sure to contact us well in advance for your reservations.  For more information call 270.703.6133 or email rk@kicknbass.net

Tight Lines,

If you want to talk fishing or book a trip with Randy ens call him at (270) 703-6133 or email him at rk@kicknbass.net