Like most fishermen, I don’t mind working if it’s something I need to do. I mean, just because I ain’t fishing doesn’t mean I’m not a busy man. After all, us guides got business to take care of as in cleaning reels, inspecting rod guides, changing line and most importantly, shooting the bull with other fishermen. After all a man has got to have his priorities and working off a honey-do list is pretty far down the line for me.

After 31 years of marriage, my wife knows me better than I know myself. When she called mid-morning to see if I was making progress on her list, I let her know I was in my Ranger deciding which honey-do I wanted to tackle first. She reminded me of my New Year’s resolution to handle honey-do’s in a timely manner and since I was already on thin ice, I needed to get out of my boat and get busy. Little did she know just how close to being right she was. Thin ice yes, but not my Ranger as in Ranger boat, I was in my Polaris Ranger down by the dock staring at a sheet of ice covering Malcolm Creek.

That’s right that nasty three letter word ICE! A recent cold snap has formed a sheet of ice on a lot of places on Kentucky Lake. Not to worry, actually this is a good thing. Over the last several years, winters here have been very mild and we haven’t had a major shad kill on Kentucky Lake. Consequently the shad have grown large and plentiful. The very cold water temperature we are currently experiencing, has produced a significant shad kill and started a reaction that will eventually benefit us fishermen. When adult shad are reduced, it sets the stage for a prolific spawn in the spring by those that survived. As a result, the young of the year shad will be plentiful and smaller in size making them more prone to be eaten. This bodes well for all fish especially Crappie & Bass. Think what’s about to happen here; in general the total number of shad will be reduced, a more desirable sized shad will take their place and be eaten keeping the shad number in check. All game fish will become more aggressive in their feeding habits as a result. Not a bad scenario for us fishermen.

I remember the last time we had a significant shad kill, it was the winter of 1999 – 2000. The following spring, fishing for all species was phenomenal. By late February crappie fishing was really outstanding and the jerk bait bite for bass was really good by early March. This spring is going to be a great time to be fishing on Kentucky Lake. Now the great NEWS ! It’s 55 degrees today and the ice is already melting around my dock. The forecast for next week is predicting much of the same, temperature – wise, therefore the ice should be gone pretty quick. So get your rod & reels ready.

Special Notes: This coming weekend be sure and attend the 26th Annual West Kentucky Boat & Outdoor Show Jan. 22 – 24 at the Special Events Center in Murray, Kentucky. This year, with the show being the only one in our area, the promoters are going all out to make it a really great event. Admission is free. The list of exhibitors is long and the anglers presenting Fishing Seminars is impressive, including FLW Pro’s Terry Bolton & Dan Morehead as well as Kentucky Lake Guide Dave Stewart. Check it out at www.westkyboatshow.com

Kick’n Bass Guide Service will have a booth at the show located on the upper level near the Seminar area. In addition to our Kentucky Lake Guide Service, once again we will be offering our popular guided Canadian Wilderness Smallmouth Trips. We only have two trips available this year. Be sure to drop by and talk Kentucky Lake fish’in and view our slide show presentation on Wilderness Camping and Fishing in the Great Northwoods.

The spring fishing season will be here before you know it and it promises to be the best ever. A lot of fishermen are making their plans ahead of time so consequently we guides are beginning to get booked. I still have several days available so book your trip now!
 
Catch Fish & Have Fun !

Bass Wishes!
Randy Kuhens