The warm temperatures and rain we’ve experienced lately here in Western Kentucky have melted the ice and the boat ramps are now open.  The ice lasted long enough to put the finishing touches on a good shad kill.  The water temp at Kentucky Dam is 42 degrees, up 5 degrees from last week and the water clarity is stained.  Those who were able to get out on the main lake to fish had mixed results but I did hear of a couple of really big bass being caught, including one fish around eight pounds brought in on a Lucky Craft Staysee 90 jerk bait. 
 
Me, I’m desperate to catch a fish!   So when I got the invite from a friend of mine, Ray Barga - one of the best sticks around, to go Sauger fishing below Smithland Dam on the Ohio River I was elated.  You see, the last two weeks have been pretty rough on me with so much ice on Kentucky Lake and I was real happy to get the call.  After all, a man can only organize, reorganize and organize his tackle, so many times.  Even though, at one o’clock we were getting a late start, it didn’t matter, I was just glad to be getting on the water. 
 
Ray & I met Ron Lappin, FLW Outdoors tournament director and a sauger fishing specialist, and Jimmy Riddle from Madisonville in Lake City at Fisherman’s Friend Tackle Shop where we picked up the necessary Sauger jigs and minnows.  Thirty minutes later the four of us were on the water with Ron running the trolling motor.  We weren’t alone as there was a small armada of boats congregated on the sweet spots.  It reminded me of the crowd you see at times “Ledge Fishing” on Kentucky Lake and left little doubt where we needed to fish.  The plan was to bounce 1/ 1/2 ounce sauger jigs tipped with a minnow near the bottom.  A lively minnow works best and Ray showed me a neat trick to keep the minnow from coming off; placing a tiny piece of plastic worm over the barb of the jig hook.
 
Ron was the first to hook up followed by Jimmy and then Ray.  The fish weren’t huge but just right for the frying pan.  Most of the hookups were coming on the stinger hook, which is a small treble on a mono leader tied to the eye of the jig hanging freestyle.   Since the Sauger weren’t real aggressive at hitting the bait and hookups weren’t solid, it was imperative to use a net when landing the fish … as I would find out later.
 
My first fish came after the boys had scored several times and was about the size of a cigar and Ray & Jimmy busted my chops over the size. I don’t mind being the brunt of the jokes since I spend a fair amount of time dishing it out.  Besides, I figured I’d get the chance to return the favor before the day was over.  We spent several hours moving from one spot to another trying to locate fish and everywhere I looked I could see some anglers in the other boats with a fish on.  Now that’s not to say that the catching was fast and furious by any means, but it was good enough that none of the boats were leaving.  Ron mentioned that just days before, the catch rate and overall size was much better.  My guess was the dingy water clarity and the fishing pressure was beginning to take its toll. 
 
My chance to score big and make amends happened when I least expected it.  Thinking I was hung, I jerked the rod only to have it pull back and I began to reel in what felt like a pretty good fish.  I shouted out for the net and Ray took his sweet time getting the net under my fish and it got off.  Now I’ve seen him be as fast as greased lightning netting a bass when a dollar was on the line but today was different.  It was all about being laid back and having a good time, catching a fish or two and enjoying everybody’s company … and we did just that.  Late in the day the action slowed considerably and we decided to pack it in with just enough light left to make the mile run to the boat ramp.  Not bad for a few hours fishing, 16 nice Sauger and a lot of good natured conversation.  While I wasn’t much help in the catching department today, I did act as a pin cushion for the others so maybe they’ll invite me to go again. />  
Special Notes:  BIG BOAT SHOW THIS WEEKEND!!!   Plan to 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