January 6th, 2011

The lake level is about a half foot above winter pool and water clarity ranges from stained in the main river channel to clear in the bays.
 
Water Temperature Forecast – The warm rains we got last weekend did raise the water temps a few degrees.  However water temps are running slightly below normal for this time of year.  Normal is 43 degrees and the lake temp is 42.
 
Weekend Weather Outlook –High’s in 30’s and lows in the 20’s with a slight chance of precipitation.
 
Fishing Report …
A Carbon Copy of last weeks report.  Considering the cold weather and water temps fishing is pretty decent for those who brave the elements.  Crappie fishing has been fair on minnows over submerged brush in 10-12 feet deep.  Also Sauger fishing is fair on the deep flats near the old river channel on ½ jigs and blade baits.  Stripes and Largemouth are being caught on the deep water flats yo-yoing blade baits especially the steel shad.  Largemouth & Smallmouth bass are being caught on jerk baits and soft plastics on calm overcast days on the east side.  Remember to dress warm and wear your PFD at all times!
 
WOW!!!  Big Time Outdoor Show coming Jan. 14, 15 & 16

Plan to attend the 27th Annual West Kentucky Boat & Outdoor Show Jan. 14, 15 & 16 at the Special Events Center in Murray, Kentucky.  Last years show had a record number of attendees.  Again this year, with the show being the only one in our area, the promoters are going all out to make it another really great event.  Admission is free.  The list of exhibitors is long and the anglers presenting Fishing Seminars is impressive. 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.  On Saturday at 6:30 PM we’ll be presenting a seminar on Shakey Head fishing, how to fish blade baits and also share some real good fishing tips that will help you become a better angler.  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 and our June trip is completely SOLD OUT!  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. 

Stop Thieves and Secure Your Electronics …
With the cost of electronics these days’ fishermen everywhere are looking for ways to protect their investment.  Dura Safe has some great products to do just that.  Check out this video on how to protect your electronics from thieves.  Click on this Video Link http://www.kentuckylake.tv/fishing/kentucky-lake-fishing-tip-2010-11-04.htm  
 
Sonar Tip of the Week

Sometimes it takes just a small irregularity in the bottom contour to attract baitfish and bass? The screen shows both Baitfish & Bass over a 2 foot depression in the Shell Bed. The bass are shown in the center of the screen feeding among the baitfish.  In this case a drop shot was lowered into the school and the bass were easily caught.
 
Do your electronics have you baffled?  Do know what your electronics are telling you?  Let Kick’n Bass help you get more out of your electronics and become a better fisherman.  To schedule an on the water seminar email Kick’n Bass today! rk@kicknbass.net
 
Don’t Wait!  Book your 2011 Fishing Trips Now!
Thanks to all you early birds that have already booked your trips for 2011.   For those of you that are considering a trip but haven’t booked yet, booking early has its advantages.  Booking in advance not only gets you the dates you want to fish it allows you to get the best accommodations during the prime fishing times.  There really is no advantage to waiting. I still have a few days available in Late Feb and March so now’s the time to book!

Guided Wilderness Canoe Camping & Fishing Adventure Proves to be a High Value Experience …
 
This past summer Kick’n Bass Guide Service and our clients camped & fished in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of Northern Minnesota and the Quetico Provincial Park in Southern Ontario, Canada and a great time was had by all! (Photo-L Casey & Mike Kuppart from Missouri with Walleye catch)  In 29 years of travelling and guiding in the woods I cannot think of a trip that was any more fulfilling.  To see first timers absorb themselves and become one with the wilderness was especially satisfying.  The fishing, scenery, wildlife and fellowship was terrific.  Our group witnessed Bear, Deer, Eagles, Beaver and many species of ducks comfortable in their everyday environment and listened to the howling of wolves on a moonlit night. 

Our group base camped on an island campsite in the heart of the wilderness that was better than anything we could have imagined … with great fishing just a cast away.  For those of you who follow my fishing reports know I’m not into reporting numbers but I’ll make an exception by saying that conservatively over 400 quality fish were caught.  Smallmouth Bass & Walleye made up the bulk of the catch with enough Northern Pike to keep things interesting.  Top water action, early and late, produced several monster Smallmouth Bass & Northern Pike while walleye provided delicious shore lunches.  Fishing was especially good for Walleye above Rebecca Falls and on an overcast afternoon all species bit non-stop in the pools below Curtain Falls.
 
Another highlight of the trip was the food.  Whether it was the filets cooked over an open fire or pancakes made with freshly picked blueberries … EVERYTHING taste better in the Northwoods! 

For 2011 Kick’n Bass will again be offering guided trips to the Boundary Waters.  Spaces are limited to 6 people (6 anglers plus two guides) so make your plans early. 
 
No doubt, you’ve read or heard about the fantastic fishing in the Boundary Waters.  Now is your chance to experience this once in a lifetime journey first hand.  With over 25 years of experience exploring and fishing the Northwoods, we use our angling know-how and wilderness skills to make your trip to the North Country a memorable one. 
 
Each trip is customized to target your personal angling goals and experience level.  We do it all for you!  Our complete Wilderness Trip Outfitting includes the best canoes and camping equipment, shuttle service, permits and fishing license.  No freeze dried food here!  Only fresh real foods!

A safe trip is a good trip!  Your guides are First Aid & CPR Certified and carry a satellite phone for emergencies.  All you really need to bring is your own personal items, fishing tackle and a positive attitude.

Don’t forget, permits have to be obtained and spaces are limited to 6 people (6 anglers plus two guides) so make your plans early. 
 
The Standard package is 7nights / 6 days with the one night’s stay at a Canadian resort.   Cost per person is only $1,495.   A personalized, complete itinerary including a list of recommended items to bring will be provided with your reservation.
 
Fisherman's Headquarters Sonar & GPS Seminar This Weekend!
 
This Saturday Jan. 8, 2011 1PM CST
"Sonar and GPS, What is it Telling Me?”  A Power Point presentation by John Parks.
Also beginning at noon, King Brothers Meats will have, for a nominal fee, delicious hickory smoked barbecue available inside the bait shop. 
 
Now that cold weather is here, we are planning our first annual Cure for Cabin Fever series.  Beginning in January, we will host a series of one night seminars on a variety of topics of interest to everyone.  We tentatively plan to have one evening with a seminar on Sonar and GPS.  We will discuss sonar interpretation, side scan technology and how to get the most from your GPS.  Another evening will be spent one on one with FLW Tour pro Terry Bolton and friends. The third event will be Strike King Night, featuring BASS Elite Series and Strike King pro Mark Menendez.  Menendez is a noted cold water expert and will offer insights into winter fishing and the early spring transition.  Don't be surprised if there are Strike King samples available!
 
If you have a bass club that would be interested in a seminar at Fisherman’s Headquarters contact John Parks @ (270)527-5938. 
 
Below are the dates for the Cure for Cabin Fever series to be held at Fisherman’s Headquarters.
 
Jan. 22, 2011 1PM CST
Open Round Table Discussion with FLW Tour pros Terry Bolton and Dan Morehead.
 
Feb. 5, 2011 1PM CST
"Cold Water Bass and the Spring Transition" with B.A.S.S. Elite pro Mark Menendez
Sponsored by Strike King...door prizes and SK sample packs!
 
In the event of inclement weather, dates will be rescheduled as possible. Call the store at (270) 527-5938 for more information.
 
Don’t Forget …
 
Fisherman’s Headquarters in will be open the months of December and January for all the die hard anglers.  Many places are shut down and don't have live bait, but we are keeping minnows and some nightcrawlers on hand.  We will have Rosy Reds as soon as they are available

Tight Lines,