July 29th, 2010

The lake level is about 1 foot below summer pool and the water temp at KY Dam is 86 degrees.  The Lake is clear.

Weekly Highlights
 
“Retired UPS drivers still deliver on time”
 
Burl Akers and Gary Billings (Photo-L) share a lot in common.  They are both retired from United Parcel Service and they like to catch bass … and lots of them.

Gary contacted Kick’n Bass and set up a trip to fine tune their Shakey Head fishing technique. In the first two hours of the trip the boys got plenty of practice as the bass were biting big time.  We could do no wrong and many times had multiple hookups.  By hour three we had caught way more than we deserved.  I think the boys fine tuned their Shakey Head technique all right but I’m not sure they’ll get the double uni-knot down by the weekend.  Good luck guys!

“So you want to become a better fisherman, right?  Kick’n Bass can help!
 
Martin Rowe and Mark Reed (photo) caught these bass fishing a Shakey Head   This is what they had to say about their time on the water with Kick’n Bass.
 
I never had fished for bass on Kentucky Lake before.  I was very pleased with the amount of patience and instruction I received.  By the end of the day I was “Kick’n Bass”!  - Martin Rowe
 
Until today, I had never fished a Shakey Head.  I wasn’t' exactly sure what to expect but everything was provided; the rod & reel, lure and the how too.  By the end of the day, I had a pretty good handle on how and where to find and catch bass on the Shakey Head.  Martin and I caught a lot of fish including my biggest bass ever!  The trip was awesome. - Mark Reed
 
Let Kick’n Bass Guide Service help you master the art of fishing the Shakey Head.  No doubt this technique is one of the most productive ways to catch both smallmouth and largemouth bass. Until recently fishing a Shakey Head has been a guarded secret of the touring pros. A number of pros swear by it and say it works anywhere, anytime and a number of major bass tournaments have been won using this method.  Shaky Head fishing works especially well for rocky bottoms and it can be fished around the edges of thicker cover and in shallow and deep water alike.  With the spawn over, the big females are hungry and aggressive and can be found in large schools.  Late July & August are prime times for Shakey Head fishing here on Kentucky Lake.
 
If you want to “catch more fish and have fun” contact Kick’n Bass and schedule your day on the water learning to fish the shakey head.  Equipment furnished or bring your own.  Email rk@kicknbass.net and book your trip today
 
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 phenomenal this week.  Several productive patterns have emerged.  During windy days schools of bass are positioning themselves along main lake banks and wind swept points and feeding on schools of shad.  Also huge schools of bass have moved shallower in the main lake itself.  Specifically, we’ve found these schools feeding on shad around shell beds in 12 feet of water.  The shell beds, however, are 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 a Strike King pro model crankbait in sexy shad that runs about 6’deep.

Ledge fishing has been feast or famine again this week.  The best times seem to be during times of increased current.  Around 1 PM each day the release at the dam has doubled and the ledge fishing gets a whole lot better and so does the crankbait bite. If you find the right spot you can really catch a lot of fish and some big ones too!  (Photo-L John Ray & Chuck Bell)  The most productive ledges have been mid-Lake and close to the main river channel.   Focus on the “end” of the ledge where an abrupt change in depth occurs.  My clients and I fished such a spot this week and really had a great day.  What’s been especially notable is, while you can catch a lot of fish on these spots during the day, they are even better at night.  After dark, the bass move on top of the ledge, feed aggressively and are relatively easy to catch once the school is located.  The magic depth at night seems to be the 13’ to 17’ range and 22’ to 24’ deep during the day.  Whether fishing during the day or at night, the most productive lures have been a jig and a Shakey Head.  The jig combo consists of a Tiny Paca Craw in Green Pumpkin / Cotton Candy and a one quarter or one half ounce PJ’s football head jig.  Dragging this lure seems to produce the best results and the unique shape of the PJ’s jig resists getting hung up especially when fishing around shell beds and heavy cover.
 
Topwater is improving, 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 Shad are beginning to reach that magic size that bass absolutely love and they are gorging themselves.  The best surface bait has been the Pop-R in silver and black with a Rapala Skitter Prop in shad color as a good back up. 
 
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 on the old road beds on the East side of the lake about 8’deep.  Best results are coming on Strike King 4” Super Finesse worms fished on a 3/16 oz. PJ’s jig head.  Dragging the lure slowly on the bottom works pretty well too.   
 
What month is the best for night fishing?  August!  Experience the Thrill of Bass Fishing at Night … Our night fishing season is in full swing and it has been very productive.  The same lures you used during the day are very productive at night and the best spots during the day can be even better at night.  There is just something about catching a really big bass at night that really turns a fisherman on!  
 
For more information on putting together a night fishing trip send an email rk@kicknbass.net or call 270-703-6133.

Bluegill & Redear with a late July mayfly hatch emerging this past weekend on the east side of the lake Bluegill fishing was really good.  The larger gills were next to the deep banks.  I witnessed a couple from Missouri land a bucket full of huge ‘gills on a black Shelton’s bluegill bug tipped with & without a cricket.  It looked to me like they were going to be pretty busy at the cleaning station.
 
Crappie:  Crappie fishing is fair.  Some are being caught 15’-20’ deep over brush.  A minnow is the bait of choice.
 
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.   
 
Stripes are improving and are being caught in two ways, casting or trolling.  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”.
 
Trolling a Ken’s rig at the mouths of the bays in 8 – 18 feet of water has consistently caught good fish.  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

Other News …
 
“Performance Jigs Company of Missouri to Introduce New Product to Market”
Performance Jigs Company (PJ’s) a leading supplier of quality jigs will be introducing shortly 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.

CONGRATULATIONS to Jet-a-Marina!   Congratulations to Kerry & Donna Clark and all the folks at Jet-a-Marina in Calvert City, Ky.  Ranger Boats has named Jet-a-Marina winner of the 2010 Top Single Market Award.  This prestigious award is given each year to the Ranger Boats dealership that has the most sales over the previous year.  With the way they take care of their customers AFTER the sale it’s no surprise to me that they won this award.  After all … Happy Customers tell others about their buying experience.  By the way, I’m a happy Jet-a-Marina customer too!  Contact Jet-a-Marina for all your boating needs 270-395-4030.
 
Fisherman's Headquarters Reopens!
Fisherman's Headquarters tackle shop located in Draffenville, KY has reopened and is now doing business. John Parks is the new owner. Many of you know John from Jet-a-Marina and you can expect the same kind of friendly service that he's known for. I'm sure many of you remember the previous owners Bart and Lori Schutz. They are assisting John during the start up. Stop in and see John, Bart and Lori for great deals on all your fishing needs. Fisherman's Headquarters 270-527-5938.
 
Guide Bookings …
Fishing is very good on both lakes right now and I still have a few days available in August.  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 Avalable …
September & October are Big Tournament months here on the twin lakes.  Be sure to ask about our Tournament Prep Packages.

God’s Natural Tonic for Tired Weary Bodies!

Wilderness Canoe trip proves to be a High Value Experience!

The week of July 18 – 24th Kick’n Bass Guide Service clients camped & fished in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of Northern Minnesota and the Quetico Provincial Park in Southern Ontario, Canada.
 
(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!

Northern Pike caught below Curtain Falls

Clyde Tackett and a Rebecca Falls Smallmouth

Spots are Limited So Make Your Plans Now!
 
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.  Early permitting has its advantages so make your plans now!

Here’s what a couple of our clients had to say about their trip …

My Dad and I just got back from fishing in the BWCA and Quetico with Kick’n Bass and all I can say is “WOW”!  I’ve always wanted to see this wilderness area, but was a little apprehensive about going into the area with little experience and a lack of needed equipment.  Randy, our guide and his friend Clyde Tackett our other guide, couldn’t have been more professional and worked EXTREMELY hard to make sure we were as comfortable as we could possibly be while providing us with some of the best food you could have asked for (bacon wrapped filets, pork tenderloin, red beans and rice, chicken fettuccini, fried walleye and potatoes, bacon and eggs, fresh blueberry pancakes, etc…) this was in the middle of nowhere mind you where other BWCA visitors were feasting on freeze dried food and beef jerky!  All we really needed to do was bring our clothes, fishing gear, and toothbrush and Randy took care of the rest.  As for the fishing… we caught several hundred smallies with several topping the magical 5 lbs. mark, enough walleye to have a shore lunch most anytime we wanted, and enough big pike to really keep things interesting, but this trip is more about the entire “experience” than just the fishing.  There aren’t many places left on earth you can sit around your camp and watch a brute of a black bear swim across to the nearest island, eagles soaring around every corner, hear an occasional wolf howling, and just get away from it all!  Randy provided the best equipment possible, planned absolutely everything, and couldn’t have catered anymore to specific requests I had made.  All I can say is “THANK YOU” for an experience my dad and I will never forget and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend your services to anyone.  While I could go on and on about how hard the two of you worked to make our trip an unbelievable experience the best compliment I can give you is that my Dad and I are now proud to call yourself and Clyde our friends and hope we can do it again sometime.

Casey & Mike Kuppart –Missouri

For a reference call Casey @ (573) 270-1994 or Mike @ (573) 471-1397

Tight Lines …