September 2nd, 2010

The lake level is about two feet below summer pool and the cooler nights have the water temps dropping to the low mid 80’s.  The water temp at the dam is 84 degrees.  The Lake is slightly stained.
 
Kentucky Lake is a different reservoir in every season and fishing patterns differ in low water conditions.  Although not spawning, many bass still make a move toward shallow areas where the shad attract them and cooler water is available.  The look of the lake changes with the drawdown and the overall approach to fishing changes with it.
 
This time of year secondary points typically contain some of the deepest water in the bays. Though less of each point remains underwater, bass still tend to hold on either side and on the deep end, feeding on shad as they pass through the area.  The ends of these points that meet creek channels are hot spots and these areas hold some of the largest concentrations of bass.
 
Navigation wise it’s a good idea to run the buoys and stay in the channels.  A drop of 2 feet makes a big difference in some areas of the lake.
 
Fishing Patterns
 
Largemouth Bass: Early in the week the folks from “Kiss My Bass” TV show were here to do a segment on Shakey Head fishing and the bass were reasonably cooperative.  The pattern we found then is still pretty good now on a lot of the sections of the lake.  Largemouth bass are feeding along chunk rock banks and secondary points in water 5- 10 feet deep.  Crankbaits and Spinner baits fished slowly are catching some bass but the best catches for my clients (Photo-L Kenny Dement Sikeston, Mo.) and I have come on Shakey Heads.  Specifically 4” Pumpkin / Green Flake Strike King Finnesse worms fished on a 3/16 oz PJ’s Bass Extractor jig.  A very slow presentation has worked best.
 
With the water being drawn down, I cannot over emphasize the importance of staying a ways off the banks when you are fishing the secondary points and chunk rock banks.  Smaller bass are close to the bank but the bigger fish are being caught in deeper water.
 
Some smaller fish are being taken in the back of the bays on Rat-L-Trap type baits.  Ledge Fishing has been pretty productive also, especially during current generation.  A variety of lures are catching fish on the ledges.  Crankbaits, Jigs and Carolina rigged brush hogs as well as 10” worms in blue or plum have taken some quality fish. The best Ledge lure this week, for my clients and I, has been a 7” Strike King Super Finesse worm in Blue Moon.  We’ve alternated between a 3/16 & 1/4 oz PJ’s Bass Extractor jig depending on the current and wind.  Dragging the lure produced the most strikes.  Most fish we caught were 8-12 feet deep right where the ledge transitioned into deeper water.

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.  Our best Smallmouth this week was a 4.7 pound tail-walking brute of a fish.

Topwater is fair in the very early morning and late evening hours, as the shad are near the surface and are very vulnerable to schooling bass.  The best surface baits have been the Rapala Skitter Prop in shad color and a Lucky Crafty Sammy 65 in Shad. 
 
Bluegill, Redear and Crappie …. No Report.  
 
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.  
 
White Bass: This has been a really good week for white bass but we’ve had to troll to catch them.  Concentrate on the mouths of the bays nearest to the old river channel and you should do okay.  Trolling has consistently caught some really good ones all year.  One of the best ways to troll is using the Ken’s rig.  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. 
 
“So you want to become a better fisherman, right?  Kick’n Bass can help!"  

Here's what Alan Petefish (left) from Festus, Missouri had to say about his trip with Kick'n Bass…
 
I just returned home from a week’s fishing on Kentucky Lake and overall it was a tough fishing week on the water.  I want to thank you, Randy for making the two days we spent fishing with you productive and fun.  I have never had a better bass fishing morning than the one I spent with you and my brother last Wednesday.  While at times the bite was slow and soft you had us on fish the entire time and we seemed to catch what was available to us. Don and I had expected to catch a few fish, but catching over a hundred bass in one morning was more than we could dream about. We would have never had such a great day without your services.  It made our entire week and vacation.  Add this to a couple of “limit” crappie days I had with you last spring, you can be certain to count on us again next year.  Don and I really appreciated your professionalism and the fine equipment and lures you provided us.  Those Shakey Heads were like fish candy!  And finally, a special thanks to you for pointing out a couple stripe spots that we could fish during the week.  What more could we expect of an excellent guide and fun guy to be with?  You put it all together and we appreciate it. 
                                                                                         Alan Petefish – Festus, Mo.

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.  Now is prime time 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.

Sonar Tip of the Week

My clients ask me often, what does a school of bass look like feeding on Baitfish?  The screen shows both Baitfish & Bass over Shell Beds. The bass are in tight schools feeding on baitfish.  A Shakey Head was cast into the school and the bass were easily caught. (Click on photo to expand for a better look). 
 
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

Experience the Thrill of Bass Fishing at Night …
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! 
 
Our night fishing trips in August were a blast! Just ask Tres Settle (Photo-R) who along with his father John and I had a fantastic trip during the full moon in August.
 
There are three right fishing trips available during the full moon period in September; the dates are the 20, 21st & 22nd.  These trips promise to be a lot of fun and if they’re anything like the ones in August, Look out!!! 
 
For more information on putting together a night fishing trip send an email rk@kicknbass.net or call 270-703-6133.
 
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.
 
Other News …
 
Recipe of the Week

Cajun Style Fish Nuggets - Submitted by Brad Thibodaux from Port Fourchon, La.
 
These fish fillets are battered with a beer batter with Cajun seasonings then deep fried.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds of fish fillets
• 3 eggs, slightly beaten
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup beer
• 3 tablespoons prepared mustard
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
• 2 tablespoons salt, divided
• 2 teaspoons black pepper, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 3 cups fine yellow corn flour
• vegetable oil or shortening for deep frying

Preparation: In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, beer, mustard, Tabasco, and half of the salt and peppers. Cut fish fillets into bite sized pieces, or nuggets. Place fish in egg mixture, coating well; cover, refrigerate, and let soak for about 1 hour. Mix corn flour with the remaining salt and peppers in a shallow, wide bowl or pie plate. Preheat oil in deep fryer to about 375 ºF. Remove fish from mixture and dredge with corn flour mixture. Fry fish until the fish nuggets float to the surface and turn golden brown, taking care not to overcook.

If you have a really great fish recipe that you’d like to share with us send it to:  rk@kicknbass.net

This Saturday Sept. 4th Tournament to benefit the Brinegar family
Ronnie Brinegar, a tournament director for FLW Outdoors was severely injured last month in an auto accident and is now currently a patient in recovery and rehabilitation at the Shepard Center in Atlanta, Ga.  The Brinegar family needs your help. On September 4th a benefit bass tournament will be held at Ky Dam Marina to assist Ronnie and his family. Tournament registration will be held at Fast Eddie's Tackle on U.S. 68 East from 5-7 PM on September 3rd. A pre-tournament meeting will be held at 7:15 immediately following registration.  Fast Eddie's will be cooking complimentary hotdogs and hamburgers.  You can still register at the ramp up until 5:45 a.m. on Saturday morning.  If you can’t fish the tournament, donations can be made to guarantee the payout with the remaining proceeds going to assist the Brinegar family. Contact Danny York 270-906-5477 or Steve Alvarado 270-841-4626 for the details.
 
Fisherman’s Headquarters has the hard to get, hot new baits …
John Parks, the owner wanted me to let you know that he now has the Jerry Rago Swim Baits in inventory.  This is the bait that won 2 Elite Series events this year.  Also in stock is the hot new Blackdog Lunker Punker Topwater lure.  Give John a call at 270-527-5938 or email him
john@fishermans-headquarters.com he’ll take care of you.
 
Guide Bookings …
Fishing is very good on both lakes right now and I still have a day or two available in Sept.  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 Available …
September & October are Big Tournament months here on the twin lakes.  Be sure to ask about our Tournament Prep Packages.

Kick’n Bass is now on Facebook.  See daily updates and what’s going on in the world of fishing.  Become a fan today!

Tight Lines,