Your Fishing Report for October 31, 2019

From the deck of the Kick’n Bass pontoon

What a difference three weeks can make. 90’s three weeks ago and 60’s for the highs this week. Water temp has dropped nearly 20 degrees to about 65 degrees. I think this scenario is going to put the fish right into their fall hiding places. Brushpiles and stakebeds will be key to finding the crappies. 

Asian Carp Aid

The owner of Hitec Outdoors here in Benton, Matt Quinn, has started an organization to help rid Kentucky Lake of the Asian carp problem. Volunteers, donations and any help you can give would be appreciated. Their website is AsianCarpAid.org. Visit the website for more information.

Lake conditions

The TVA has the water level staying at about 354.8 elevation. No joke at this low water level: Follow your Lowrance maps and if you are not sure where you are then stop and figure it out. Always proceed with caution. The water level is the norm for this time of year. You can follow the water levels at the link below or on the TVA app. 

tva.gov/Environment/Lake-Levels/Kentucky

Weather forecast

weather.com/weather/tenday/l/42025:4:US


Crappies

We have started chasing crappies full time lately. Some days they want a fast bait and some days a slow presentation. I spider rigged a few days and caught fish but a lot of short fish. 

Pulling crankbaits, which is what I do best, has been catching bigger and more fish than any other presentation. Some days have been not very good but most days we have spanked them pretty good. This fall weather is only going to make the bite better. Best colors have been the Jenko Screaming chicken, Live shad, Silver flash and the Orange tiger. Always switch your colors up during your trip as the sun and weather can change the crappies preference. Fish have been caught from 10 feet to 16 feet of water about 10 to 12 feet down. Don’t be afraid to bounce bottom. You will lose lures but it’ll put fish in the boat.

When we were spider rigging for crappies, a Crappie Hut Jig tipped with a minnow or crappie nibble worked much better than a straight minnow. The Crappie Hut Jigs have a special action to them that attracts bites. The Crazy Leg jigs in 1/16th oz, especially in orange did great as did the Patriot, a red, white and blue kiptail jig in 1/16th oz. Try them out you’ll love them!! A great family owned company making everything here in the USA. Go to CrappieHutJigs.com and see what they have to offer. 

Whitebass and Yellowbass

Lots of incidental yellow and whitebass have been caught too. Great eating fish and always a good fight.

Catfish

Same thing with cats: Yes, they will hit cranks also. A lot of bluecats and channel cats in the right eating size are being added to our catch!

Largemouth and smallmouth

We have caught mostly smaller largemouth lately trolling. 

Bluegills and Redears

Haven’t fished for these but have seen some small catches at the cleaning station. 

Other fish

We have caught a few drum, Asian carp and a fair share of long nose gar. Best tip to get rid of these gar off your hooks is to try to grab your crankbait on the rim of your net and shake that gar right off. Their teeth are sharp and I can show you the scars to prove it! 

Spring 2020

There are still dates open for fishing with the captain in March, and April is filling up fast! Reserve your spring dates on the pontoon soon. 

ATTABOY:

Thanks for a great day of crappie fishing. It’s been a long time! We enjoyed out trip very much. Scott S, St. Louis.

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