One of the greatest things about Kentucky, is our seasons. Springtime is a great time for me, there’s nothing like hearing that turkey gobbling in the early morning, but even more important, it’s Fishin’ Time. Crappie begin their move from main lake areas into the coves for the annual spawn. Many crappies are caught, casting small twister tails, jigs, or spinners in shallow water. Many crappies are also caught vertical jigging with tube jigs or hair jigs and don’t forget the old standby, the slip cork and minnow. After the spawn, crappie make their journey back to main lake areas.

For the bass fisherman, early April and usually until mid-May the bass spawn will occur. Docks and shallow water are great places to try flipping or pitching jigs or soft plastics. When it warms up, late May thru Aug., move out to 8-20 ft. drop-offs on the main lake areas and be ready to catch a “HAWG”.

Late spring (May) is when Bluegills begin their bedding ritual along with another awesome fish, the Redear Sunfish. It is very common here to catch Redear, (also called Shell Cracker), 1 ½ - 2 lbs... I don’t think there is a stronger fighter in the lakes, for their size. Meal worms, wax worms, and plastic grubs are lethal weapons, when presented to these “bad boys”.

Cat fishing on Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley is awesome. You never know when you get a bite, if it will be a little “fiddler” or a monster. Some anglers will fish at nite for (ol’ whiskers), using minnows, night crawlers, leeches, stink bait or cut bait. This can also be done during the day. Other anglers will use trot lines, limb lines or even jugging for them. All methods can be very effective. Channel catfish, most commonly will be from “fiddler” size, 1 lb. to 10 pounds, while Blue cats and Flathead cats may be up to 100 pounds. When fishing for these mammoth critters on the main lakes, use some healthy equipment, loosen you drag, and get ready for a fight.

Many people forget about what else is happening on the lakes, starting in May thru Aug., and that’s the time to catch the White Bass and the Big Stripers (Rockfish). There’s nothing like the feeling of casting a rooster tail on the main lake, and on the retrieve, you nearly get your arm broke from the vicious strike of a white bass or a big striper. These fish may be in 6 ft. to 25 ft. of water, but one thing for sure, they will be where there are schools of shad.

Give me a call now, if you would like to schedule a trip with “Crappie Attitude Guide Service”- Randy Martin 270-354-8935 Please remember, obey the conservation laws, practice sportsmanship, respect other anglers, and a.s.a.p., take someone fishing (old or young), we’re only here a short time. Have a fun, and safe trip to the area. Thanks for reading.