WESTERN KY (2/5/12) - January is already over and it's February. With all the mild weather that we are experiencing with unusual temperatures into the '60's, along with some cloudy days, it's making for some better than average Winter fishing along most of Kentucky's lakes and ponds!
Our Rivers are near flood-stage or just below with several days that have spread some rain throughout the state from the last couple weeks that has made for some rough fishing below our dam's in our river systems! Therefore, the small ponds and small lakes have produced some good fishing with reports of some nice crappies being caught and some anglers have caught a few Largemouth Bass!
I advise that if you can make it out on a selected day that the weather is cooperating with a couple good days of temperatures in or near the '60's, with little wind, get out there and make some cast into your favorite waterhole! Fishing this time of year takes a little more patience and some safety knowledge of the cold waters out there! If you do venture out, remember that the water is still on the cool side and the weather can be somewhat cold of the early morning and then, as the day turns, it may warm up a bit into the '50's or '60's! Even at these fair temperatures if you were to take a spill overboard or slide into the water from the bank you would experience just how hyperthermia could take effect of a bad situation quickly!
My Friendly advice is to be very careful when out around water this time of year, and if you're out in a boat, please remember to wear your Pfd.
A little advice on early season fishing is to be safe first of all and if you're trying your luck for Crappie, this time of year in February these great tasting fish are just on the edge of moving into the more shallow waters to start there Spring spawn. I like to match my Rod n' Reel gear up to what type of water I will be fishing. For open water near creek channels, I prefer to have my three Crappie poles by B&M Poles which are 12', 10' and 8' set up in front of the boat set at the depth that I think the Crappies may be. All 3 Poles are usually set at different depths until I start finding fish at a certain spot and location!
As I'm watching my three long Crappie poles, I'm using a 7' spinning combo rig casting out a 1/16th oz. Jig and focusing on structure and brush, or a rocky bank that has drop offs where I think Crappie like to school up around. One of the best structures that you can locate and fish around is a beaver’s dam, as Crappie love to hang around a lot of dead brush.
I prefer to use 6 pound test Line either with a 1/16th ounce jig or use a Shiner Minnow rigged with a #2 hook under a slim bobber. These Crappies are sensitive to light and on bright sun shiny days I like to fish in deeper water. On an overcast day I try to locate them near brush or off the banks, as in the shallow waters Crappies are easily spooked so ease in and try to not hang up your bait in the structure.
With the little more aggressive Largemouth Bass, these heavy feeders are being caught in deeper waters now due to the fact that their spawning temps in the water is higher than the Crappies and can be caught on drop-offs using a plastic worm rigged with a wobblehead jig, or try a Jig n Pig Bass Jig for slow retrieving!
Bass seem to get a little more aggressive when the water temps rise into the upper '50's, and you can try casting Crank Bait plugs or a Rattle Trap type minnow shape bait!
Most of all, go out and give it a try during these above average days that we are having and remember to check all of your equipment starting with your rod n' reels. Use new line due to the line that’s already on your reels will more than likely be dry and possibly what I call curly line and may break under stress of a nice fish. Also check your Boat if you're going out on the Water! There's a good checklist in the Fishing and Boating Guide that the Ky. Dept. of Fish and Wildlife puts out! Go through your gear the day before and do a good check to make sure all your equipment is in good shape! In your boat checklist...you need fresh gas and oil, paddles, life Jackets for each person, fire extinguisher, rope, throw cushion, Horn of some type, lights, extra jackets or rain gear, and weather radio or cell phone! If you have a licensed boat, don’t forget the title of ownership!
Lastly, remember to read and check the Fishing Guide Regulations before venturing outdoors and on the water! Best of luck fishing early in the year, and please don't litter our Lakes or boat ramps! Be careful while out and good fishin'!
Randy Adams
Outdoors with Big Country!!!
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