Thread: Is anyone catching any red ear on Kentucky or Barkley Lake?

Doesn't look like anyone is eager to chime in...................or they are busy right now catching shell crackers. I have no first hand knowledge on Kentucky or Barkley but if I had the time off I would be there. This is the time for sure to catch them on the bed. Ease into any one of the bays and start looking. If you have side imaging it should not take long to locate some beds. I have caught them on both crickets and red worms. In theory they should hit a red worm over a cricket but from past experience they did not have a preference. Rig up a number 8 hook on 6 lb test. Leave about 12 of tag end on the hook tie. Attach a couple split shot to the bottom of the tag end. No float needed. Cast out and hang on.

Originally Posted by Rockhitter

Doesn't look like anyone is eager to chime in...................or they are busy right now catching shell crackers. I have no first hand knowledge on Kentucky or Barkley but if I had the time off I would be there. This is the time for sure to catch them on the bed. Ease into any one of the bays and start looking. If you have side imaging it should not take long to locate some beds. I have caught them on both crickets and red worms. In theory they should hit a red worm over a cricket but from past experience they did not have a preference. Rig up a number 8 hook on 6 lb test. Leave about 12 of tag end on the hook tie. Attach a couple split shot to the bottom of the tag end. No float needed. Cast out and hang on.

Thank for the info..... how close to the bank do they build their beds? The water is rising like crazy, it's supposed to be 3' over summer pool by Thursday. Will they keep moving up with water or stay out in their traditional bedding area?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Originally Posted by mgrimm

Thank for the info..... how close to the bank do they build their beds? The water is rising like crazy, it's supposed to be 3' over summer pool by Thursday. Will they keep moving up with water or stay out in their traditional bedding area?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's three feet over summer pool already.

I use a black hair jig tipped with a waxworm under a small bobber. Set it to float just above the bottom. And yes, the gills and red ears will move shallower with rising water. A few years ago when the lake flooded, Canepole had red ear beds in his driveway. He took pics to prove it.

Wish I could help I would .

I found them today, first mess I've caught in two weeks! We caught them in flooded mustard grass. I fish with a slip float and was literally drop shotting them today. I lost the big fish of the day right at the boat, it was a monster.

Wheres the PICS?

I would have pics but my phone is apparently completely out of storage space and it won't even snap a pic. I've got to delete some files. I'm getting ready to go now, hopefully have a couple pics today. It's been a Tough season thus far.