This is just my opinion, but I think Barkley is better for shellcrackers. I catch them a number of them on Ky Lake every year, but it seems to me I do better on Barkley. Actually, I caught 5 really nice shellcrackers late yesterday afternoon (Sunday) around some riprap while fishing for bluegill (I also caught 39 nice gills and a few small ones). I was fishing with a very small black Grizzly jig. The fish were caught about 4 to 5 ft deep (with the jig right down near the bottom). Also caught 4 bass, the largest of which went nearly 4 lbs (which is amazing on that tiny hook). I agree with what everybody is telling you. YOu shouldn't have any trouble with a 14 ft aluminum boat on Barkley. Barkley is much easier to fish in a small boat than Ky Lake's big, open water. Besides, in May you'll want to look for the shellies and gills in the pockets and backs of coves, creeks and bays. Good luck and good fishing.