Head north my friend to Lake Erie. KY Lake is my favorite lake also but I think you will do much better up north for smallies. Head to Kellys Island off Port Clinton or even better to Pelee Island on the Candian side. I go every July 4th and have gone a time or two in the early fall. We do great. My 13 year old put a 5lb 1 ounce in the boat and we caught four others over 4lbs. Almost all are over 3lbs. Just a thought but it would be just as close for you I believe.