Reels
Abu Garcia Revo SX Baitcasting Reel
A reliable baitcaster for jigs, Texas rigs, and moving baits.
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One of the largest man-made lakes in the East with famous ledge bass fishing and crappie.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Kentucky Lake for largemouth bass, crappie and blue catfish. The best months overall are Feb to May, Oct to Nov. In October, largemouth bass and crappie are in season, and Soft Stick Bait, Bass Jig and Spinnerbait are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 45 miles; the closest is Fast Eddie's Bait & Tackle in Benton, 8 mi away. Reelfoot Lake is 77 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Feb to May, Oct to Nov
In October
Largemouth Bass, Crappie
Methods
Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Kentucky Lake Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
10 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Soft Stick Bait 4 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureBass Jig 3/8 to 1 oz
LureJig · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureSpinnerbait 3/8 to 3/4 oz
LureMoving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Stained water.
Shop This LureBladed Jig 3/8 to 1/2 oz
LureMoving Bait · Largemouth Bass · Around grass.
Shop This LureSquarebill Crankbait 1.5 to 2.5 in
LureCrankbait · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureLipless Crankbait 1/2 to 3/4 oz
LureCrankbait · Largemouth Bass
Shop This LureWalking Topwater 4 to 5 in
LureTopwater · Largemouth Bass · Low light.
Shop This LureCrappie Jig 1/32 to 1/8 oz
LureJig · Crappie
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Blue Catfish, Crappie, Largemouth Bass · Live shad or skipjack.
Cut Shad Chunk or fillet
BaitNatural Bait · Blue Catfish · Fresh is best.
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Largemouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 7 or 8 wt rod, bass-taper floating line, 12 to 16 lb leader for poppers and divers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium-heavy baitcasting rod, 7:1 reel, 15 lb fluorocarbon or 50 lb braid around heavy cover.
Crappie
Fly 8.5 ft 4 wt rod, floating line, small jig flies and minnow patterns.
Spin / Cast 10 to 12 ft jigging pole or 6 ft ultralight spinning rod, 4 to 6 lb hi-vis line.
Blue Catfish
Spin / Cast 7.5 to 8 ft medium-heavy casting rod, 5000 to 6500 levelwind reel, 30 to 50 lb line, 7/0 to 8/0 circle hooks.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Kentucky Lake
Panfish Lures
Bobby Garland Baby Shad Crappie Jigs
A go-to crappie plastic on a light jighead, under a float or vertical.
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Ugly Stik Catfish Special Combo
A stout, long rod with a large reel for heavy sinkers and big cats.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament
Limp, easy-casting mono for spinning reels and general fishing.
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PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
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Within 45 Miles
Shops Near Kentucky Lake
Bait & Tackle
Bag 5 Baits & Custom Painting
Benton, Kentucky· 10 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Benton, KY.
Bait & Tackle
Tradewater Bait Inc
Grand Rivers, Kentucky· 18 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Grand Rivers, KY.
Bait & Tackle
Fisherman's Friend Bait and Tackle
Grand Rivers, Kentucky· 18 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Grand Rivers, KY.
Bait & Tackle
Sportsman's Bait & Tackle
Gilbertsville, Kentucky· 18 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Gilbertsville, KY.
Make It a Trip