Barkley lake--Tuesday 7/14

Managed to get out on Tuesday, missed Monday though. A few observations:

The water looked stained. I took a sample of the water in a water bottle, and the water looked very clear though.

The wind was out of the east, the water was about 82.5 degrees at launch, then warmed to about 83.7 by 2 o'clock.

It was fun fishing. There were continuing changes in the weather. First hot, dry, and smoothe water, then windy and choppy. I had a friend, and we were trying some things that are not my strength. Plus I was really exploring a lot of the water I hadn't fished in several years. Did meet back up with a couple of folks I had first met back in the late 90's. It was really nice to rekindle some friendships.

We caught a bunch of small fish. Nothing very exciting really. But it was nice to just play, and try some things that are not my strengths. Then my buddy just had to push my buttons. LOL He said good thing we aren't in a tournament, you haven't found any fish for us yet. He and I shared a good laugh.

We decided to have a sandwich, then fish the last 90 minutes as if we "were" in a tournament. I grabbed my map, and we were off. In the next 90 minutes we lost one fish at the boat that was maybe 15 inches. Now being a true fisherman, since we lost it, I am going to say it was the best fish of the day, and had to be at least 5 lbs.... LMAO

At this point I was really moving around. We managed one that barely touched the 15 inch line, then at my last stop, we got the best fish of the day, really. It was a smallmouth that was about 2.5 lbs. Man was it a fun fish to pull in. It was jumping at least 3 feet at a time out of the water. I'd get it to the boat, and then it would make another long run. Lots of fun getting the fish in.

In the end, we had a lot of fish, but really only two keepers in the boat, both in the last 90 minutes.

The worst part of the day is my fault. I failed to adequately keep enough sun block on these white legs. Ooops... shorts and the first day out in them and I now look like "Larry the Lobster" from my shorts to my ankles.

Still would not change a thing. I'm already aching to be back out there.

Stick them good fellas and gals. Have fun and share your stories and reports.

Thanks for your report.

They are biting on Barkley pretty good, seem I can catch a limit each time out.... but it takes a plethera of patterns to adjust. Right now it gives the best of every weather condition possible HOT, WET, WINDY mixed with a little good weather.

YES..Thanks for the post