Central Ky. often gets overlooked as a retirement area for fishing. Ky. Lake and Barkley are known by fishermen from all over the United States so they typically get more attention. I feel fortunate to live near Green River Lake, however Barren River Lake is my favorite body of water...even though I do love Green.

Reading the criteria you listed I would say Barren is your best choice. It has property that is located right on the lake with private docks. It has a healthy population of Bass, Crappie and Catfish. It does not have strippers but it does have hybrid strippers. If you wanted to pursue a pure stripe bass Lake Cumberland is not that far away. I would guess about 1hr15 minutes pending where you were located in Barren County. To the best of my knowledge you would have to go to Dale Hollow to find Redear.

The best part of central KY is if you live in the right area there is several lakes that are within 1-1.5 hrs. away. Lets say you choose to live at Barren River Lake. Green, Nolin, Rough, Cumberland and Dale Hollow are within an easy drive.