David, you may consider spending the money for a TN liscense as well. I have both and spend most of my time in TN waters on Dale. Not to say there are not any smallies on the KY side but especially for FNF season, TN is better especially in Jan and Feb when the water is clearer south of First Island where I plan on spending those 2 months. If you must stay in Ky for this trip, and with the way the water temps are dropping my guess is that it will be mid to upper 50's by then which means the smallies will be heading for the bluffs and deep points. Focus on points next to bluffs or deeper water, jerkbaits, suspended crankbaits, jigs (which always produce, 1/2 oz Silver Buddies(some were asking about these recently and the BP in Jamestown has plenty for I bought 6 of them yesterday on my way back home, then have different colors and sizes as well) and topwater zara spooks early and late should work by then. Send me an email, ([email protected]) and I will give you one specific spot in Illwill that you may catch some smallies on topwater by that time that has produced in the past. Zara Spooks will work for topwater and even when they go down, have another rod rigged with a 3/4 oz Rattle Trap and start fan casting that will produce a few more.