*KINKAID LAKE*
*REPORTS*
KINKAID LAKE, IL
Sport Fishing Report for 05-23-08
From: SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C.
& the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE
SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. operates the largest guide service on Kinkaid Lake, the largest guide service in the southern Illinois/eastern Missouri region, and one of the largest guide services covering the Midwestern United States & southern Canada. Simms Outdoors offers the best professional guide service rates, and offers the only lodging/guiding package at Kinkaid, with excellent cabins right next to the lake that are specially discounted for SO Guide Service guests only. Anglers receive huge savings on both guiding and lodging with SO trip packages. Simms Outdoors is the official guide service of Kinkaid Marina and has well over 100 years of combined experience fishing the lake, the most experience of any service. SO Lead Guides on Kinkaid are full-time professional anglers and champion tournament fisherman. They are some of the very few in the entire region that actually make their living fishing, and each have more than 20 years experience fishing Kinkaid. SO Lead Kinkaid Team Guides work on Kinkaid Lake all year round and spend the vast majority of their fishing time on Kinkaid, not other waters. Simms Outdoors Founder & Owner Colby Simms resides in a houseboat on Kinkaid Lake for around 11 months of the year. Colby spends more than 300 days a year on the water fishing, with more than 250 of those days on Kinkaid. Fish the best lake in southern Illinois and fish it with the Pros, fish Kinkaid with Simms Outdoors.
Simms Outdoors has multiple team members on Kinkaid that specialize in muskie fishing, multiple team members that specialize in bass fishing, as well as team members that specialize in walleye fishing and crappie & bluegill fishing. Simms Outdoors Team Members share information and work closely together for great success on the water.
Kinkaid Lake fishing rates fair to good for several species at this time. The best fishing on the lake right now is for muskie and largemouth bass. The surface water temperatures are now in the low 60s in most areas, but we’ve seen mid to upper 60s in some places too. Early mornings are cooler and the lake’s surface temperature rises throughout the day, especially on warm days with plenty of sun. The water is still high and stained with yet more rain. The clearest waters are found on the lower third of the main lake and down to the dam in areas with both rock and weeds, while the northern end of the lake near the headwaters of Johnson and Kinkaid Creeks is the most heavily stained area of the lake.
Muskie fishing is rated as good right now. Most muskies are holding on the breaklines at the edges of shallow or mid depth flats, along the steeper irregular shoreline banks leading out of coves, bays and creeks, or along the banks and points on main lake type areas at the mouths of bays, coves and creeks. Rock and weed cover is holding most of these fish, but some can also be found suspending over open water as well. Baby School N Shad Spinnerbaits (www.simmsoutdoors.com) are still very hot and are taking most of the muskies. Medium and large minnowbaits are also producing the occasional fish, and Top Raider Propbaits (www.robertsoutdoors.com) are also beginning to produce some action as well. Pearl white, natural shad and similar baitfish patterns are good choices, but chartruse shad, parrot and similar hot color patterns are also effective.
Choose top quality rods, reels, lines and leaders for tackling the kings of freshwater. Extremely strong and durable but sensitive rods that facilitate long, accurate casts in the 7’ to 7’6” range are best for most applications in medium heavy to heavy power ratings. The Team All Star Big Boy Series Rods from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) can’t be beat for casting. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Freshwater, Tiger, Big Water and Lite Graphite Muskie Rods are great choices for trolling. Pair them up with a top quality level wind round baitcasting reel like the Trion from Pflueger Fishing Tackle, or a wide model low profile baitcasting reel with an oversized spool like the Pflueger President WLP, Trion LP or LPCR, Summit WLP or Contender SS (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Spool up with an extra strong low stretch line with high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 20 to 30 pound test or Shakespeare Ugly Braid in 50 to 100 pound test (www.shakespeare-fishing.com). Complete the package with a top quality fluorocarbon, hard mono, steel, or titanium leader like the Predator Casting Leaders and Predator Trolling Leaders from Simms Sport Fishing Tackle (www.simmsoutdoors.com).
Largemouth bass fishing is rated as good right now. Most of the bass are positioning along shallow irregular shoreline banks and on the edges of shallow flats. Laydown trees, logs, stumps, brush, broken rocks, weed edges and weed clumps are holding most of these shallow bass. Spinnerbaits and shallow diving crankbaits have still been producing bass. Chatterbaits and small swimbaits are still effective choices for the bass as well. Bright, gaudy stand-out color patterns like chartruse are effective, but white, shad and other baitfish patterns have produced fish as well.
The walleye and white bass fishing has been about the same and is rated as poor to fair at this time. The walleye fishing is still slow while the white bass fishing has offered better action. Small bright colored crankbaits are still the best bet for eyes right now. Target the edges of shallow flats and shelves on a breakline that drops off into deeper water. White bass fishing is fair now and most of the fish being caught are on crankbaits in both dark and bright shades. The best areas have been up on the shallow flats where they fan out and cruise looking for shad.
Extra strong and highly sensitive technique specific Platinum, Team Series, Instinct and American Classic Freshwater Rods from All Star Graphite Rods (www.allstarrods.com) or Pflueger Trion Graphite Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) are best for bass and walleye fishing. The 6’ to 7’ models in light to medium heavy power ratings get the nod for most of this fishing when paired with Pflueger Supreme, Summit, Trion or Medalist Reels. Spool baitcasting equipment with a strong monofilament line with low stretch and high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 8 to 17 pound test, or go with a tough braided line like Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from about 20 to 40. Select a strong but limp monofilament line with low memory that is designed for long casts with reduced coiling like Supreme Super Smooth in 6 to 14 pound tests or Ugly Braid from about 10 to 30 for spinning gear (www.shakespeare-fishing.com).
Crappie and bluegill fishing still rate fair at this time. The crappies and bluegills are both biting and starting to get more active in the warming water. The action for these fish should pick up dramatically very soon. These fish are being caught from the shallows near shallow water structure like points, irregular shoreline banks and flats. Laydown trees, brush piles, stumps, rocks and weed clumps are holding both species, but some are also being caught in areas without cover. Small and medium minnows fished on a plain hook and split shot will take fish, but some of these fish are also taking small crappie spinnerbaits and marabou jigs. Dark and bright patterns have been productive.
Choose long casting rods like Team Series and American Classics from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) and Pflueger Microspin Series Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) in 6’ to 10’ lengths and ultra light to light power ratings for crappie and bluegill fishing. Pair them up with lightweight spinning reels like the Pflueger Medalist, Trion, Supreme or President Spinning Reels or the Agility, Catera or Synergy Spinning Reels from Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, or go with an underspin spincasting reel like the 1806U and 4410U reels from Pflueger. Spool up with long casting Supreme Super Smooth (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) line in about 4 to 8 pound test for most situations.
Catfish fishing is rated as good and these fish are getting more and more active. Most of the cats being caught are channel catfish, but the occasional flathead can be found as well. Cut bait and night crawlers still fished on slip sinker bottom rigs is the best presentation option for these fish right now.
Choose strong, heavy duty equipment for targeting big catfish. The old tried and true Ugly Stiks from Shakespeare (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) are the best for catfishing. Rods in the Ugly Stik, Ugly Stik Freshwater, Ugly Stik Lite Graphite and Ugly Stik Tiger Series are all perfect for catfishing in 6’ to 8’ lengths and medium to heavy power ratings. Pair them up with a quality reel like the Pflueger President, Trion, Medalist or Contender (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Low stretch Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from 40 to 80 pounds will get the job done, while ultra strong monofilament line like Supreme Super Tough from 17 to 30 pound test is also a good choice with just a bit more stretch.
Big drum and giant carp are also caught by anglers on Kinkaid at this time. Top quality polarized sunglasses designed for fishing like the Master Angler and Action Angler Series from Flying Fisherman (www.flyingfisherman.com), and high performance floating tools designed for fishing like Advanced Lightweight Tools from X Tools (www.xtools.us) are critical items to have along on fishing trips. Real Tree Camouflage Patterns (www.realtree.com) are a vital part of our hunting success when we’re off the water. For office supply needs and the finest printing work, turn to Mineral Area Office Supply (www.maos.com).
Outdoor enthusiasts can book guided sport fishing, hunting, site seeing and nature photography trips at many great destinations throughout Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin & Ontario with the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE & SIMMS OUTDOORS OUTFITTERS, get the very best fishing lures and leaders from SIMMS SPORT FISHING TACKLE, read fishing, hunting & other outdoor sports articles, stories, journals, recipes, tips, columns, reports and more at SIMMS OUTDOORS MAGAZINE, get sponsor links & product and service information at SIMMS OUTDOORS SPONSORS, and purchase top notch professional outdoor photos from SIMMS OUTDOORS PHOTOGRAPHY, by visiting SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. on the web at: www.simmsoutdoors.com, by calling: 618-521-0526 or 573-358-5948, or through e-mail at: info@simmsoutdoors.com. Good luck and please support these fine sponsors: All Star Rods, Pflueger Fishing Tackle, Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, X Tools, Real Tree Camouflage, Flying Fisherman Sunglasses, Mineral Area Office Supply, Bait Rigs and Roberts Outdoors.
KINKAID LAKE, IL
Sport Fishing Report for 05-16-08
From: SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C.
& the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE
SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. operates the largest guide service on Kinkaid Lake, the largest guide service in the southern Illinois/eastern Missouri region, and one of the largest guide services covering the Midwestern United States & southern Canada. Simms Outdoors offers the best professional guide service rates, and offers the only lodging/guiding package at Kinkaid, with excellent cabins right next to the lake that are specially discounted for SO Guide Service guests only. Anglers receive huge savings on both guiding and lodging with SO trip packages. Simms Outdoors is the official guide service of Kinkaid Marina and has well over 100 years of combined experience fishing the lake, the most experience of any service. SO Lead Guides on Kinkaid are full-time professional anglers and champion tournament fisherman. They are some of the very few in the entire region that actually make their living fishing, and each have more than 20 years experience fishing Kinkaid. SO Lead Kinkaid Team Guides work on Kinkaid Lake all year round and spend the vast majority of their fishing time on Kinkaid, not other waters. Simms Outdoors Founder & Owner Colby Simms resides in a houseboat on Kinkaid Lake for around 11 months of the year. Colby spends more than 300 days a year on the water fishing, with more than 250 of those days on Kinkaid. Fish the best lake in southern Illinois and fish it with the Pros, fish Kinkaid with Simms Outdoors.
Simms Outdoors has multiple team members on Kinkaid that specialize in muskie fishing, multiple team members that specialize in bass fishing, as well as team members that specialize in walleye fishing and crappie & bluegill fishing. Simms Outdoors Team Members share information and work closely together for great success on the water.
Kinkaid Lake fishing rates fair to good for several species at this time. The best fishing on the lake right now is for largemouth bass. The surface water temperatures are now in the low 60s in most areas, but we’ve seen mid to upper 60s in some places too. Early mornings are cooler and the lake’s surface temperature rises throughout the day, especially on warm days with plenty of sun. The water is still high and stained with yet more rain. The clearest waters are found on the lower third of the main lake and down to the dam in areas with both rock and weeds, while the northern end of the lake near the headwaters of Johnson and Kinkaid Creeks is the most heavily stained area of the lake.
Muskie fishing is rated as fair right now. Most muskies are holding on the breaklines at the edges of shallow flats or along the steeper irregular shoreline banks leading out of coves, bays and creeks or along the banks and points on main lake type areas at the mouths of bays, coves and creeks. Rock and weed cover is holding most of these fish. Baby School N Shad Spinnerbaits (www.simmsoutdoors.com) have been really hot and are taking most of the muskies, but crankbaits in small and medium sizes are also producing a few fish as well. Bright color patterns like chartruse shad and firetiger are still effective choices, but pearl white, natural shad and similar baitfish patterns are also good.
Choose top quality rods, reels, lines and leaders for tackling the kings of freshwater. Extremely strong and durable but sensitive rods that facilitate long, accurate casts in the 7’ to 7’6” range are best for most applications in medium heavy to heavy power ratings. The Team All Star Big Boy Series Rods from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) can’t be beat for casting. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Freshwater, Tiger, Big Water and Lite Graphite Muskie Rods are great choices for trolling. Pair them up with a top quality level wind round baitcasting reel like the Trion from Pflueger Fishing Tackle, or a wide model low profile baitcasting reel with an oversized spool like the Pflueger President WLP, Trion LP or LPCR, Summit WLP or Contender SS (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Spool up with an extra strong low stretch line with high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 20 to 30 pound test or Shakespeare Ugly Braid in 50 to 100 pound test (www.shakespeare-fishing.com). Complete the package with a top quality fluorocarbon, hard mono, steel, or titanium leader like the Predator Casting Leaders and Predator Trolling Leaders from Simms Sport Fishing Tackle (www.simmsoutdoors.com).
Largemouth bass fishing is rated as good right now. Most of the bass are positioning along shallow irregular shoreline banks and on the edges of shallow flats. Laydown trees, logs, stumps, brush, broken rocks, weed edges and weed clumps are holding most of these shallow bass. Spinnerbaits and shallow diving crankbaits have still been producing bass. Chatterbaits and small swimbaits are also effective choices for the bass too. Bright, gaudy stand-out color patterns like chartruse are effective, but white, shad and other baitfish patterns have produced fish as well.
The walleye and white bass fishing has been about the same and is rated as poor to fair at this time. The walleye fishing is still slow while the white bass fishing has offered better action. Small bright colored crankbaits are still the best bet for eyes right now. Target the edges of shallow flats and shelves on a breakline that drops off into deeper water. White bass fishing is fair now and most of the fish being caught are on crankbaits in both dark and bright shades. The best areas have been up on the shallow flats where they fan out and cruise looking for shad.
Extra strong and highly sensitive technique specific Platinum, Team Series, Instinct and American Classic Freshwater Rods from All Star Graphite Rods (www.allstarrods.com) or Pflueger Trion Graphite Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) are best for bass and walleye fishing. The 6’ to 7’ models in light to medium heavy power ratings get the nod for most of this fishing when paired with Pflueger Supreme, Summit, Trion or Medalist Reels. Spool baitcasting equipment with a strong monofilament line with low stretch and high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 8 to 17 pound test, or go with a tough braided line like Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from about 20 to 40. Select a strong but limp monofilament line with low memory that is designed for long casts with reduced coiling like Supreme Super Smooth in 6 to 14 pound tests or Ugly Braid from about 10 to 30 for spinning gear (www.shakespeare-fishing.com).
Crappie and bluegill fishing still rate fair at this time. The crappies and bluegills are both biting and starting to get more active in the warming water. The action for these fish should pick up dramatically very soon. These fish are being caught from the shallows near shallow water structure like points, irregular shoreline banks and flats. Laydown trees, brush piles, stumps, rocks and weed clumps are holding both species, but some are also being caught in areas without cover. Small and medium minnows fished on a plain hook and split shot will take fish, but some of these fish are also taking small crappie spinnerbaits and marabou jigs. Dark and bright patterns have been productive.
Choose long casting rods like Team Series and American Classics from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) and Pflueger Microspin Series Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) in 6’ to 10’ lengths and ultra light to light power ratings for crappie and bluegill fishing. Pair them up with lightweight spinning reels like the Pflueger Medalist, Trion, Supreme or President Spinning Reels or the Agility, Catera or Synergy Spinning Reels from Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, or go with an underspin spincasting reel like the 1806U and 4410U reels from Pflueger. Spool up with long casting Supreme Super Smooth (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) line in about 4 to 8 pound test for most situations.
Catfish fishing is rated as good and these fish are getting more and more active. Most of the cats being caught are channel catfish, but the occasional flathead can be found as well. Cut bait and night crawlers still fished on slip sinker bottom rigs is the best presentation option for these fish right now.
Choose strong, heavy duty equipment for targeting big catfish. The old tried and true Ugly Stiks from Shakespeare (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) are the best for catfishing. Rods in the Ugly Stik, Ugly Stik Freshwater, Ugly Stik Lite Graphite and Ugly Stik Tiger Series are all perfect for catfishing in 6’ to 8’ lengths and medium to heavy power ratings. Pair them up with a quality reel like the Pflueger President, Trion, Medalist or Contender (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Low stretch Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from 40 to 80 pounds will get the job done, while ultra strong monofilament line like Supreme Super Tough from 17 to 30 pound test is also a good choice with just a bit more stretch.
Big drum and giant carp are also caught by anglers on Kinkaid at this time. Top quality polarized sunglasses designed for fishing like the Master Angler and Action Angler Series from Flying Fisherman (www.flyingfisherman.com), and high performance floating tools designed for fishing like Advanced Lightweight Tools from X Tools (www.xtools.us) are critical items to have along on fishing trips. Real Tree Camouflage Patterns (www.realtree.com) are a vital part of our hunting success when we’re off the water. For office supply needs and the finest printing work, turn to Mineral Area Office Supply (www.maos.com).
Outdoor enthusiasts can book guided sport fishing, hunting, site seeing and nature photography trips at many great destinations throughout Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin & Ontario with the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE & SIMMS OUTDOORS OUTFITTERS, get the very best fishing lures and leaders from SIMMS SPORT FISHING TACKLE, read fishing, hunting & other outdoor sports articles, stories, journals, recipes, tips, columns, reports and more at SIMMS OUTDOORS MAGAZINE, get sponsor links & product and service information at SIMMS OUTDOORS SPONSORS, and purchase top notch professional outdoor photos from SIMMS OUTDOORS PHOTOGRAPHY, by visiting SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. on the web at: www.simmsoutdoors.com, by calling: 618-521-0526 or 573-358-5948, or through e-mail at: info@simmsoutdoors.com. Good luck and please support these fine sponsors: All Star Rods, Pflueger Fishing Tackle, Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, X Tools, Real Tree Camouflage, Flying Fisherman Sunglasses, Mineral Area Office Supply, Bait Rigs and Roberts Outdoors.
KINKAID LAKE, IL
Sport Fishing Report for 05-09-08
From: SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C.
& the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE
SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. operates the largest guide service on Kinkaid Lake, the largest guide service in the southern Illinois/eastern Missouri region, and one of the largest guide services covering the Midwestern United States & southern Canada. Simms Outdoors offers the best professional guide service rates, and offers the only lodging/guiding package at Kinkaid, with excellent cabins right next to the lake that are specially discounted for SO Guide Service guests only. Anglers receive huge savings on both guiding and lodging with SO trip packages. Simms Outdoors is the official guide service of Kinkaid Marina and has well over 100 years of combined experience fishing the lake, the most experience of any service. SO Lead Guides on Kinkaid are full-time professional anglers and champion tournament fisherman. They are some of the very few in the entire region that actually make their living fishing, and each have more than 20 years experience fishing Kinkaid. SO Lead Kinkaid Team Guides work on Kinkaid Lake all year round and spend the vast majority of their fishing time on Kinkaid, not other waters. Simms Outdoors Founder & Owner Colby Simms resides in a houseboat on Kinkaid Lake for around 11 months of the year. Colby spends more than 300 days a year on the water fishing, with more than 250 of those days on Kinkaid. Fish the best lake in southern Illinois and fish it with the Pros, fish Kinkaid with Simms Outdoors.
Simms Outdoors has multiple team members on Kinkaid that specialize in muskie fishing, multiple team members that specialize in bass fishing, as well as team members that specialize in walleye fishing and crappie & bluegill fishing. Simms Outdoors Team Members share information and work closely together for great success on the water.
Kinkaid Lake fishing rates fair to excellent for several species at this time. The best fishing on the lake right now is for muskie and largemouth bass. The surface water temperatures are now in the upper 50s to low 60s in many areas, but we’ve seen mid to upper 60s in some places too. Early mornings are cooler and the lake’s surface temperature rises throughout the day, especially on warm days with plenty of sun. The water is still somewhat stained. The clearest waters are found on the lower third of the main lake and down to the dam in areas with both rock and weeds, while the northern end of the lake near the headwaters of Johnson and Kinkaid Creeks is the most heavily stained area of the lake.
Muskie fishing is rated as excellent right now. Most skis are still holding either on shallow flats where they spawn, on the breaklines at the edges of these flats or along the steeper irregular shoreline banks leading out of these areas. Wood rock and weed cover like standing timber, laydowns, broken rocks, weed edges and weed clumps are all holding these fish. Baby School N Shad Spinnerbaits (www.simmsoutdoors.com) have been really hot and are taking most of the muskies, but crankbaits and swimbaits in small and medium sizes are also producing a few fish as well. Bright color patterns like chartruse shad and firetiger are still effective choices, but pearl white, natural shad and similar baitfish patterns are also good.
Choose top quality rods, reels, lines and leaders for tackling the kings of freshwater. Extremely strong and durable but sensitive rods that facilitate long, accurate casts in the 7’ to 7’6” range are best for most applications in medium heavy to heavy power ratings. The Team All Star Big Boy Series Rods from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) can’t be beat for casting. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Freshwater, Tiger, Big Water and Lite Graphite Muskie Rods are great choices for trolling. Pair them up with a top quality level wind round baitcasting reel like the Trion from Pflueger Fishing Tackle, or a wide model low profile baitcasting reel with an oversized spool like the Pflueger President WLP, Trion LP or LPCR, Summit WLP or Contender SS (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Spool up with an extra strong low stretch line with high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 20 to 30 pound test or Shakespeare Ugly Braid in 50 to 100 pound test (www.shakespeare-fishing.com). Complete the package with a top quality fluorocarbon, hard mono, steel, or titanium leader like the Predator Casting Leaders and Predator Trolling Leaders from Simms Sport Fishing Tackle (www.simmsoutdoors.com).
Largemouth bass fishing is still excellent right now. Most of the bass are still positioning on shallow flats and shelves, or along the primary breakline at the edge of these structures where it drops off into deeper water. Laydown trees, logs, stumps, brush, broken rocks and weed clumps are holding most of these shallow bass. Spinnerbaits and shallow diving crankbaits have still been producing a lot of the bass. Chatterbaits are also effective choices for the bass too. Bright, gaudy stand-out color patterns and dark silhouette color patterns are the best choices right now.
The walleye and white bass fishing has been about the same and is rated as poor to fair at this time. The walleye fishing is still slow while the white bass fishing has offered better action. Small bright colored crankbaits are still the best bet for eyes right now. Target the edges of shallow flats and shelves on a breakline that drops off into deeper water. White bass fishing is fair now and most of the fish being caught are on crankbaits in both dark and bright shades. The best areas have been up on the shallow flats where they fan out and cruise looking for shad.
Extra strong and highly sensitive technique specific Platinum, Team Series, Instinct and American Classic Freshwater Rods from All Star Graphite Rods (www.allstarrods.com) or Pflueger Trion Graphite Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) are best for bass and walleye fishing. The 6’ to 7’ models in light to medium heavy power ratings get the nod for most of this fishing when paired with Pflueger Supreme, Summit, Trion or Medalist Reels. Spool baitcasting equipment with a strong monofilament line with low stretch and high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 8 to 17 pound test, or go with a tough braided line like Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from about 20 to 40. Select a strong but limp monofilament line with low memory that is designed for long casts with reduced coiling like Supreme Super Smooth in 6 to 14 pound tests or Ugly Braid from about 10 to 30 for spinning gear (www.shakespeare-fishing.com).
Crappie and bluegill fishing still rate fair at this time. The crappies and bluegills are both biting and starting to get more active in the warming water. The action for these fish should pick up dramatically very soon. These fish are being caught from the shallows near shallow water structure like points, irregular shoreline banks and flats. Laydown trees, brush piles, stumps, rocks and weed clumps are holding both species, but some are also being caught in areas without cover. Small and medium minnows fished on a plain hook and split shot will take fish, but some of these fish are also taking small crappie spinnerbaits and marabou jigs. Dark and bright patterns have been productive.
Choose long casting rods like Team Series and American Classics from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) and Pflueger Microspin Series Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) in 6’ to 10’ lengths and ultra light to light power ratings for crappie and bluegill fishing. Pair them up with lightweight spinning reels like the Pflueger Medalist, Trion, Supreme or President Spinning Reels or the Agility, Catera or Synergy Spinning Reels from Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, or go with an underspin spincasting reel like the 1806U and 4410U reels from Pflueger. Spool up with long casting Supreme Super Smooth (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) line in about 4 to 8 pound test for most situations.
Catfish fishing is rated as good and these fish are getting more and more active. Most of the cats being caught are channel catfish, but the occasional flathead can be found as well. Cut bait and night crawlers still fished on slip sinker bottom rigs is the best presentation option for these fish right now.
Choose strong, heavy duty equipment for targeting big catfish. The old tried and true Ugly Stiks from Shakespeare (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) are the best for catfishing. Rods in the Ugly Stik, Ugly Stik Freshwater, Ugly Stik Lite Graphite and Ugly Stik Tiger Series are all perfect for catfishing in 6’ to 8’ lengths and medium to heavy power ratings. Pair them up with a quality reel like the Pflueger President, Trion, Medalist or Contender (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Low stretch Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from 40 to 80 pounds will get the job done, while ultra strong monofilament line like Supreme Super Tough from 17 to 30 pound test is also a good choice with just a bit more stretch.
Big drum and giant carp are also caught by anglers on Kinkaid at this time. Top quality polarized sunglasses designed for fishing like the Master Angler and Action Angler Series from Flying Fisherman (www.flyingfisherman.com), and high performance floating tools designed for fishing like Advanced Lightweight Tools from X Tools (www.xtools.us) are critical items to have along on fishing trips. Real Tree Camouflage Patterns (www.realtree.com) are a vital part of our hunting success when we’re off the water. For office supply needs and the finest printing work, turn to Mineral Area Office Supply (www.maos.com).
Outdoor enthusiasts can book guided sport fishing, hunting, site seeing and nature photography trips at many great destinations throughout Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin & Ontario with the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE & SIMMS OUTDOORS OUTFITTERS, get the very best fishing lures and leaders from SIMMS SPORT FISHING TACKLE, read fishing, hunting & other outdoor sports articles, stories, journals, recipes, tips, columns, reports and more at SIMMS OUTDOORS MAGAZINE, get sponsor links & product and service information at SIMMS OUTDOORS SPONSORS, and purchase top notch professional outdoor photos from SIMMS OUTDOORS PHOTOGRAPHY, by visiting SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. on the web at: www.simmsoutdoors.com, by calling: 618-521-0526 or 573-358-5948, or through e-mail at: info@simmsoutdoors.com. Good luck and please support these fine sponsors: All Star Rods, Pflueger Fishing Tackle, Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, X Tools, Real Tree Camouflage, Flying Fisherman Sunglasses, Mineral Area Office Supply, Bait Rigs and Roberts Outdoors.
KINKAID LAKE, IL
Sport Fishing Report for 05-02-08
From: SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C.
& the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE
SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. operates the largest guide service on Kinkaid Lake, the largest guide service in the southern Illinois/eastern Missouri region, and one of the largest guide services covering the Midwestern United States & southern Canada. Simms Outdoors offers the best professional guide service rates, and offers the only lodging/guiding package at Kinkaid, with excellent cabins right next to the lake that are specially discounted for SO Guide Service guests only. Anglers receive huge savings on both guiding and lodging with SO trip packages. Simms Outdoors is the official guide service of Kinkaid Marina and has well over 100 years of combined experience fishing the lake, the most experience of any service. SO Lead Guides on Kinkaid are full-time professional anglers and champion tournament fisherman. They are some of the very few in the entire region that actually make their living fishing, and each have more than 20 years experience fishing Kinkaid. SO Lead Kinkaid Team Guides work on Kinkaid Lake all year round and spend the vast majority of their fishing time on Kinkaid, not other waters. Simms Outdoors Founder & Owner Colby Simms resides in a houseboat on Kinkaid Lake for around 11 months of the year. Colby spends more than 300 days a year on the water fishing, with more than 250 of those days on Kinkaid. Fish the best lake in southern Illinois and fish it with the Pros, fish Kinkaid with Simms Outdoors.
Simms Outdoors has multiple team members on Kinkaid that specialize in muskie fishing, multiple team members that specialize in bass fishing, as well as team members that specialize in walleye fishing and crappie & bluegill fishing. Simms Outdoors Team Members share information and work closely together for great success on the water.
Kinkaid Lake fishing rates fair to excellent for several species at this time. The best fishing on the lake right now is for largemouth bass and muskie. The weather has continued to improve with warming air temperatures into the 70s and quite a bit of sunshine on most days. The surface water temperatures are now in upper 50s to low 60s in most areas of the lake, but we’ve seen mid 60s in some places too. Early mornings are cooler and the lake’s surface temperature rises throughout the day, especially on warm days with lots of sunshine. The water is still a little high and stained, but is clearing up as sediment filters out. The clearest waters are found on the lower third of the main lake and down to the dam in areas with rock and weeds, while the northern end of the lake near the headwaters of Johnson and Kinkaid Creeks is the most heavily stained portion of the lake.
Muskie fishing is rated as good at this time, but the fishing is fast becoming even better. Most muskies are still holding either on shallow flats where they spawn, on the breaklines at the edges of these flats or along the steeper irregular shoreline banks leading out of these areas. Rock, wood and weed cover like standing timber, stumps, laydowns, broken rocks, weed edges and weed clumps are all holding these fish. Baby School N Shad Spinnerbaits (www.simmsoutdoors.com) have been hot and are taking all of our fish. Trolling has not been effective and all of the action is still occurring while casting for these fish. Bright color patterns like chartruse shad and firetiger are producing the best action right now.
Choose top quality rods, reels, lines and leaders for tackling the kings of freshwater. Extremely strong and durable but sensitive rods that facilitate long, accurate casts in the 7’ to 7’6” range are best for most applications in medium heavy to heavy power ratings. The Team All Star Big Boy Series Rods from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) can’t be beat for casting. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Freshwater, Tiger, Big Water and Lite Graphite Muskie Rods are great choices for trolling. Pair them up with a top quality level wind round baitcasting reel like the Trion from Pflueger Fishing Tackle, or a wide model low profile baitcasting reel with an oversized spool like the Pflueger President WLP, Trion LP or LPCR, Summit WLP or Contender SS (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Spool up with an extra strong low stretch line with high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 20 to 30 pound test or Shakespeare Ugly Braid in 50 to 100 pound test (www.shakespeare-fishing.com). Complete the package with a top quality fluorocarbon, hard mono, steel, or titanium leader like the Predator Casting Leaders and Predator Trolling Leaders from Simms Sport Fishing Tackle (www.simmsoutdoors.com).
Largemouth bass fishing is still rated as excellent right now. Most of the bass are positioning on shallow flats and shelves, or along the primary breakline at the edge of these structures where it drops off into deeper water. Laydown trees, logs, stumps, brush, broken rocks and weed clumps are holding most of these shallow water bass. Spinnerbaits and shallow diving crankbaits have still been producing a lot of the bass. Jig & pig combos are also another good option in the shallow cover. Bright, gaudy stand-out color patterns and dark silhouette color patterns are the best choices right now.
The walleye and white bass fishing has been about the same and is rated as poor to fair at this time. The walleye fishing is still slow while the white bass fishing has offered better action. Small bright colored crankbaits are the best bet for eyes right now. Target the edges of shallow flats and shelves on a breakline that drops off into deeper water. White bass fishing is fair now and most of the fish being caught are on crankbaits in both dark and bright shades. The best areas have been up on the shallow flats where they fan out and cruise looking for food.
Extra strong and highly sensitive technique specific Platinum, Team Series, Instinct and American Classic Freshwater Rods from All Star Graphite Rods (www.allstarrods.com) or Pflueger Trion Graphite Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) are best for bass and walleye fishing. The 6’ to 7’ models in light to medium heavy power ratings get the nod for most of this fishing when paired with Pflueger Supreme, Summit, Trion or Medalist Reels. Spool baitcasting equipment with a strong monofilament line with low stretch and high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 8 to 17 pound test, or go with a tough braided line like Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from about 20 to 40. Select a strong but limp monofilament line with low memory that is designed for long casts with reduced coiling like Supreme Super Smooth in 6 to 14 pound tests or Ugly Braid from about 10 to 30 for spinning gear (www.shakespeare-fishing.com).
Crappie and bluegill fishing still rate fair at this time. The crappies and bluegills are both biting and starting to get more active in the warming water. The action for these fish should pick up dramatically very soon. These fish are being caught from the shallows near shallow water structure like points, irregular shoreline banks and flats. Laydown trees, brush piles, stumps, rocks and weed clumps are holding both species, but some are also being caught in areas without cover. Small and medium minnows fished on a plain hook and split shot will take fish, but some of these fish are also taking small crappie spinnerbaits. Dark and bright patterns have been productive.
Choose long casting rods like Team Series and American Classics from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) and Pflueger Microspin Series Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) in 6’ to 10’ lengths and ultra light to light power ratings for crappie and bluegill fishing. Pair them up with lightweight spinning reels like the Pflueger Medalist, Trion, Supreme or President Spinning Reels or the Agility, Catera or Synergy Spinning Reels from Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, or go with an underspin spincasting reel like the 1806U and 4410U reels from Pflueger. Spool up with long casting Supreme Super Smooth (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) line in about 4 to 8 pound test for most situations.
Catfish fishing is rated as good and these fish are getting more and more active. Most of the cats being caught are channel catfish, but the occasional flathead can be found as well. Cut bait and night crawlers still fished on slip sinker bottom rigs is the best presentation option for these fish right now.
Choose strong, heavy duty equipment for targeting big catfish. The old tried and true Ugly Stiks from Shakespeare (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) are the best for catfishing. Rods in the Ugly Stik, Ugly Stik Freshwater, Ugly Stik Lite Graphite and Ugly Stik Tiger Series are all perfect for catfishing in 6’ to 8’ lengths and medium to heavy power ratings. Pair them up with a quality reel like the Pflueger President, Trion, Medalist or Contender (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Low stretch Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from 40 to 80 pounds will get the job done, while ultra strong monofilament line like Supreme Super Tough from 17 to 30 pound test is also a good choice with just a bit more stretch.
Big drum and giant carp are also caught by anglers on Kinkaid at this time. Top quality polarized sunglasses designed for fishing like the Master Angler and Action Angler Series from Flying Fisherman (www.flyingfisherman.com), and high performance floating tools designed for fishing like Advanced Lightweight Tools from X Tools (www.xtools.us) are critical items to have along on fishing trips. Real Tree Camouflage Patterns (www.realtree.com) are a vital part of our hunting success when we’re off the water. For office supply needs and the finest printing work, turn to Mineral Area Office Supply (www.maos.com).
Outdoor enthusiasts can book guided sport fishing, hunting, site seeing and nature photography trips at many great destinations throughout Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin & Ontario with the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE & SIMMS OUTDOORS OUTFITTERS, get the very best fishing lures and leaders from SIMMS SPORT FISHING TACKLE, read fishing, hunting & other outdoor sports articles, stories, journals, recipes, tips, columns, reports and more at SIMMS OUTDOORS MAGAZINE, get sponsor links & product and service information at SIMMS OUTDOORS SPONSORS, and purchase top notch professional outdoor photos from SIMMS OUTDOORS PHOTOGRAPHY, by visiting SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. on the web at: www.simmsoutdoors.com, by calling: 618-521-0526 or 573-358-5948, or through e-mail at: info@simmsoutdoors.com. Good luck and please support these fine sponsors: All Star Rods, Pflueger Fishing Tackle, Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, X Tools, Real Tree Camouflage, Flying Fisherman Sunglasses, Mineral Area Office Supply, Bait Rigs and Roberts Outdoors.
KINKAID LAKE, IL
Sport Fishing Report for 04-26-08
From: SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C.
& the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE
SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. operates the largest guide service on Kinkaid Lake, the largest guide service in the southern Illinois/eastern Missouri region, and one of the largest guide services covering the Midwestern United States & southern Canada. Simms Outdoors offers the best professional guide service rates, and offers the only lodging/guiding package at Kinkaid, with excellent cabins right next to the lake that are specially discounted for SO Guide Service guests only. Anglers receive huge savings on both guiding and lodging with SO trip packages. Simms Outdoors is the official guide service of Kinkaid Marina and has well over 100 years of combined experience fishing the lake, the most experience of any service. SO Lead Guides on Kinkaid are full-time professional anglers and champion tournament fisherman. They are some of the very few in the entire region that actually make their living fishing, and each have more than 20 years experience fishing Kinkaid. SO Lead Kinkaid Team Guides work on Kinkaid Lake all year round and spend the vast majority of their fishing time on Kinkaid, not other waters. Simms Outdoors Founder & Owner Colby Simms resides in a houseboat on Kinkaid Lake for around 11 months of the year. Colby spends more than 300 days a year on the water fishing, with more than 250 of those days on Kinkaid. Fish the best lake in southern Illinois and fish it with the Pros, fish Kinkaid with Simms Outdoors.
Simms Outdoors has multiple team members on Kinkaid that specialize in muskie fishing, multiple team members that specialize in bass fishing, as well as team members that specialize in walleye fishing and crappie & bluegill fishing. Simms Outdoors Team Members share information and work closely together for great success on the water.
Kinkaid Lake fishing rates fair to excellent for several species at this time. The best fishing on the lake right now is for largemouth bass. The weather has continued to improve with warming air temperatures into the 70s and quite a bit of sunshine on most days. The surface water temperatures are now in upper 50s to low 60s in most areas of the lake, but we’ve seen mid 60s in some places too. Early mornings are cooler and the lake’s surface temperature rises throughout the day, especially on warm days with lots of sunshine. The water is still a little high and stained, but is clearing up as sediment filters out. The clearest waters are found on the lower third of the main lake and down to the dam in areas with rock and weeds, while the northern end of the lake near the headwaters of Johnson and Kinkaid Creeks is the most heavily stained portion of the lake.
Muskie fishing is rated as good at this time. Most muskies are holding either on shallow flats where they spawn, on the breaklines at the edges of these flats or along the steeper irregular shoreline banks leading out of these areas. Rock, wood and weed cover like standing timber, stumps, laydowns, broken rocks, weed edges and weed clumps are all holding these fish. Small spinnerbaits like the Baby School N Shad (www.simmsoutdoors.com), and small diving crankbaits have been most effective for muskies. Trolling has not been effective and all of the action is still occurring while casting for these fish. Bright color patterns like chartruse shad, gold and firetiger are producing the best action right now.
Choose top quality rods, reels, lines and leaders for tackling the kings of freshwater. Extremely strong and durable but sensitive rods that facilitate long, accurate casts in the 7’ to 7’6” range are best for most applications in medium heavy to heavy power ratings. The Team All Star Big Boy Series Rods from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) can’t be beat for casting. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Freshwater, Tiger, Big Water and Lite Graphite Muskie Rods are great choices for trolling. Pair them up with a top quality level wind round baitcasting reel like the Trion from Pflueger Fishing Tackle, or a wide model low profile baitcasting reel with an oversized spool like the Pflueger President WLP, Trion LP or LPCR, Summit WLP or Contender SS (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Spool up with an extra strong low stretch line with high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 20 to 30 pound test or Shakespeare Ugly Braid in 50 to 100 pound test (www.shakespeare-fishing.com). Complete the package with a top quality fluorocarbon, hard mono, steel, or titanium leader like the Predator Casting Leaders and Predator Trolling Leaders from Simms Sport Fishing Tackle (www.simmsoutdoors.com).
Largemouth bass fishing is rated as excellent right now. Most of the bass are positioning on shallow flats and shelves, or along the primary breakline at the edge of these structures where it drops off into deeper water. Laydown trees, logs, stumps, brush, broken rocks and weed clumps are holding most of these shallow water bass. Spinnerbaits and shallow diving crankbaits have still been producing a lot of the bass. Jig & pig combos are also another good option in the shallow cover. Bright, gaudy stand-out color patterns and dark silhouette color patterns are still the best options.
The walleye and white bass fishing is rated as poor to fair at this time. The walleye fishing has been slow while the white bass fishing has offered better action. Small bright colored crankbaits are the best bet for eyes right now. Target the edges of shallow flats and shelves on a breakline that drops off into deeper water. White bass fishing is fair now and most of the fish being caught are on crankbaits in both dark and bright shades. The best areas have been up on the shallow flats where they fan out and cruise looking for food.
Extra strong and highly sensitive technique specific Platinum, Team Series, Instinct and American Classic Freshwater Rods from All Star Graphite Rods (www.allstarrods.com) or Pflueger Trion Graphite Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) are best for bass and walleye fishing. The 6’ to 7’ models in light to medium heavy power ratings get the nod for most of this fishing when paired with Pflueger Supreme, Summit, Trion or Medalist Reels. Spool baitcasting equipment with a strong monofilament line with low stretch and high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 8 to 17 pound test, or go with a tough braided line like Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from about 20 to 40. Select a strong but limp monofilament line with low memory that is designed for long casts with reduced coiling like Supreme Super Smooth in 6 to 14 pound tests or Ugly Braid from about 10 to 30 for spinning gear (www.shakespeare-fishing.com).
Crappie and bluegill fishing rate fair at this time. The crappies and bluegills are both biting and starting to get more active in the warming water. The action for these fish should pick up dramatically very soon. These fish are being caught from the shallows near shallow water structure like points, irregular shoreline banks and flats. Laydown trees, brush piles, stumps, rocks and weed clumps are holding both species, but some are also being caught in areas without cover. Small and medium minnows fished on a plain hook and split shot will take fish, but some of these fish are also taking small crappie spinnerbaits. Dark and bright patterns have been productive.
Choose long casting rods like Team Series and American Classics from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) and Pflueger Microspin Series Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) in 6’ to 10’ lengths and ultra light to light power ratings for crappie and bluegill fishing. Pair them up with lightweight spinning reels like the Pflueger Medalist, Trion, Supreme or President Spinning Reels or the Agility, Catera or Synergy Spinning Reels from Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, or go with an underspin spincasting reel like the 1806U and 4410U reels from Pflueger. Spool up with long casting Supreme Super Smooth (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) line in about 4 to 8 pound test for most situations.
Catfish fishing is rated as fair, but the action is improving steadily and the bite should really turn on very soon. Most of the cats being caught are channel catfish. Cutbait and night crawlers still fished on slip sinker bottom rigs is the best presentation option for these fish right now.
Choose strong, heavy duty equipment for targeting big catfish. The old tried and true Ugly Stiks from Shakespeare (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) are the best for catfishing. Rods in the Ugly Stik, Ugly Stik Freshwater, Ugly Stik Lite Graphite and Ugly Stik Tiger Series are all perfect for catfishing in 6’ to 8’ lengths and medium to heavy power ratings. Pair them up with a quality reel like the Pflueger President, Trion, Medalist or Contender (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Low stretch Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from 40 to 80 pounds will get the job done, while ultra strong monofilament line like Supreme Super Tough from 17 to 30 pound test is also a good choice with just a bit more stretch.
Big drum are also caught by anglers on Kinkaid at this time. Top quality polarized sunglasses designed for fishing like the Master Angler and Action Angler Series from Flying Fisherman (www.flyingfisherman.com), and high performance floating tools designed for fishing like Advanced Lightweight Tools from X Tools (www.xtools.us) are critical items to have along on fishing trips. Real Tree Camouflage Patterns (www.realtree.com) are a vital part of our hunting success when we’re off the water. For office supply needs and the finest printing work, turn to Mineral Area Office Supply (www.maos.com).
Outdoor enthusiasts can book guided sport fishing, hunting, site seeing and nature photography trips at many great destinations throughout Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin & Ontario with the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE & SIMMS OUTDOORS OUTFITTERS, get the very best fishing lures and leaders from SIMMS SPORT FISHING TACKLE, read fishing, hunting & other outdoor sports articles, stories, journals, recipes, tips, columns, reports and more at SIMMS OUTDOORS MAGAZINE, get sponsor links & product and service information at SIMMS OUTDOORS SPONSORS, and purchase top notch professional outdoor photos from SIMMS OUTDOORS PHOTOGRAPHY, by visiting SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. on the web at: www.simmsoutdoors.com, by calling: 618-521-0526 or 573-358-5948, or through e-mail at: info@simmsoutdoors.com. Good luck and please support these fine sponsors: All Star Rods, Pflueger Fishing Tackle, Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, X Tools, Real Tree Camouflage, Flying Fisherman Sunglasses, Mineral Area Office Supply, Bait Rigs and Roberts Outdoors.
KINKAID LAKE, IL
Sport Fishing Report for 04-19-08
From: SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C.
& the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE
SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. operates the largest guide service on Kinkaid Lake, the largest guide service in the southern Illinois/eastern Missouri region, and one of the largest guide services covering the Midwestern United States & southern Canada. Simms Outdoors offers the best professional guide service rates, and offers the only lodging/guiding package at Kinkaid, with excellent cabins right next to the lake that are specially discounted for SO Guide Service guests only. Anglers receive huge savings on both guiding and lodging with SO trip packages. Simms Outdoors is the official guide service of Kinkaid Marina and has well over 100 years of combined experience fishing the lake, the most experience of any service. SO Lead Guides on Kinkaid are full-time professional anglers and champion tournament fisherman. They are some of the very few in the entire region that actually make their living fishing, and each have more than 20 years experience fishing Kinkaid. SO Lead Kinkaid Team Guides work on Kinkaid Lake all year round and spend the vast majority of their fishing time on Kinkaid, not other waters. Simms Outdoors Founder & Owner Colby Simms resides in a houseboat on Kinkaid Lake for around 11 months of the year. Colby spends more than 300 days a year on the water fishing, with more than 250 of those days on Kinkaid. Fish the best lake in southern Illinois and fish it with the Pros, fish Kinkaid with Simms Outdoors.
Simms Outdoors has multiple team members on Kinkaid that specialize in muskie fishing, multiple team members that specialize in bass fishing, as well as team members that specialize in walleye fishing and crappie & bluegill fishing. Simms Outdoors Team Members share information and work closely together for great success on the water.
Kinkaid Lake fishing is really getting going now and rates fair to excellent for several species at this time. The best fishing on the lake right now is still for largemouth bass. The weather has continued to be unstable with some rain, cool nights and fronts moving through, but we have definitely been in a warming trend with daytime highs into the 70s and quite a bit of sunshine. The surface water temperatures are in the low to mid 50s in most areas of the lake, but we’ve seen high 50s in some areas as well. Early mornings are cooler and the lake’s surface temperature rises throughout the day, especially on warm days with lots of sunshine. The water is still a little high and stained, but is starting to clear up as sediment filters out. The clearest waters are found on the lower third of the main lake and down to the dam in areas with rock and weeds, while the northern end of the lake near the headwaters of Johnson and Kinkaid Creeks is the most heavily stained portion of the lake.
Muskie fishing is rated as fair at this time. Most muskies are holding either on shallow flats where they spawn, on the breaklines at the edges of these flats or along the steeper irregular shoreline banks leading out of these areas. Rock, wood and weed cover like standing timber, stumps, laydowns, broken rocks, weed edges and weed clumps are holding fish. Small Baby School N Shad Spinnerbaits (www.simmsoutdoors.com) and small diving crankbaits have been most effective for muskies. Trolling has not been effective and all of the action is occurring while casting for these fish. Bright color patterns like chartruse shad, gold and firetiger are producing the best action right now.
Choose top quality rods, reels, lines and leaders for tackling the kings of freshwater. Extremely strong and durable but sensitive rods that facilitate long, accurate casts in the 7’ to 7’6” range are best for most applications in medium heavy to heavy power ratings. The Team All Star Big Boy Series Rods from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) can’t be beat for casting. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Freshwater, Tiger, Big Water and Lite Graphite Muskie Rods are great choices for trolling. Pair them up with a top quality level wind round baitcasting reel like the Trion from Pflueger Fishing Tackle, or a wide model low profile baitcasting reel with an oversized spool like the Pflueger President WLP, Trion LP or LPCR, Summit WLP or Contender SS (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Spool up with an extra strong low stretch line with high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 20 to 30 pound test or Shakespeare Ugly Braid in 50 to 100 pound test (www.shakespeare-fishing.com). Complete the package with a top quality fluorocarbon, hard mono, steel, or titanium leader like the Predator Casting Leaders and Predator Trolling Leaders from Simms Sport Fishing Tackle (www.simmsoutdoors.com).
Largemouth bass fishing is rated as excellent right now. Most of the bass are positioning on shallow flats and shelves, or along the primary breakline at the edge of these structures where it drops off into deeper water. Laydown trees, logs, stumps, brush, broken rocks and weed clumps are holding most of these shallow water fish. Spinnerbaits and shallow diving crankbaits have still been producing a lot of the bass. Jig & pig combos are also another good option in the shallow cover. Bright, gaudy stand-out color patterns and dark silhouette color patterns are still the best options.
The walleye and white bass fishing is rated as poor to fair at this time. The walleye fishing has been slow while the white bass fishing has offered better action. Bright colored crankbaits and Bait Rigs Slo Poke Jigs (www.baitrigs.com) with grubs are the best bet for eyes right now. Target the edges of shallow flats and shelves on a breakline that drops off into deeper water. White bass fishing is fair now and most of the fish being caught are on crankbaits in both dark and bright shades. The same jigs and plastics used for walleye are also effective choices. The best areas have been up on the shallow flats where they fan out and cruise looking for food.
Extra strong and highly sensitive technique specific Platinum, Team Series, Instinct and American Classic Freshwater Rods from All Star Graphite Rods (www.allstarrods.com) or Pflueger Trion Graphite Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) are best for bass and walleye fishing. The 6’ to 7’ models in light to medium heavy power ratings get the nod for most of this fishing when paired with Pflueger Supreme, Summit, Trion or Medalist Reels. Spool baitcasting equipment with a strong monofilament line with low stretch and high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 8 to 17 pound test, or go with a tough braided line like Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from about 20 to 40. Select a strong but limp monofilament line with low memory that is designed for long casts with reduced coiling like Supreme Super Smooth in 6 to 14 pound tests or Ugly Braid from about 10 to 30 for spinning gear (www.shakespeare-fishing.com).
Crappie and bluegill fishing rate fair at this time. The crappies are still biting much better than the bluegills. These fish are being caught from the shallows and in mid depth areas near shallow water structure like points, irregular shoreline banks and flats. Laydown trees, brush piles and stumps are holding both species, but some are also being caught in areas without cover. Small and medium minnows fished on a jig or a plain hook and split shot will take fish. Bright colored tubes and grubs fished on Slo-Poke Jigs are good presentation options as well, but some of these fish are also taking small crappie spinnerbaits. Dark and bright patterns have been productive.
Choose long casting rods like Team Series and American Classics from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) and Pflueger Microspin Series Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) in 6’ to 10’ lengths and ultra light to light power ratings for crappie and bluegill fishing. Pair them up with lightweight spinning reels like the Pflueger Medalist, Trion, Supreme or President Spinning Reels or the Agility, Catera or Synergy Spinning Reels from Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, or go with an underspin spincasting reel like the 1806U and 4410U reels from Pflueger. Spool up with long casting Supreme Super Smooth (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) line in about 4 to 8 pound test for most situations.
Catfish fishing is now rated as fair. Most of the fish being caught are channel catfish. Cutbait and night crawlers still fished on slip sinker bottom rigs is still the best presentation option for these fish in the cool waters.
Choose strong, heavy duty equipment for targeting big catfish. The old tried and true Ugly Stiks from Shakespeare (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) are the best for catfishing. Rods in the Ugly Stik, Ugly Stik Freshwater, Ugly Stik Lite Graphite and Ugly Stik Tiger Series are all perfect for catfishing in 6’ to 8’ lengths and medium to heavy power ratings. Pair them up with a quality reel like the Pflueger President, Trion, Medalist or Contender (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Low stretch Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from 40 to 80 pounds will get the job done, while ultra strong monofilament line like Supreme Super Tough from 17 to 30 pound test is also a good choice with just a bit more stretch.
Big drum are also caught by anglers on Kinkaid at this time. Top quality polarized sunglasses designed for fishing like the Master Angler and Action Angler Series from Flying Fisherman (www.flyingfisherman.com), and high performance floating tools designed for fishing like Advanced Lightweight Tools from X Tools (www.xtools.us) are critical items to have along on fishing trips. Real Tree Camouflage Patterns (www.realtree.com) are a vital part of our hunting success when we’re off the water. For office supply needs and the finest printing work, turn to Mineral Area Office Supply (www.maos.com).
Outdoor enthusiasts can book guided sport fishing, hunting, site seeing and nature photography trips at many great destinations throughout Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin & Ontario with the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE & SIMMS OUTDOORS OUTFITTERS, get the very best fishing lures and leaders from SIMMS SPORT FISHING TACKLE, read fishing, hunting & other outdoor sports articles, stories, journals, recipes, tips, columns, reports and more at SIMMS OUTDOORS MAGAZINE, get sponsor links & product and service information at SIMMS OUTDOORS SPONSORS, and purchase top notch professional outdoor photos from SIMMS OUTDOORS PHOTOGRAPHY, by visiting SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. on the web at: www.simmsoutdoors.com, by calling: 618-521-0526 or 573-358-5948, or through e-mail at: info@simmsoutdoors.com. Good luck and please support these fine sponsors: All Star Rods, Pflueger Fishing Tackle, Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, X Tools, Real Tree Camouflage, Flying Fisherman Sunglasses, Mineral Area Office Supply, Bait Rigs and Roberts Outdoors.
KINKAID LAKE, IL
Sport Fishing Report for 04-11-08
From: SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C.
& the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE
SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. operates the largest guide service on Kinkaid Lake, the largest guide service in the southern Illinois/eastern Missouri region, and one of the largest guide services covering the Midwestern United States & southern Canada. Simms Outdoors offers the best professional guide service rates, and offers the only lodging/guiding package at Kinkaid, with excellent cabins right next to the lake that are specially discounted for SO Guide Service guests only. Anglers receive huge savings on both guiding and lodging with SO trip packages. Simms Outdoors is the official guide service of Kinkaid Marina and has well over 100 years of combined experience fishing the lake, the most experience of any service. SO Lead Guides on Kinkaid are full-time professional anglers and champion tournament fisherman. They are some of the very few in the entire region that actually make their living fishing, and each have more than 20 years experience fishing Kinkaid. SO Lead Kinkaid Team Guides work on Kinkaid Lake all year round and spend the vast majority of their fishing time on Kinkaid, not other waters. Simms Outdoors Founder & Owner Colby Simms resides in a houseboat on Kinkaid Lake for around 11 months of the year. Colby spends more than 300 days a year on the water fishing, with more than 250 of those days on Kinkaid. Fish the best lake in southern Illinois and fish it with the Pros, fish Kinkaid with Simms Outdoors.
Simms Outdoors has multiple team members on Kinkaid that specialize in muskie fishing, multiple team members that specialize in bass fishing, as well as team members that specialize in walleye fishing and crappie & bluegill fishing. Simms Outdoors Team Members share information and work closely together for great success on the water.
Kinkaid Lake fishing rates fair to good for several species at this time. The best fishing on the lake right now is for largemouth bass. The weather has continued to jump around a lot. The surface water temperatures are in the upper 40s to low 50s in most areas of the lake, but we’ve seen mid 50s in some areas as well. The early morning water temperatures are cooler than later in the day and the surface temperature rises significantly throughout the day, especially on warmer days with plenty of sunshine. The water is still a little high and dirty. The clearest waters are found on the lower third of the main lake and down to the dam in areas with rock and weeds, while the northern end of the lake near the headwaters of Johnson and Kinkaid Creeks is the most heavily stained portion of the lake.
Muskie fishing is rated as fair at this time. Most of the skis are holding on shallow flats where they spawn. Rock, wood and weed cover are all holding fish, but some are also positioning in areas without cover. Standing timber, stumps, laydowns, broken rocks and weed clumps are holding muskies in the areas where they are utilizing the cover. Small spinnerbaits, minnowbaits and lipless crankbaits are still effective choices for the muskies. Trolling has not been effective for us this week and all of the action is occurring while casting for these fish. Bright color patterns like chartruse shad and firetiger are producing the best action at this time.
Choose top quality rods, reels, lines and leaders for tackling the kings of freshwater. Extremely strong and durable but sensitive rods that facilitate long, accurate casts in the 7’ to 7’6” range are best for most applications in medium heavy to heavy power ratings. The Team All Star Big Boy Series Rods from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) can’t be beat for casting. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Freshwater, Tiger, Big Water and Lite Graphite Muskie Rods are great choices for trolling. Pair them up with a top quality level wind round baitcasting reel like the Trion from Pflueger Fishing Tackle, or a wide model low profile baitcasting reel with an oversized spool like the Pflueger President WLP, Trion LP or LPCR, Summit WLP or Contender SS (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Spool up with an extra strong low stretch line with high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 20 to 30 pound test or Shakespeare Ugly Braid in 50 to 100 pound test (www.shakespeare-fishing.com). Complete the package with a top quality fluorocarbon, hard mono, steel, or titanium leader like the Predator Casting Leaders and Predator Trolling Leaders from Simms Sport Fishing Tackle (www.simmsoutdoors.com).
Largemouth bass fishing is rated as good right now. Most of the bass have moved up into the shallows and are positioning on the shallow flats and shelves, or along the primary breakline at the edge of these structures where it drops off into deeper water. Laydown trees, stumps, logs, brush, broken rocks and weed clumps are holding most of these shallow water bass. Spinnerbaits and shallow diving crankbaits have still been producing a lot of the bass. Jig & pig combos are also another good option in the shallow cover. Bright, gaudy stand-out color patterns and dark silhouette color patterns have been the best options.
The walleye and white bass fishing is rated as poor to fair at this time. The walleye fishing has been slow while the white bass fishing has offered better action. Bright colored crankbaits and Bait Rigs Slo Poke Jigs (www.baitrigs.com) with grubs are the best bet for eyes right now. Target the edges of shallow flats and shelves on a breakline that drops off into deeper water. White bass fishing is fair now and most of the fish being caught are on crankbaits in both dark and bright shades. The same jigs and plastics used for walleye are also effective choices. The best areas have been up on the shallow flats where they fan out and cruise looking for food.
Extra strong and highly sensitive technique specific Platinum, Team Series, Instinct and American Classic Freshwater Rods from All Star Graphite Rods (www.allstarrods.com) or Pflueger Trion Graphite Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) are best for bass and walleye fishing. The 6’ to 7’ models in light to medium heavy power ratings get the nod for most of this fishing when paired with Pflueger Supreme, Summit, Trion or Medalist Reels. Spool baitcasting equipment with a strong monofilament line with low stretch and high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 8 to 17 pound test, or go with a tough braided line like Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from about 20 to 40. Select a strong but limp monofilament line with low memory that is designed for long casts with reduced coiling like Supreme Super Smooth in 6 to 14 pound tests or Ugly Braid from about 10 to 30 for spinning gear (www.shakespeare-fishing.com).
Crappie and bluegill fishing rate fair at this time. The crappies are still biting much better than the bluegills. These fish are now being caught from both moderate depths and shallow depths as they transition from deep water toward spawning areas. Breaklines and points near shallow flats and shelves are producing some fish, but there are also fish that have moved up onto the shallow flats as well. Laydown trees, brush piles and stumps are holding both species, but some are being caught in areas without cover too. Small and medium minnows fished on a jig or a plain hook and split shot will take fish. Bright colored tubes and grubs fished on Slo-Poke Jigs are good presentation options as well, but some of these fish are also taking small crappie spinnerbaits. Dark and bright patterns have been productive.
Choose long casting rods like Team Series and American Classics from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) and Pflueger Microspin Series Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) in 6’ to 10’ lengths and ultra light to light power ratings for crappie and bluegill fishing. Pair them up with lightweight spinning reels like the Pflueger Medalist, Trion, Supreme or President Spinning Reels or the Agility, Catera or Synergy Spinning Reels from Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, or go with an underspin spincasting reel like the 1806U and 4410U reels from Pflueger. Spool up with long casting Supreme Super Smooth (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) line in about 4 to 8 pound test for most situations.
Catfish fishing is now rated as fair. Most of the fish being caught are channels, but the occasional flathead is being taken as well. Cutbait and night crawlers still fished on slip sinker bottom rigs is the best presentation option for these fish in the cool waters.
Choose strong, heavy duty equipment for targeting big catfish. The old tried and true Ugly Stiks from Shakespeare (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) are the best for catfishing. Rods in the Ugly Stik, Ugly Stik Freshwater, Ugly Stik Lite Graphite and Ugly Stik Tiger Series are all perfect for catfishing in 6’ to 8’ lengths and medium to heavy power ratings. Pair them up with a quality reel like the Pflueger President, Trion, Medalist or Contender (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Low stretch Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from 40 to 80 pounds will get the job done, while ultra strong monofilament line like Supreme Super Tough from 17 to 30 pound test is also a good choice with just a bit more stretch.
Big drum are also caught by anglers on Kinkaid at this time. Top quality polarized sunglasses designed for fishing like the Master Angler and Action Angler Series from Flying Fisherman (www.flyingfisherman.com), and high performance floating tools designed for fishing like Advanced Lightweight Tools from X Tools (www.xtools.us) are critical items to have along on fishing trips. Real Tree Camouflage Patterns (www.realtree.com) are a vital part of our hunting success when we’re off the water. For office supply needs and the finest printing work, turn to Mineral Area Office Supply (www.maos.com).
Outdoor enthusiasts can book guided sport fishing, hunting, site seeing and nature photography trips at many great destinations throughout Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin & Ontario with the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE & SIMMS OUTDOORS OUTFITTERS, get the very best fishing lures and leaders from SIMMS SPORT FISHING TACKLE, read fishing, hunting & other outdoor sports articles, stories, journals, recipes, tips, columns, reports and more at SIMMS OUTDOORS MAGAZINE, get sponsor links & product and service information at SIMMS OUTDOORS SPONSORS, and purchase top notch professional outdoor photos from SIMMS OUTDOORS PHOTOGRAPHY, by visiting SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. on the web at: www.simmsoutdoors.com, by calling: 618-521-0526 or 573-358-5948, or through e-mail at: info@simmsoutdoors.com. Good luck and please support these fine sponsors: All Star Rods, Pflueger Fishing Tackle, Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, X Tools, Real Tree Camouflage, Flying Fisherman Sunglasses, Mineral Area Office Supply, Bait Rigs and Roberts Outdoors.
KINKAID LAKE, IL
Sport fishing report for 04-05-08
From: SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C.
& the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE
SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. operates the largest guide service on Kinkaid Lake, the largest guide service in the southern Illinois/eastern Missouri region, and one of the largest guide services covering the Midwestern United States & southern Canada. Simms Outdoors offers the best professional guide service rates, and offers the only lodging/guiding package at Kinkaid, with excellent cabins right next to the lake that are specially discounted for SO Guide Service guests only. Anglers receive huge savings on both guiding and lodging with SO trip packages. Simms Outdoors is the official guide service of Kinkaid Marina and has well over 100 years of combined experience fishing the lake, the most experience of any service. SO Lead Guides on Kinkaid are full-time professional anglers and champion tournament fisherman. They are some of the very few in the entire region that actually make their living fishing, and each have more than 20 years experience fishing Kinkaid. SO Lead Kinkaid Team Guides work on Kinkaid Lake all year round and spend the vast majority of their fishing time on Kinkaid, not other waters. Simms Outdoors Founder & Owner Colby Simms resides in a houseboat on Kinkaid Lake for around 11 months of the year. Colby spends more than 300 days a year on the water fishing, with more than 250 of those days on Kinkaid. Fish the best lake in southern Illinois and fish it with the Pros, fish Kinkaid with Simms Outdoors.
Simms Outdoors has multiple team members on Kinkaid that specialize in muskie fishing, multiple team members that specialize in bass fishing, as well as team members that specialize in walleye fishing, catfish fishing, and crappie & bluegill fishing. Simms Outdoors Team Members share information and work closely together for great success on the water.
Kinkaid Lake fishing rates fair for several species right now. The best fishing on the lake right now is for largemouth bass. The weather has continued to jump up and down a lot lately and the water temperatures are still cooler than normal for this time of year. The water temperatures have also jumped around a lot, but we’ve been seeing surface temps in the upper 40s to low 50s in most areas of the lake. Typically, early morning water temperatures are much cooler than later in the day and the surface temperature rises significantly during the day, especially on warmer days with plenty of sunshine. The water is still a little high and dirty. The clearest waters are found on the lower third of the main lake in areas with rock and weeds, while the northern end of the lake near the headwaters of Johnson and Kinkaid Creeks is the most heavily stained portion of the lake.
Muskie fishing rates fair at this time. Anglers in search of muskies can still find fish using irregular shoreline banks, points and the edges of flats in and over moderate depths, but plenty of fish are using shallow flats as well. Rock, wood and weed cover are all holding fish. Standing timber, stumps, laydowns, broken rocks and weed clumps are holding muskies. Small spinnerbaits are still producing some action. Small minnowbaits like Shallow Raiders from Bucher Tackle (www.robertsoutdoors.com) are also effective choices right now. Lipless crankbaits from about 3/4 to 1oz are also a good choice for casting. Most of the action is occurring while casting, but we’re also catching some fish trolling. Medium to large sized minnowbaits have been the most productive while trolling. Bright color patterns are best for both casting and trolling presentations.
Choose top quality rods, reels, lines and leaders for tackling the kings of freshwater. Extremely strong and durable but sensitive rods that facilitate long, accurate casts in the 7’ to 7’6” range are best for most applications in medium heavy to heavy power ratings. The Team All Star Big Boy Series Rods from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) can’t be beat for casting. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Freshwater, Tiger, Big Water and Lite Graphite Muskie Rods are great choices for trolling. Pair them up with a top quality level wind round baitcasting reel like the Trion from Pflueger Fishing Tackle, or a wide model low profile baitcasting reel with an oversized spool like the Pflueger President WLP, Trion LP or LPCR, Summit WLP or Contender SS (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Spool up with an extra strong low stretch line with high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 20 to 30 pound test or Shakespeare Ugly Braid in 50 to 100 pound test (www.shakespeare-fishing.com). Complete the package with a top quality fluorocarbon, hard mono, steel, or titanium leader like the Predator Casting Leaders and Predator Trolling Leaders from Simms Sport Fishing Tackle (www.simmsoutdoors.com).
Largemouth bass fishing is rated fair at this time. Some fish have moved up into the shallows and are positioning on the edges of shallow flats and shelves, and along irregular shallow shoreline banks and points. Laydown trees, stumps, logs and brush are holding most of these shallow water fish. Spinnerbaits and shallow diving crankbaits have been producing bass. Jig & pig combos are another good option in the shallow cover. Dark color patterns have been the best. The bass are holding tight to the cover.
The walleye and white bass fishing is rated as poor to fair at this time. The walleye fishing has been slow while the white bass fishing has offered better action. Bright colored crankbaits and Bait Rigs Slo Poke Jigs (www.baitrigs.com) with grubs are the best bet for eyes right now. Target the edges of shallow flats and shelves on a breakline that drops off into deeper water. White bass fishing is fair now and most of the fish being caught are on crankbaits in both dark and bright shades. The best areas have been up on the shallow flats that have been producing the largemouth bass, but these fish don’t hang tight to the cover and fan out more across the flats.
Extra strong and highly sensitive technique specific Platinum, Team Series, Instinct and American Classic Freshwater Rods from All Star Graphite Rods (www.allstarrods.com) or Pflueger Trion Graphite Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) are best for bass and walleye fishing. The 6’ to 7’ models in light to medium heavy power ratings get the nod for most of this fishing when paired with Pflueger Supreme, Summit, Trion or Medalist Reels. Spool baitcasting equipment with a strong monofilament line with low stretch and high abrasion resistance like Supreme Super Tough in 8 to 17 pound test, or go with a tough braided line like Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from about 20 to 40. Select a strong but limp monofilament line with low memory that is designed for long casts with reduced coiling like Supreme Super Smooth in 6 to 14 pound tests or Ugly Braid from about 10 to 30 for spinning gear (www.shakespeare-fishing.com).
Crappie and bluegill fishing rate fair at this time. Crappies are biting better than bluegills. These fish are now being caught from both moderate depths and shallow depths as they transition from deep water toward spawning areas. Breaklines and points near shallow flats and shelves are producing some fish, but there are also fish that have moved up onto the shallow flats as well. Laydown trees, brush piles and stumps are holding both species, but some are being caught in areas without cover too. Small and medium minnows fished on a jig or a plain hook and split shot will take fish. Bright colored tubes and grubs fished on Slo-Poke Jigs are good presentation options as well, but some of these fish are also taking small crappie spinnerbaits. Dark and bright patterns have been productive.
Choose long casting rods like Team Series and American Classics from All Star Rods (www.allstarrods.com) and Pflueger Microspin Series Rods (www.pfluegerfishing.com) in 6’ to 10’ lengths and ultra light to light power ratings for crappie and bluegill fishing. Pair them up with lightweight spinning reels like the Pflueger Medalist, Trion, Supreme or President Spinning Reels or the Agility, Catera or Synergy Spinning Reels from Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, or go with an underspin spincasting reel like the 1806U and 4410U reels from Pflueger. Spool up with long casting Supreme Super Smooth (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) line in about 4 to 8 pound test for most situations.
Catfish fishing still rates poor but the cats are starting to turn on a bit, and a few fish are being caught. Most of the catfish that are being caught are channel cats, but a couple of flatheads have been taken as well. Cutbait and night crawlers still fished on slip sinker bottom rigs is the best presentation option for these fish.
Choose strong, heavy duty equipment for targeting big catfish. The old tried and true Ugly Stiks from Shakespeare (www.shakespeare-fishing.com) are the best for catfishing. Rods in the Ugly Stik, Ugly Stik Freshwater, Ugly Stik Lite Graphite and Ugly Stik Tiger Series are all perfect for catfishing in 6’ to 8’ lengths and medium to heavy power ratings. Pair them up with a quality reel like the Pflueger President, Trion, Medalist or Contender (www.pfluegerfishing.com). Low stretch Shakespeare Ugly Braid testing from 40 to 80 pounds will get the job done, while ultra strong monofilament line like Supreme Super Tough from 17 to 30 pound test is also a good choice with just a bit more stretch.
Big drum are also caught by anglers on Kinkaid at this time. Top quality polarized sunglasses designed for fishing like the Master Angler and Action Angler Series from Flying Fisherman (www.flyingfisherman.com), and high performance floating tools designed for fishing like Advanced Lightweight Tools from X Tools (www.xtools.us) are critical items to have along on fishing trips. Real Tree Camouflage Patterns (www.realtree.com) are a vital part of our hunting success when we’re off the water. For office supply needs and the finest printing work, turn to Mineral Area Office Supply (www.maos.com).
Outdoor enthusiasts can book guided sport fishing, hunting, site seeing and nature photography trips at many great destinations throughout Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Wisconsin & Ontario with the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE & SIMMS OUTDOORS OUTFITTERS, get the very best fishing lures and leaders from SIMMS SPORT FISHING TACKLE, read fishing, hunting & other outdoor sports articles, stories, journals, recipes, tips, columns, reports and more at SIMMS OUTDOORS MAGAZINE, get sponsor links & product and service information at SIMMS OUTDOORS SPONSORS, and purchase top notch professional outdoor photos from SIMMS OUTDOORS PHOTOGRAPHY, by visiting SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. on the web at: www.simmsoutdoors.com, by calling: 618-521-0526 or 573-358-5948, or through e-mail at: info@simmsoutdoors.com. Good luck and please support these fine sponsors: All Star Rods, Pflueger Fishing Tackle, Shakespeare Fishing Tackle, X Tools, Real Tree Camouflage, Flying Fisherman Sunglasses, Mineral Area Office Supply, Bait Rigs and Roberts Outdoors.
KINKAID
LAKE,
Sport fishing report for 03-29-08
From: SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C.
& the SIMMS OUTDOORS TEAM GUIDE SERVICE
SIMMS OUTDOORS L.L.C. operates the largest guide
service on