With ledge-fishing about to become to the focal point of the bass fishing world over the next 2 weeks, we figured we’d ask a Tennessee River ace for his take on what’s going to do down at the Kentucky Lake BASSFest this week.
While Michael Neal is busy prepping for the FLW Tour event on his home waters of Lake Chickamauga next week, he’ll be paying close attention to what happens at Kentucky this week. Neal finished 12th there in last year’s FLW Tour tournament and thinks it’ll be the same old Kentucky Lake this week.
“This is one of those where I believe there will truly be just tons of fish caught,” Neal said. “Looking at the Triton tournament this past weekend, it's pretty obvious that the fish are out there doing what they're supposed to and everyone will for sure figure them out. Kentucky is a big lake with ledge fishing for probably 90 miles and that really helps spread everyone out. Unlike other lakes this time of year, everyone will likely have at least a place or two to themselves to create a milk run with.”
Here are Neal’s picks to catch ‘em this week:
1. Brent Ehrler
> Neal says: “In past deep-water FLW tournaments he’s done well. Not necessarily on Kentucky Lake, but he was 3rd at Pickwick last year and with his win at the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, he’s going to have a lot of confidence.”
2. Keith Combs
> Neal says: “After subpar finish – by his standards – at the TTBC, he’s going to come out swinging with a crankbait this week.”
3. Russ Lane
> Neal says: “From what I’ve heard, the water is stained and that will put fish up in the mid-range stuff that’s very reachable with a crankbait and that’s where Russ is at his best.”
4. John Crews
> Neal says: “He’s having a good season and usually does well in offshore tournaments.”
Darkhorse: Jordan Lee
> Neal says: “He’s been out on Guntersville practicing a lot and he grew up on the TVA lakes and he knows what he’s doing when he gets off shore.”
