All-American Midday Report

Decisions, decision; fish close or run to my spots far up Kentucky Lake? That was the hard choice facing many competitors this morning as the Walmart Bass Fishing League All-American hosted by the Henry County Alliance got underway out of Paris Landing.

The approach of a storm front due in Thursday evening had some of the contestants wondering if they should hit the nearby ledges or head their Rangers toward distant destinations, knowing that today might provide the best opportunity for that. If the storm front does stay on course, the accompanying winds are likely to make the lake a sea of whitecaps through Friday at least.

The strategy of some on day one was to catch the close fish, which are likely to be hammered again Saturday as weekend anglers and fishermen participating in at least three local tournaments take to the water in the vicinity of Paris Landing. Then, the same homebodies fishing nearby could run to their distant spots where there’s likely to be less fishing pressure. At least that was the original plan, but some were second-guessing themselves and opted to make their long runs this morning. The weigh-in that starts at 3 p.m. will help determine if they made the best decisions.

At least some of those who chose to stick around were rewarded with limit stringers by midmorning. Billy Schroeder of Paducah had a solid keeper within 15 minutes after takeoff at 7 a.m., and was culling within a couple of hours later. Likewise, Tennessee pro Lloyd Pickett Jr. had culled five times before 11 a.m., and was releasing solid 3-pound bass in the process.

Ledges, bars and humps are producing the most fish, on the standard ledge baits such as giant spoons and jigs. Thunderstorms shouldn’t affect this afternoon’s fishing, but there’s a good chance of rain Friday morning.