Scott McGlinchey

It’s the middle of the summer so fish deep right? Yes, fishing deep is where a lot of fish are holding. On the other hand, there are millions of shad that have moved into the creek arms even to the back ends. If you choose to fish deep, 15 to 30 feet down is where bass, bluegill, catfish, crappies, and white bass are lurking.

This time of year I am mainly fishing for bass both in shallow water and deep. Many of the good ledges have been pounded all summer so I am always looking for something off the beaten path.

Being that Kentucky Lake has a record amount of shad many of these baitfish have moved into the creek arms and are scattered from the far backs of creeks all the to the main lake. Bass are pushing the shad around, and when the moment is right, they ambush. It could be on the surface or down a little deeper.

During the last two weeks I have caught them off of small underwater points where they are actively feeding on shad and I can see it on the surface. When they’re on the surface a top water bait like a whopper plopper or a sexy dawg stick bait will catch them. When they go back down I use a small worm, either Jerkbait or crankbait. When I am fishing the deeper ledges I use a 10 inch worm, a 1 ounce spinnerbait single bladed willow leaf, a drop shot, and whatever else might be the ticket for the day.

On some days the white bass have been feeding voraciously on the surface and when that happens a topwater bait or an inline spinner will catch them fast.

Catfish are schooled up during the day time in 30 to 40 feet of water sometimes by the hundreds.

Its smoking hot this summer so have plenty of water and hydration drinks. I am not too proud to jump in for a swim or I’ll even dump water on my head and shirt to cool off. The fishing pressure is down and the fish have to eat more to survive during the hot summer so it’s still a great time to get out and go fishing!

If you’re in town fishing for fun or here preparing for a tournament I am sure I can help you in either department. If you just want to enjoy a day of catching quality bass, panfish, catfish or are wanting to learn how to effectively fish offshore I am as good as it gets!

I had excellent results in my career as a baseball and wrestling coach and use the same skills to help my clients learn bass fishing. I have over thirty years of ledge fishing experience and have spent 4000 hours diving underwater on various bodies of water for mussel shells observing fish in their home.

If you want to book a trip with me please try to call me as the communication over the phone is much more effective and consumes less time than emails. I do respond to all forms of communication as quick as I can. Please check out and like/follow my Shelldivers Guide Service Facebook page. I will have additional pictures posted there some are underwater photos of fish and shellbeds.