First of all, let me clear the air on a few things.

Keep in mind, I thought I was wrong once, but I was mistaken. However, I did make a couple of boo-boos over the past week.

In Tuesday's Backwoods Remembrances, I was speaking to all children, not just the sons. Unfortunately, I didn't specifically name the daughters.

Billy Hines pointed that out to me the other morning. It was a slip on my part, that's for sure.

I would never insinuate that you daughters out there don't have fathers or special days that you remember.

In last week's Tales, I reported that Lake Malone had received a stocking of catfish. I was certainly mistaken there!

Jeff Finn points out that not only did Spa Lake receive this stocking in April, but he found out after he sent me the information that Spa also received an equal stocking in March.

Granted, at 5 inches, these fish won't be of interest to most anglers; however, in another year or so, they will be of decent size.

It is unclear as to how many more stockings of this magnitude will take place, but there are more planned for the future.

There just isn't much news on the local lakes. I did manage to take some time out the other day and go out to Wayne Thomas' "Classy Cats" and fish the pound lake.

Folks, when I first got there, I thought I would fish two poles. That would have been nerve-wracking.

I no sooner got the first pole in the water and was working on the rigging of the second pole when I found myself in a good fight with one angry Channel Cat.

In less than 40 minutes, I caught a little better than 14 pounds of fish (two of which would go better than 5 pounds).

Needless to say, my household enjoyed fish and hush puppies two nights in a row. That second pole, however, never so much as got a sinker put on it.

I haven't heard anything from the other two pay lakes, but if I know Frank Kondracki, he is busy planning for his Independence Day tournament.

I will try to get more details and publish them well ahead of time. Frank has a picture of a lady that recently caught a 15 pound flathead in his lakes. I have yet to get the opportunity to pick it up, but I hope to have it for you in the next issue or two.

Keep in mind, I can only report the news that you folks give me; otherwise, I have to depend on my sources from the major lakes.

Face it, folks, that doesn't help much on these local lakes.

Billy Hines took time to fish Lake Malone on Tuesday. He reports a few smaller bass and one "keeper" crappie (around 11 inches long), but that was about it.

He was on the lake about the time the earthquake hit and tells me there was a notable difference in the "attitude" of the water and his boat.

Now, as I understand it, this particular tremor didn't originate from the New Madrid fault. But remember, folks, Reelfoot Lake was formed when the New Madrid decided to throw a fit this last time, and from what I understand, seismologists think that the New Madrid will be the epicenter of the next major quake here in North America.

I reckon the wave generated by the quake they predict will push a 14 foot Jon, as if it had an 80 horse Merc on the back. Think positive, all you fishermen; start packing your skis just in case!

Barren River Lake reports the hybrid bite as being almost nonexistent; however, the bass bite is good (but slow) on the points and ledges with summer patterned lizards and worms.

About the only bright spots are Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. While fishing there is spotty, it is steady.

The lakes have reached summer pool now, and there is little to no current. Fishing early and late brings the most success on both Large Mouth and Smallies.

First of all, the fish are in summer patterns and can be taken in the shallows late and early on just about any bait. Spinners are working best. The better fish are being taken deep on the points and humps along creek channel ledges in the main lake.

Blue/Black Jig-n-Pigs, Carolina rigs and creature bricks, as well as deep running cranks and slow spinners, are the baits of choice.

Crappie are hanging at 20-25 feet over obstruction along old creek channels.

Bottom bouncing minnow rigged jigs are having the most success. I reckon the crappie fishing is pretty much over until fall.

However, decent numbers can be caught if you fish deep.

Catfish are the real bright spots on the lake.

The channel area is producing some great fish on crawlers, leeches and dip baits, and the same holds true below both dams.

The Mayfly hatch should happen before long, and when this happens, the only rule (of thumb) is that there aren't any rules. Once this happens, the fishing (and the bite) will be fast and furious.

Look for this to start happening within the next week or so. The best place to find them is around the willows.

Until next week, have a safe and fun time in the outdoors, whether it is boating, fishing, or just "running around."