[King Kong]

I've been wondering about this for a bit now. 

There's a group around here that's been leading the charge trying to get these F-1 bass going at Paintsville Lake. 

I don't know much about it but I believe a the F-1 is a hybrid largemouth bass.  A cross between a northern strain and a Florida strain. 

Both Largemouth Bass, but I believe it was recently proven that the FL strain was it's own species of bass.  There is different genetics between the two.  I maybe wrong but I believe that's what it is. 

Northern strain is what most of KY has.  Florida strain is mostly found in the warmer southern state's. 

I've researched this some.  There was concern by some biologists that the hybrid F-1's wouldn't survive Kys cooler climate in the winter months.  After sampling and surveying Paintsville Lake it was proven F-1 genetics were already in some fish in the lake.  And Idk but maybe other lakes in KY as well.  Proving that F-1 bass could survive year around here. 

Hats off and much respect from this local groups that are leading the charge on this. 

F-1 bass are maybe set to be stocked in Paintsville Lake now.  These things are supposed to grow faster than a pure Northern Strain Bass. 

I fish Paintsville Lake a lot, it's my home lake along with Yatesville.  Some people I talk to, from the bank and boat both, say the F-1s have already been stocked.  Others say in the near future.  That's what I've been wondering, have the F-1s already been stocked?

Everyone you talk to almost while fishing are talking about these F-1s. Even the local bait stores are always talking about them. 

There's no doubt when these things take off, it'll help boost our local tourism.  Paintsville Lake already half hosts The Casting for Kids Tournament.  One of the biggest tournaments you'll find anywhere. 

Casting for Kids also has one of the best and biggest fishing events you'll find anywhere, it takes place at Paintsville Lake. 

No doubt this is boosting the areas tourism.  The F-1s will just add to this. 

I spoke with a guy at my local gas station the day the Casting for Kids Tournament was at Paintsville Lake.  He said he couldn't count the number of boats surrounding the parking lot getting gas and snacks that morning, heading in for the Tournament. 

If anyone has more information about this please feel free to post it on here.  I know there's people with way better information than what I have!

The group I mentioned above has also been involved with stocking Gizzard Shad in the Lake, for the Bass to eat and get bigger.  I was out there a few weeks ago when the stock truck arrived and released the Shad. 
A lot of kids was gathered around watching, they were really excited!

I've not seriously targeted Bass in years.  In all honesty though, I've been playing around with them some out there of late! Plus I've seen several pictures of big bass being caught out there since these efforts began.  Shoot even me a few years ago.  I caught a good one not even mainly fishing for them!

So the efforts being made is definitely working out