By Captain Jim Durham
Greetings to my readers! I hope that the world finds you and your family doing well!
LAKE CUMBERLAND AND CHEROKEE LAKE STRIPERS, HYBRIDS & WALLEYE / DALE HOLLOW LAKE MUSKIE, BASS & WALLEYE
LAKE CUMBERLAND
The winter striper fishing on Lake Cumberland (southern KY) is terrific, with limits of nice 10-to-15-pound stripes caught on many days and the occasional 20-pounder as well! We are trolling live bait on planer boards from the surface to 30 feet deep concentrating on creek channel points back of the main lake. We also cast Captain Jim “Striper Magic” lures and troll “Captain Jim Special” Umbrella rigs! With multiple full-time guides, StriperFun offers day trips on Lake Cumberland year-round (weather permitting).
CHEROKEE LAKE
The striper-hybrid fishing on Cherokee Lake is very popular with our clients. During the winter months we troll “Captain Jim Special” Umbrella rigs! The striper and hybrid fishing is simply off the chart! 20 and 30 fish days are frequent (TN allows catch and release)! With multiple full-time guides StriperFun offers day trips on Cherokee Lake year-round (weather permitting). We also run a ton of walleye trips in the winter up in the headwaters of Cherokee Lake (the Holston River), with great success!
THE CUMBERLAND RIVER
Captain Jim’s StriperFun Guide Service Cumberland River Adventures fishes in the Cumberland River because the stripers are much larger in the Cumberland River system than other freshwater areas. CLIENTS HAVE COME TO SEE US FROM LITERALLY ALL OVER THE WORLD. Over 15 stripers are caught annually in excess of 50 pounds and 40-pound fish are not uncommon. The smallest fish (we generally catch daily) is over 3 feet long! These fish mostly eat high protein rainbow trout, large gizzard shad and skipjack and also fight the current all day, making them much heavier and stronger than “lake” fish. This fishing is not for the faint of heart however! These big fish hit like freight trains, making long powerful runs in the constantly flowing waters of the river! We use large rods, heavy duty reels, 50-pound test line and titanium hooks!
When a big river striper comes after a large bait, the bait will be tail dancing all over the surface trying to get a way. Sometimes the “dance” will last half a minute (as you watch the big predator circling the prey!) until the striper finally gets the big bait then its “Kabam”!! The rod gets yanked down and the reel is screaming! We also catch huge fish casting Captain Jim Special (see our website store) Striper Magic “glide” baits!
It is great to be alive and be a “free” American! I look forward to seeing all of you this year on the water. Always remember to stop and shake the hand of a person in uniform or wearing garb that shows they are a veteran! Their service is why you speak English, can vote and can enjoy the freedoms you do!
Until next time, blue skies and tight lines!
With full State licensing and insurance, all Captain Jim’s Guide Service guides (19 guides on 18 waterways fishing 9 different species of fish) can take you on a safe, fun and unforgettable fishing adventure! Check out all of our fishing services as well as our exclusive “online” store at www.striperfun.com or call 931-403-2501 to make reservations today.