• CAPTAIN JIM’S CUMBERLAND RIVER FISHING REPORT

    StriperFun and Tennessee Walleye Charters
    (931) 403-2501 http://www.striperfun.com captainjim@striperfun.com
  • Specializing in "Trophy" fishing as the owner of StriperFun Fishing Guide Service in KY and TN and TN Walleye Charters, Captain Jim Durham is a licensed guide who has fished the Cumberland Plateau and KY and TN year round for over 50 years. Captain Jim is a U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine Captain and is the creator of the “Striper Fish like a Pro” instructional DVD series as well as his own line of fishing lures.

  • CAPTAIN JIM’S CUMBERLAND RIVER FISHING REPORT

    CAPTAIN JIM’S CUMBERLAND RIVER FISHING REPORT

    Provided by Captain Jim Durham

    Owner StriperFun Guide Service, Tennessee and Kentucky Walleye and Muskie Charters, Superbaittanks.com, Captain Jim Marine Electronics and much more……

    DATE OF REPORT: July 28th, 2022

    • Latest water temperature: 50.2 ° F surface (Cumberland River): July 25th, 2022

    The river is currently up muddy and will be for another week or so with the 7 inches of rain last night.

    Greetings to my readers! I hope that the world finds you and your family doing well!

    FISHING ON THE CUMBERLAND RIVER REMAINS HOT!! JOIN US TO EXPERIENCE THIS AWESOME FISHING!

    As a former United States Air Force Airman - military veteran and as a current U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine OUPV 6 pack Captain and Auxiliary Patrol Coxswain, I understand the great importance that our brave service men and women play in our society. Their service is why you can enjoy the freedoms you do!

    We also cannot forget the duty and service provided by our policemen and firemen.

    STRIPERFUN OFFERS A 10% DISCOUNT on all charters to currently active Policemen and Firemen as well as to active military AND retired military veterans (with proper verification ID provided by the person booking the trip).

    This is our way of saying “THANKS” for your service to these important groups.

    With full State and USCG Captain’s licensing and insurance, all Captain Jim’s Guide Service guides on the Cumberland River can take you on a safe, fun and unforgettable fishing adventure! Check out all of our fishing services at www.striperfun.com or call 931-403-2501 to make reservations today.

    CUMBERLAND RIVER STRIPER FISHING IN TENNESSEE!

    When you use large 2 to 3-pound Trout as bait, we only target big Trophy fish! As the owner of StriperFun, I am a TN licensed bait dealer and raise Trout for my client’s use on charter trips (no sales).

    We are also fishing Captain Jim custom handmade \ painted “Striper Magic” lures.



    Click this link to order: https://striperfun.com/product-categ...r-magic-lures/

    AS A REMINDER, IT IS "ILLEGAL" TO BRING WITH YOU FROM OUT OF STATE OR POSSESS MORE THAN 7 TROUT OVER 8 INCHES TO USE AS BAIT IN TENNESSEE PER PURCHASED TROUT STAMP.

    TN Fish and Wildlife has been advised of this frequently occurring on the Cumberland River and is aggressively checking bait tanks on boats and also checking storage tanks at hotels. It is a stiff fine with serious repercussions. Be so aware.

    Remember also to always obey all TN fishing regulations while on any Tennessee waterway. Following the rules is a must! It is important that we all be good stewards of our fishing resources. If you have any questions about fishing regulations or to report poachers doing this or cleaning fish on the water, call Tennessee Wildlife Enforcement.

    RECENT CATCHES

    These photos below were just some of our recent catches!





    Join us for a memorable experience on the Cumberland River. I hope to hear from you soon!

    WEIGHT OF THE FISH

    I am often asked how much some of these big Stripers weigh. As a rule, if we do weigh these big fish, we do so with an official Boga Scale WEIGHING THEM IN THE NET THEN DEDUCTING THE 2 POUNDS WEIGHT OF THE NET.With such huge fish,hanging a fish to weigh it on a scale when it is exhausted (long fights) can dislocate their jaw when tired. This may kill them as they cannot eat.

    We usually take a real quick photo and then back they go into the 50 degree plus water where they go flying off and no worse for the fight!

    However, if you want to get a good idea of a big river Striper's weight without weighing it, the crew at "In Fishermen" put together a study years ago that can give A GOOD ESTIMATE of a big Striper's weight based upon its length

    Striped Bass Weight Conversion Chart



    25 in
    7.01 lb
    26 in 7.89 lb
    27 in 8.83 lb
    28 in 9.85 lb
    29 in 10.95 lb
    0 in 12.13 lb
    31 in 13.38 lb
    32 in 14.72 lb
    33 in 16.15 lb
    34 in 17.67 lb
    35 in 19.28 lb
    36 in 20.98 lb
    37 in 22.78 lb
    38 in 24.68 lb
    39 in 26.69 lb
    40 in 28.80 lb
    41 in 31.02 lb
    42 in 33.35 lb
    43 in 35.80 lb
    44 in 38.36 lb
    45 in 41.04 lb
    46 in 43.84 lb
    47 in 46.77 lb
    48 in 49.83 lb
    49 in 53.02 lb
    50 in 56.34 lb
    51 in 59.79 lb
    52 in 63.39 lb
    53 in 67.13 lb

    I mention this because many "haters" will post negative posts about the reported estimated sizes of these big fish.
    Although I ignore these poor sports for what they are, since I do not always weigh these river fish, I use this "In Fishermen" measuring scale. You can as well.

    To read the study, you can click on:

    https://www.in-fisherman.com/editori...n-chart/154560

    About StriperFun Guide Service and Tennessee Walleye Charters

    As a United States Air Force Veteran, U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Marine officer, USCG Aux Search and Rescue Coxswain and as a Firefighter, Captain Jim Durham is the owner/founder of StriperFun Guide Service and Tennessee Walleye Charters.

    StriperFun provides charters in Kentucky and Tennessee on Lake Cumberland, the Cumberland River, Laurel Dam Trace, Cherokee Lake, The Clinch River and Tims Ford Lake!

    Tennessee Walleye Charters specializes in fishing charter services for Walleye on Dale Hollow Lake and for Walleye and Sauger on the Cumberland River as well as the “upper” Clinch (above Norris Lake) and upper Powell rivers. We also do Bass fishing and Muskie and Walleye (KY Walleye and Musky charters) fishing charters in KY and TN!

    Jim’s businesses also include Superbaittanks.com and much more…...

    StriperFun Guide Service and Tennessee Walleye Charters are one of the largest and best- known charter fishing guide services in the Cumberland Plateau region. As a former B.A.S.S. fisherman (presented a “Lifetime membership” award many years ago), Captain Jim has been fishing and/or guiding on Lake Cumberland and on the Cumberland River in TN for most of his adult life, fishing the Upper Cumberland Plateau Region 58 years since he was six years old. Captain Jim is very well known and respected by marina owners, lake area business owners and regional law enforcement.

    Captain Jim personally holds multiple licenses and memberships:

     Licensed by the Commonwealth of Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife as a fishing guide, with privileges to take customers fishing.

     Licensed as well by the State of Tennessee Department of Fish and Wildlife as a fishing guide.

     Licensed as a United States Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer, holding a Captain's license (Coast Guard Merchant Marine Officer License # 1037731).

     United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Staff Officer, holding a “Coxswain” (Patrol Captain’s Search and Rescue) rating with the US Coast Guard Auxiliary.

    Captain Jim fishing runs hundreds of fishing charters a year. All Captains who take our clients fishing are licensed, insured and are well trained in CPR & First Aid with many years’ experience per man. StriperFun Guide Service and Tennessee Walleye Charters has worked to be one of the best-known guide services in the Kentucky and Tennessee region and will work hard to deliver "big trophy fish". You can count on the fact that your group will be treated with the utmost professional care and safety.

    Different than many basic guide services, StriperFun Guide Service and Tennessee Walleye Charters also caters to corporate groups as well as to families (and couples). Our guide boats are covered and heated during the winter months to get clients out of inclement weather. Our trips include all equipment & tackle as well as bait. Your trip also includes the cleaning and bagging of your catch (where allowed) as well as photos for you to remember your trip.

    Jim personally charters out of a 2015 24-foot center console Alweld Escort Bay boat (Coast Guard insoected). Powered by a 2015 Mercury 150 four (4) stroke outboard (I love my Mercury!). She is quiet to sneak up on big fish and fast to cover a lot of water! She has 24-mile radar, full Humminbird electronics, a Minn Kota trolling motor, a 50 Gallon Super Bait Tank, a huge 7-foot-long 6-foot-wide Atlantic Towers T-Top (covering you from rain) and is heated and can be quickly enclosed for really cold or wet days. This rig is the ultimate guide boat! She has "tons" of for moving around and fighting big fish and also has comfortable seating for the trip.

    All guide boats have the most modern electronics, fishing gear and Coast Guard safety equipment and are covered in inclement weather for customer comfort!

    CAPTAIN JIM ON THE RADIO!

    I did a fishing radio talk show recently on WHAS 840 out of Louisville on the “Jim Strader” Great Outdoors show. It was broadcast to 17 States. I had the pleasure of being on the air with Jim Strader for almost 2 hours, covering fishing on all thirteen (13) bodies of water my companies offer fishing charters on.

    You can listen to the radio show by clicking:

    For hour one: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/great...ur-1-88402609/

    For hour two: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/great...ur-2-88402608/

    I hope you enjoy it! I am many times on Sunday nights at 6:30 pm eastern.

    “SPECIAL NOTICE”

    When it’s time to go boating and fishing, you want to make sure your boat is ready to hit the water with all the equipment you need to have a great time!

    StriperFun and its related companies can help!

    With a full line up of the most modern marine electronics (fish finders, GPS, radar and more..) at "way below" national chain store prices, you need to let us get you the most modern marine electronics you have really been wanting! StriperFun also sells Captain Jim fishing lures, Striper Fish like a Pro “how to” DVDs, Super Bait Tanks, Hydro Glow Fish lights, Fitech bait nets and more. Captain Jim and StriperFun have everything you need to have a safe and fun year!

    StriperFun and Captain Jim is a "one stop shop" for your boating and fishing upgrade needs or to outfit your new boat! Give me a call at 931-403-2501 or email me at captainjim@striperfun.com

    GIVE THE BEST GIFT OF ALL, A FISHING TRIP WITH CAPTAIN JIM AND STRIPERFUN GUIDE SERVICE!

    The gift of a weekend package deal (or even a one-day fishing trip) with StriperFun Guide Service makes a great Christmas or birthday present for Dad, a brother or for the family and kids, or can make a great bonus for an employee or a promotion for a customer! We fish year-round and our trips are very popular and our booking dates fill up fast!

    Fishing is family friendly and wholesome. So, if you are interested in giving the perfect gift to that special someone, order a fishing gift certificate today!

    Call me at 931-403-2501 or email me at: captainjim@striperfun.com

    SPECIAL NOTICE – STRIPER FISHING TRAINING WITH CAPTAIN JIM!

    For years, as I have done radio and TV shows as well as outdoors and boat show seminars on Striper fishing, I have been approached by the “nicest” people who have a true desire to learn more about the great sport of Striper fishing. There are always lots of questions asked regarding the numerous different techniques involved in our great sport.

    Unfortunately, many times, it is hard to explain things and answer questions when you are not out on the water (to be able to physically demonstrate what you are talking about!). Initially, this is why I created my (hot selling!) "Striper Fish like a Pro" instructional 3 DVD "Trilogy". This gave new (and even experienced!) fishermen a lot of good solid data on how we "Pros" do what we do, etc.

    But from the constant feedback I get I have learned that more information and training is wanted! Because of this continual strong request and demand for more information and Striper fishing training, I now offer "hands on and personalized" Striper fishing technique training with "on the water" instructional trips! These will be trips on my new Alweld that will allow customers to “narrow down and focus in on” a large and diverse group of specific areas of Striper fishing they want to learn more about. It will also allow me to provide very precise and detailed training in a direct on the water "one on one" teaching environment!

    The Striper fishing technique training subjects will include (but not be limited to):

    MULTI SKILL TROLLING SECRETS INCLUDING UMBRELLA RIG - DOWN RIGGING AND SLIDE DIVERS TROLLING;

    HOW TO SET YOUR BOAT UP CORRECTLY FOR BIG GAME FISHING TO BE SUCCESSFUL;

    HOW TO READ MARINE ELECTRONICS WITH AN EMPHASIS ON THE GREAT NEW LINE OF HUMMINBIRD FISH FINDER / GPS UNITS;

    LIVE BAIT TECHNIQUES (EVERY POSSIBLE SCENARIO HOW TO FISH LIVE BAIT, AS WELL AS TRICKS FOR KEEPING YOUR BAIT FRISKY!);

    CASTING AND RETRIEVING TECHNIQUES AND WHAT LURES TO USE IN VARIOUS SITUATIONS.

    And dozens of more subjects!!!

    Training trips are $75.00 an hour with a 4 hour minimum and are held afternoons beginning at noon. I suggest you book at least 30 days in advance as they are already getting popular and I am booking up.

    By the way, you might even catch a trophy Striper while we are training!

    Please call me at 931-403-2501 if you would like more information. I hope to see you soon!

    To get in on the great fishing action, you can book a Striper fishing adventure with StriperFun! Click the following link: www.striperfun.com/pages/bookacharter.php

    AVAILABILITY FOR TRIPS WITH TENNESSEE WALLEYE AND STRIPERFUN GUIDES

    Many of our customers do not initially realize that the Striper fishing is 365 days year-round. However, all of our boats are heated and we virtually fish almost every day.

    We live for this type of fishing and you can too! Come see us!

    Do not be afraid however to call last minute if you want a trip as we have numerous guides and can accommodate your schedule!

    If you have any other ideas, techniques or subjects you want me to write about, drop me a line!

    I am many times asked “What are the advantages to hiring a guide”? In essence, you hire a guide to utilize the guide’s many years of experience and lake knowledge, to learn new tactics and techniques to increase your chance of “landing the big one”. Guides use top of the line equipment and the freshest live bait. Also, if you cannot afford your own boat, it is a very cost-effective way for you or your group to fish (cost per fisherman). Even professional fishermen hire guides to learn a lake and new techniques!

    We are now moving quickly through Summer. The Solstice has come and gone. Dawn rolls around a little later each morning and “Twilight” now rolls around just a little earlier each night. Fall will be here before you know it and then it all starts again. I give it all to God.

    It is great to be alive and be a “free” American! I look forward to seeing all of you this year on the water.

    Count your blessings each day and live “in the moment”, not in the future and 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!
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