• Captain Jim's Lake Cumberland Striper 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 Lake Cumberland Striper Fishing Report

    • Latest water temperature: 61.5° F surface (Beaver Creek) May 5th, 2014
    • Latest water temperature: 61.3 ° F surface (Indian Creek) May 6th, 2014
    • Latest water temperature: 60.8 ° F surface (Main Lake) May 6th, 2014


    Currently, the lake level is right at 724.80 feet above sea level. The lake is now about at the tree line which is 725' above sea level. With the repairs finished on the dam, the lake is forecast to now stay at 725' above sea level through the summer. We will see!

    THIS IS MY 175th EDITION OF MY LAKE CUMBERLAND STRIPER FISHING REPORT!

    Greetings to my readers! I hope that the world finds you and your family doing well! It has been a little over a month since my last report. I was busy moving, but have been on the water (as have all StriperFun guides) several days a week since the last report. The fishing continues to improve daily (more on this below)!

    SUPPORT THE VETERANS

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

    We also cannot forget the duty and service provided by our Policemen, Fish and Wildlife Officers and Firemen.

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

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

    SUPER BAIT TANKS

    After being shut down for artist illness for nearly half a year, I am please to advise we are back taking “new” Super Bait Tank orders - call me or click:

    http://www.striperfun.com/store/supe...tanks-c-3.html

    You will need to put your live bait you catch in a bait tank. To really hit the “monster” Stripers, you need to use the freshest live shad. Not only can catching fresh shad be tough, keeping them alive used to be virtually impossible! Not any longer!

    The SUPER BAIT TANK has a triple filtration system, a built in oxygen infuser, a built in light for night use and is insulated. This system has been tested to hold gizzard shad & blue black herring for up to one week. I use only the SUPER BAIT TANK. Every guide I know uses it and so should you! StriperFun is the exclusive NATIONAL "on line" dealer of the SUPER BAIT TANK.

    Grider Hill Resort Marina is StriperFun Guide Service “Headquarters”!
    Grider Hill Resort Marina offers the most comprehensive recreation, entertainment, fishing and houseboat experience on Lake Cumberland. Grider Hill provides great dining at their “on the water” restaurant along with terrific lodging in their beautiful landmark lodge, luxury suites with balconies and lake views and beautiful secluded cabins in the woods! When you add in the cleanest and best priced houseboats on Lake Cumberland, as well as great prices on boat slips, day boat rentals and with new ownership dedicated to excellent customer service, it is no wonder that Grider Hill Resort Marina is the fastest growing resort on Lake Cumberland!

    Summer will be here before you know it! Let Captain Jim help you organize your “vacation of a life time” by booking you one of Grider Hill’s great houseboats for a family fun adventure.

    Just called Jim at 931-403-2501 or click on the Grider Hill houseboat website page at:

    http://www.striperfun.com/pages/grider/house-boats.html

    When you book any service with StriperFun or Grider Hill Resort Marina, be sure to ask for the “Captain Jim Special” to get a great FREE gift!

    FISHING CONDITIONS AND TECHNIQUES - MOST RECENT REPORT

    We are now in the late spring time, the water is really beginning to warm up and the fishing is improving daily! We are catching limits of nice Stripers on many days and the fishing continues to gain in strength! As always spring time is when some of the largest fish of the year are caught!

    There is a big Striper out there with "your name on it"! Sign up now to come and get it! Come catch your own wall mount trophy! We are also already booking summer dates (and some fall trips as well). Be sure to get your prime late spring / early summer dates locked in for some tremendous Lake Cumberland Striper fishing!

    See below some of the recent catches we have had:



    Guthrie – Clark trip




    Levin trip

    To see more photos of all the other customer’s limits, click to www.striperfun.com and scroll down to “recent catches”.

    WHERE THE FISH ARE!

    The Stripers are now out on the main lake chasing bait schools around in open water near the surface. This is where the “hot” action is! Pulling boards with live bait is the ticket. I fish:

    FOUR WEIGHTLESS BOARDS (TWO ON EACH SIDE) WAY OUT AND SEPERATED ABOUT 15 FEET

    TWO BOARDS AT 6 FEET DEEP (ONE ON EACH SIDE) A LITTLE LESS FAR OUT

    ONE DOWN ROD AT 17 FEET DEEP

    A BALLOON OUT THE BACK 150 FEET BEHIND THE BOAT WEIGHTLESS

    Seeing the big predator Stripers take the live bait on weightless boards or balloons is like watching a prehistoric moment! It is “KABAM” and the rod gets “ripped” down in 1/10th of a second!! If you happen to be watching that board or balloon, you can many times see the “bright silver flash” as the huge monster fish traveling 20 MPH eats the bait!

    Sheer adrenaline and pure excitement! Yee Hii !!! Bam! Bam! Kapow! “Zing” – your rods will be bent with the reels singing!

    I demonstrate these techniques on my “STRIPER FISH LIKE A PRO” Trilogy series. Click the link below to go to the StriperFun website for more information on this informative “how to” DVD Trilogy series and to order:

    http://www.striperfun.com/store/stri...ilogy-p-3.html

    NEW HYDRO GLOW BAIT LIGHT MODELS!

    I get lots of calls about catching bait. For years I have been using the “Hydro Glow Bait Lights” to catch bait and so should you! The various Hydro Glow models allow me to be “mobile” and catch bait on the main lake as well as at the dock!

    There are several "NEW" Hydro Glow Bait Light models. All of these new bait lights are actually "LED" and are TWICE AS BRIGHT yet less expensive than the older models! They are designed to produce a green glow similar to that emitted by chemical light sticks in widespread use by divers to lure fish.

    For “in the boat models” (where you can go out on the lake), they work on 12 volt and will work all night on one battery!

    For the “dock” models, they plug into 110 but have converters that covert them to 12 volt (only half an amp – very safe) but produce tremendous light! This includes the 4 foot “Dock Master” as well as the brand new Sea Floor 60 watt model (SF 60).

    The new SF 60 underwater light sinks, so you can simply lower it by "time of year" to the depth the bait will most likely be at. The SF60 comes with a 50 foot cord, a 120v to 24v power supply to provide safe current to the light and an array of high output LEDs for maximum output and energy efficiency.

    It is truly one of the brightest bait lights you will ever see! It is a 60 watt device that you will have trouble looking directly at it is so bright! It is a true "secret weapon" when baits becomes tough to catch. It is also very popular with houseboat owners and renters who can plug it in to the 110 power (especially when the generator is running and you are out on the lake) to create an underwater "light show".

    Please see below a photo of the new SF 60.



    Please click the link below to see the Dock Master and SF 60 working in “tandem” and the tons of bait they bring in:

    http://youtu.be/45Y93_7i3uA

    Boy, do they ever draw in the bait fish!

    Click this link to go to the StriperFun store to view or order all Hydro Glow lights:

    http://www.striperfun.com/store/hydro-glow-c-9.html

    “SPECIAL NOTICE - NEW SERVICE OFFERED BY STRIPERFUN – MONSTER STRIPER TRIPS AND WALLEYE AND TROUT FISHING ON THE CUMBERLAND RIVER!”

    I am pleased to advise that StriperFun Guide Service has expanded its level of services to now include “monster” Striper fishing (as well as Walleye and Trout fishing!) on the Cumberland River (below the dam).

    Some of the largest freshwater Stripers in the world are found in the Cumberland River below the Lake Cumberland Wolf Creek Dam. Throughout the year, it is not uncommon to see 40 or even 50 pound “goliath” Stripers pulled from the beautiful waters of the Cumberland River. 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!

    See below for an example of what a big “river” fish looks like just caught a few days ago!



    See Captain Jack Ousely with a 36 pound "river monster" Striper!
    We also seasonally catch fabulous Walleye, Sauger and some absolutely “huge” Rainbow trout! Come enjoy the scenic and beautiful Cumberland River as you pursue various trophy fish! We hope to see you soon!

    “SPECIAL NOTICE”

    Boating and fishing season will be here before you know it!

    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, Calusa bait nets and more. Captain Jim and StriperFun have everything you need to have a safe and fun year!

    As a new service, we are also providing a "bow to stern" approach of helping boaters and fishermen “update” the equipment on their boat. This includes outfitting brand both new boats as well as upgrading older boats (where the owners want to upgrade equipment). This also includes full installation of all electronic and mechanical equipment (installing marine electronics, trolling motors, down riggers, radar units, battery chargers and more!).

    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

    “NIGHT TIME SURFACE CASTING FISHING TRIPS”!

    StriperFun is pleased to share with you that we will are offering “night time surface fishing casting trips” this time of year! Most people have never experienced the tremendous thrill of fishing in the dark of night and having a fishing lure “slammed” so hard by a huge brute fish that the rod is about taken out of their hand! If you crave real excitement, then come see StriperFun to enjoy the pure adrenaline of casting for and catching “monster” Stripers at night on Lake Cumberland!

    TRIP HOURS AND PRICING

    The night time surface fishing trips are priced for two (2) fishermen per boat
    The trips last four (4) hours or until your limit is caught
    The cost is $275.00 a trip

    There is a lot of truth to the old adage; “Find the bait fish and you find the Stripers”!

    HUMMINBIRD COMBO GPS AND FISH FINDER UNITS

    All StriperFun Captains use Humminbird Side and Down Imaging units. Humminbird Fish Finder / GPS units are simply the best on the market! When you have to depend on your marine electronics to navigate safely at night and in the fog, as well as help you find fish, it is one of your most valuable tools!

    My Humminbird HD unit is simply great! When trolling artificial lures or live bait, I just don’t troll “hoping” to run in to a school of fish. I am scanning up to 240 feet per each side of the boat, looking for schools of bait and fish. When I see them (example: 3 o’clock to the starboard or 9 o’clock to port!), I can then “turn” my boat towards the schools of bait and fish to “get in to the strike zone”.

    Once arriving on the schools of bait and fish, I can switch over to the “Down Imaging”, “Quadrabeam Plus” or “Switch Fire” sonar systems to let me see with great clarity (each technology providing a different yet important view!) exactly where the fish are and how they are orientating.

    Why troll “blind” when you can scan surrounding water to see where the “big ones” are!!

    It makes all the difference in the world, turning a slow fishing day into a great catching day!

    My Humminbird Fish Finder is a guide’s best friend. As a Field Staff member of Johnson Outdoors, I strongly recommend this product to any open water fishermen. To be successful, you need to learn to use your marine electronics. If you are looking for new marine electronics, feel free to call me and I can make some solid suggestions on
    HUMMINBIRD COMBO GPS AND FISH FINDER UNITS
    .

    MINN KOTA TROLLING MOTORS FROM JOHNSON OUTDOORS

    I only use the Minn Kota “Rip Tide” trolling motors from Johnson Marine and so should you! As a professional fishing charter Captain, my livelihood depends on my trolling motor working every time – every day! For 15 years I have used Minn Kota trolling motors and my “Rip Tide” trolling motor never lets me down!

    With “cool” features like the hands free “Auto Pilot and “I” Pilot functions, I can set my motor to go a specific direction and turn my back to deploy lines and have full confidence it will stay on course no matter the weather conditions!

    For using a “drop shot” on the fish, once I locate a nice an active school I simply push a button on “I” Pilot functions control and it “electronically anchors me” directly over the fish. If the winds blows me off the spot, the “I” Pilot brings me right back and again “electronically anchors” me back over the fish.

    Man, is that cool or what? I would never consider using anything else but a Minn Kota trolling motor!

    CALUSA and CRACKER CAST NETS

    StriperFun is now a national distributor for Calusa and Cracker Cast Nets!

    Calusa and Cracker Cast nets are the industry’s very best and longest lasting cast nets. They have no equal. I still have some of my Calusa and Cracker nets from 20 years ago. They are a super high quality product that delivers for me as a professional fisherman day after day and they can deliver for you as well!

    Our best selling cast net is the 8 foot 3/8 mesh net. This net sells nationally on line at all major sporting goods stores for $220.00. StriperFun sells this net for only $175.00, saving you $45.00 (20%)! This deal is simply unbeatable.

    However, there are also other circumstances that call for different kinds and sizes of nets. There are numerous net and mesh size combinations. Please call me at 931-403-2501 and we can discuss your cast net needs. I can take your order directly over the phone and the nets are then factory direct shipped within 48 hours.

    Do not get caught without your Calusa or Cracker Cast Nets! Click this link to view or order a cast net:

    http://www.striperfun.com/store/calu...l?%3CosCsid%3E

    SPECIAL NOTICE!

    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 am now going to be offering "hands on and personalized" Striper fishing technique training with "on the water" instructional trips! These will be trips on the SARA KATHERINE III 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 2 hour minimum (4 hour maximum) 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:
    http://www.striperfun.com/pages/bookacharter.php

    Many of our customers do not initially realize that the Striper fishing is 365 days year round. However, as the largest guide service in Kentucky, all of our boats are covered /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 the largest guide service on the water we have numerous guides and can accommodate your schedule!

    THE EQUIPMENT YOU WILL NEED IF YOU WANT TO FISH ON YOUR OWN!

    STRIPERFUN’S FULL LINE UP OF LURES

    Captain Jim Lures, a Division of Striperfun.com, sells the top of the line hair jigs (captain Jim Specials) and blade baits (Little Friends), as well as the “Striper Mugger”, the "Kentucky Thumper" the “Tennessee Thumper” and the “Walleye Dazzler”! These lures have been heavily field tested, are super easy to cast (or troll) and besides being Striper magnets, they also absolutely wear out the Large Mouth, Spots, Walleye and Small Mouth!

    Click the link below to go to the StriperFun website and watch the new lures as their photos will appear (a new photo “pops in” every few seconds) in the middle of the top of the screen on the first page. Click any photo of any lure that to go in and read more about the newly designed lures and to see enhanced photos!

    You can also watch them demonstrated on YouTube by clicking the links below:

    "Kentucky Thumper": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXEQaTkleb8
    To buy this lure click: http://www.striperfun.com/store/kent...mper-p-41.html

    “Tennessee Thumper”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba8uN6NYhk8

    To buy this lure click: http://www.striperfun.com/store/tenn...mper-p-42.html

    “Walleye Dazzler”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfuizmHF9r0

    To buy this lure click: http://www.striperfun.com/store/wall...zler-p-43.html

    “Striper Mugger”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46aVV...e=results_main

    To buy this lure click: http://www.striperfun.com/store/stri...gger-p-46.html

    “Captain Jim Hair Jigs and Blade Baits”: http://www.striperfun.com/store/stri...b2964914829f7a

    “Captain Jim Umbrella Rigs”: http://www.striperfun.com/store/umbrellas-c-13.html

    LEAGUE OF KENTUCKY SPORTSMEN!

    Regulations that govern hunting, fishing, and habitat are formed by both the Kentucky Wildlife Commission and the legislative process. The League of Kentucky Sportsmen (League) helps keep the hunters and fishermen on top of today’s issues. The combined voices of sportsmen are a powerful tool used to more effectively influence the decision making so that sportsmen can actually have a say in how the resources are managed.

    The League works with individuals, Government Agencies, and Club Affiliates to constantly support the use of scientific wildlife management practices on public lands, private lands, and corporate lands. The League also supports the Kentucky heritage of hunting, trapping, fishing, and the right to keep and bear arms. The League also provides assistance with organizing events to bring kids and adults together in the great outdoors.

    No single individual or organization can do it alone. The League needs your help. Become a member today.
    Contact the LKS office and order your membership over the phone at (859) 858-0135. Or click on to their website: http://www.kentuckysportsmen.com/

    JIM STRADER RADIO SHOW

    Be sure to listen in to the "Outdoors with Jim Strader" show that airs weekly on Sunday Evenings from 6-8 pm on 84 WHAS-AM, a 50,000 watt Clear Channel radio station in Louisville Kentucky (you can listen in on line!). Tune in and catch Captain Jim’s Lake Cumberland Striper Fishing Report on Sunday night to see how the prior week’s fishing went!

    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 into the late spring season. Dawn rolls around a little earlier each morning and “Twilight” now rolls around just a little later each night as the summer “solstice” approaches.

    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!

    Remember also to always obey all Kentucky fishing regulations while on Lake Cumberland or any Kentucky 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, call Kentucky Fish and Wildlife at 800-858-1549.

    Until next time, blue skies and tight lines!

    THE LAKE CUMBERLAND STRIPER FISHING REPORT

    Provided by Captain Jim Durham
    Owner StriperFun Guide Service, Superbaittank.com
    Captain Jim Marine Electronics & Captain Jim Lures

    Staff Writer for fishin.com

    DATE OF REPORT: May 6th, 2014
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