Planning first trip to Cumberland

[Nitrobird]

I just purchased my first boat this year and I'm wanting to go smallmouth fishing on Cumberland. Any tips for this lake. I'm wanting to throw a a-rig on a long sloping bank. Any tips for this rookie.

[voeller101]

I was there on Monday and did very well with a football jig. Look for breaks from shallow water into deep water.

[Nowake@317]

Look for cuts for main lake. The A rig bite has been slow. I would go with jig and shakey head also.

[smalljaw01]

was there today , caught lots of smallies on shakey head in about 15 to 20 ft. of water 1/2 way down otter , black rock seemed to hold more smallies and ky's with largeheads on chunk rock water temp 56 to 58 good luck.

[12VoltMan]

Congratulation on your first boat. Take good care of it and it will serve you well.

Try not tell yourself, "I want to catch fish on a particular lure or rig." Let the seasonal, weather and lake conditions guide you to what you should be throwing. On that note, I've had very good success also throwing jigs and shaky heads for smallmouth on the bluff walls on Cumberland in the winter; I prefer the shaded banks. If the sun shines, put your new boat parallel to the bank in about 10 foot of water and throw crankbaits on sloping rocky banks in the afternoon. Good luck!

[Zaraspooky]

Ditto on the main lake cuts, and a slow A rig bite. Had some decent luck on sloping banks with medium diving crankbaits. Haven't had an over abundance of luck on the jig bite there my last few trips, that's more than likely my presentation though cause others I know have had success of late.

[Nitrobird]

Thanks for all the info. Now I just gotta hope these storm chances go away. It'll be the week after Christmas before I can make it.