Reply With QuoteI don't know what your are fishing for on this particular trip but for me 3rd week of October water temp should be around 65 at Cumberland and that means Stripers on topwater. It usually happens early to mid October but with the record heat and the fact that Cumberland is not as full as it usually is means the water temp is probably a little higher than normal. I have not wet a line in C Land in almost 2 years but I bet the mouth of Indian Creek, MOuth of Beaver Creek up into Beaver a little and the main lake from Beaver to the Dam should have plenty of activity. You might try Greasy, Caney and Lilly up near Jamestown as well. 7' Heavy Action rod with 14-17 lb test, Knucklehead, Super Spook, Cigarette or anything that will float, cast to the busting shad and hold on tight. If you have enough discipline to not want to see those tremendous strikes on topwater then throw a redfin, sliver or silver buddy into the commotion on top and fish it under the breaking shad. I have been told the theory is the REALLY BIG STRIPERS just roam around under the school and pick off the shad that have been hit and are disoriented for easy meals as they fall down the water column. I never could get past the topwater strike to even try it. You will also find Kentuckys and Smallies in the jumps as well. Pop R's for Ky's and Zara Spooks for Smallies is the best I found, plus burn a rattle trap thru the shad and the Smallies will destroy it. Good Luck and even if you are not planning a trip for Stripers, take one rod and keep a topwater handy. You will see a bunch of boats right on top of one another circling a school of stripers catching them one right after another. Binoculars is a good thing to have.
Catch one for me.