Cumberland Striper Report

[Duayne]

This is mainly for Indian Creek but probably applies (more so?) in the creeks like Caney and Greasy. Bait has been easy to catch and does really well in the bait well now (no surprise there on keeping the bait) I've caught about 10-20 big baits along with keeping the rest in medium alewives. I've been able to use less than a half a tank each day so I've only had to get bait every other day. I know, stop talking about bait and get on with it ma.. LOL Ok; OK... The head third of Indian is loaded with bait and there are a variety of fish with them including various sized stripers. I've been bottom fishing but trolling should work well too. I would think 2 oz down rods at forty would do well. The bait is in the creek channels so the key is setting up on gravel slopes close to the channel. I've also done well one day very close to the head of a creek (channel depth 30 ft) but still close to the channel.. The fish have been biting very light (before the front came through) but have been much more aggressive yesterday and today. Packs are coming through and I've had 6 of 7 rods hit in a matter of minutes. The numbers aren't in Indian like last year but there are plenty in there. The fish will hit the medium size baits but will really go after the bigger baits. Had several hit before I could put the rod in the holder. Other fish caught; Smallmouth (one 5.2) football Kys, Flats and channels and one Walleye.

[gizzard shad]

Thanks for the great report. Do you think this weekend bait will be tough to catch due to the full moon?

[Duayne]

It certainly could get worse but that was not the case this morning. Hasn't been a factor until today due to overcast nights. I plan to test tomorrow and will post how it is.

[peter]

Thanks for the info. Headed down Friday.

[mhall]

Excellent report, I wish I was with ya...

[apb]

Excellent report, I wish I was with ya...and apb was also in the boat

Fixed it for you

Andrew

[Duayne]

Ha! I could have used some help. Today was the first time it was constant from the start. Most days, it's been slow until they turn on but when they do it's been a one man Chinese fire drill. A pack comes through and it's on. I will say that it's paid off to give a spot more than 30 minutes after the early morning. late morning and afternoon bites are very possible.

[Rob1678]

What is the technique for bottom fishing. I usually troll with shiners. And how are you guys catching your bait, early morning with the throw nets?
Thanks
rob

[Duayne]

bottom fishing (Cumberland style) is pulling up on a the bank and fanning baits out at different depths around the boat. bait is caught at night or early morning (before daylight) under lights with a cast net. The bait fish gather under the lights and makes it easier (sometimes ha!) to get a better chance at them since they are gathered. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. The question about the full moon is very valid because many times the bait doesn't need artificial light when the moon is full. It's my personal opinion that it's not a good idea to bottom fish with shiners. When on the bottom, they seek places to hide on the bottom and get you hung up in a hurry. Alewives try to swim to the surface so they are right in a fishes path when they swim by.

[FlyLie]

When on the bottom, they seek places to hide on the bottom and get you hung up in a hurry. Alewives try to swim to the surface so they are right in a fishes path when they swim by.

I've read, that depending on how/where you hook the bait (shad) fish dictates if they will swim up or down. But can't remember what is up and what's down. I'll check on my references and post later.

Got it!! (A hook and the Bait - As Simple as it comes, just let em swim.)
With nothing more than a hook on the end of the line, you attach the bait fish and let "em" swim. You can learn to direct the way your bait swims by where you place the hook-- the further toward the head they tend to swim down--- the further toward the tail they tend to swim up. Use more of a swing when casting live bait as not to damage or pop them off your hook with a little practice you will have no problem.

GREAT SITE FOR STRIPER FISHERMEN: http://www.arkansasstripers.com/live...ipers.htm#Down Lining:

[thunderstorm]

Trolled w/ shiners Wed/Thurs mornings. Caught fish 1/3 of the way from the head of the ck in 40-45' (channel) water. All fish came with around 25' of line & 1 oz sinkers. Fish were nice and healthy.

[Duayne]

Trolling probably is the better way to go but I was plume too lazy. Saw bait up higher and fish swirling for a while three cast distances away. LOL Still did OK bottom fishing but the bite was soft again. Lots of pull downs and fish getting off. Managed seven and never got the 30 inch plus kicker I was looking for. Had several in the area on other days but not yesterday or today. Bait was as easy as before so I haven't had issues with the moon. The closer to day break, the more the moon is to the west and the better the bait quantity and quality.

It's my experience that I've never known a shiner not to dig if they see the bottom regardless of where you hook them. Alewives tend to swim up regardless of where I you hook them (on Cumberland anyway). Hook Alewives through the nostrils and they tend to turn on the hook and hook themselves in the side of the head, unless you use a piece of rubber band or coffee can lid plastic before the bait to keep them from sliding too far up the hook. Hook through the tail and they don't last as long. Tail hooking today got less misses but got less bites.

If you want to "bottom fish" shiners on Cumberland, the way to do it is reverse. In the same area you would bottom fish, rig up three ways with the hook off the middle and a one ounce (no more no less; and I don't know why) weight on a two foot leader on the bottom. The middle leader needs to be right at a foot. Slow slow slow troll those rigs in the same area with the weights always on the bottom and your line as verticle as possible. The nose hooked Shiners will dive and fight to get to the bottom and will give the best action shiners can give.