Can ya please help a brother out

hello all, new to the site and new to fishin the big lakes of Ky. looking for a few tips to get headed in the right direction for Striper fishing. I'm going to give Lake Cumberland a shot this weekend and any pointers would be greatly appreciated...

My first word of advice is to hire a guide. They have all the equipment and setup that you need to learn. That being said, they are pulling planer boards and fishin about 30 feet deep. Shad are the best bait but some are catching them on shinners. this is on the lower end of the lake. Be prepared to be run off the water by 9 am. when the lake fleas start hatching.

Thanks for the advice Rooster, I know the quickest education will come from a guide and do plan to do that in the near future.
Is the 30' live bait planer trolling you refer to done along the shoreline or open water?

I really do appreciate any and all advice

Both. watch where the other boats are. have pulled boards about 60 feet off of the riprap at the dam with the outside board about 15 foot deep and 20 feet from bank. hope this helps you out. Since I live about 4 miles from the dam I will not be out there. To many nuts floating on the lake this holiday.

that's funny, I guess i'll be one of those floating nuts, but will remain respectful to others. lucky you living so close to the lake. I have a 2 hour ride.
well here goes another rookie question: what is the riprap?
since I have zero experience running boards, but am eager to learn, are there any other techniques, such as casting artificial baits that would be effective ?

I have so many questions...thanks again man ..

riprap is the rock on the face of the dam

Throwing lures seem to work better at night but some are throwing buck tail jigs (large hair jigs) on the points and bluff walls. Try a shiner on a 1/0 circle hook and a split shot on the points also. Could also catch small mouth and walleyes

Shellkat, thanks for the riprap explanation.

Rooster, is the 1/0 circle hooked shiner freelined or under cork?

I would free line it and if it touches bottom I would lift it and let it fall again.

Thanks for all the advice Rooster, I'm headed that way this afternoon to put it to use. If you're looking for me, I'll be the guy with the bent rods...thanks again.