Kippzak: Kentucky Striper
Kippzak - Where is your place on Cumberland? I have a place in the Beaver Creek area, and will be down in 2 weeks (Feb 3 weekend). I know a little more than nothing, but do have occasional luck. If you are in our area, maybe we can hook up.
You should be able to get shad (alewives) by setting lights out at your nearest marina. It's hard to say exactly when they will come in during the night, but usually I have the best luck around 10pm, and then the hour just before dawn. No promises here, but that generally works for me. If no results, you may have to throw under your lights more often through the night. Also, try to set up your lights in empty slips so that two guys can stand on either side of the slip and drop and drag your net to a full expanse, covering the slip. Make sure that you have enough rope to get the net to the bottom. They tend to be deep.
Generally speaking, the fish are in the larger creeks, probably mid-creek. Start there, and look for bait/fish marks on your electronics. Fish with live bait. At dusk and dawn, cast large crankbaits or big jigs with curly tails on the points.
I would also suggest looking at some of the websites of the guides that have fishing reports. This following link to a newer website has several of them: [url]http://www.webspawner.com/users/striperfishing/index.html[/url]
I'm only a casual fisherman, about once a month - so my information is usually a little "stale". But maybe this can get you started.
WF