If you are talking about Cumberland Lake then you can get away with much smaller test line than Cumberland River. You are putting a lot of line in these reels so it can get expensive real easy. Bass Pro Shops Excel line gives you a whole lot of line versus the money you spend, and it is really good line. I put 17lb test Excel in my 5 setups and never had a problem. I am not saying there are not any giants in the lake but most of what I caught and I here caught are from 10 - 20 lbs. I caught several over 20 when I did fish for them a couple of years ago and never had a problem. I haven't Stiper fished in over a year but if I re-spooled it would be with 14lb test or 15lb P Line. I think the lighter the line always will get you more bites. I will worry about landing them after catching them. I never fished the Cumberland River for Stripers but I know a couple of guys that do and they use line that is 60-100 lb test. They catch some really good ones, 30-50 pounders, out of the river and with the current and shallow logs and brush they fish around the BIG LINE is needed.

Tight Lines