If you are only gonna use one pole, then cast for them. You don't need (or want to use) huge equipment to cast for them. If you have a 12 pound test bait cast bass rig you're in good shape. Its highly under rated on Cumberland. Any time now (as soon as the water gets straightened out) you can cast the flats in the backs of the creeks with a buck tail jig out of a small boat.

You'll also stand a much better chance at getting a monster in the Feb/early March time frame. I landed a 28# striper in March last year casting this rig. My trolling motor batteries died just when the fight began so it took forever to land but what a blast!