Starting this year, Lake Linville is finally on the list of stocking sites for hybrids. Remember that these fish are less than 2 inches long when released, so it takes a while for them to get up to catchable size. Very rarely are fish reared to larger sizes before going into a waterway, unless special circumstances warrant that more expensive approach.

Hybrid fisheries in Kentucky aren't as numerous as those for crappie or bass. But regardless of which spot you choose, chances are one of these hotspots isn't too far from you.

You needn't go out and buy a whole bunch of new expensive stuff. Grab your bass gear, a couple of crankbaits, get on these lakes or the river and troll around until you hook up. Then you can go back and cast the spots, or drift-fish them with live bait in those holes or flats where you've found active fish.

"The last bit of advice I can give you is to have a good hold on your rod," said Kinman. "And don't get caught off guard, or your rod might fly right out of your hand and into the water. Hybrids hit hard and they pull hard, I promise you that."

Size and creel limits on hybrid striped bass vary from lake to lake, and are sometimes combined with limits on white bass and striped bass, if these species are all present in the same waterway.

Pick up a current copy of the Kentucky Sport Fishing and Boating Guide, available at all license vendors or from the agency's Web site at fw.ky.gov.

Anglers sometimes have a tough time determining the differences between hybrid stripers, stripers and white bass, especially in smaller-sized fish. A free fish identification guide is available from the KDFWR. And the species ID guide is also included in the regulation Guide noted above.

To receive information by mail, call the KDFWR Information Center, weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Eastern, at 1-800-858-1549. Good luck and get fishing!

Find more about Kentucky fishing and hunting at: KentuckyGameandFish.com