The one consistent report from locations across the lake is that live bait has proven to be more productive than imitations when it comes to taking striped bass. Live threadfin or gizzard shad are best, but anchovies are a good substitute. Anglers on the water have marked fish pretty deep. If netting shad, remember that your cast net can have a radius no larger than four feet. Crankbaits fished around rocky points or shallow grass beds have been catching largemouth and smallmouth bass.