Electrifying is the only way to describe the hard-fighting striped bass. Similar to bolts of lightning, they strike hard, often without warning. And with merciless drag-screaming runs, they wreak havoc on tackle and angler alike. Many people have been converted to hard-core striper anglers from their first experience with the powerful silverside.

If you've never done battle with a big striped bass or hybrid striper -- or are looking for the best areas in the Prairie State to catch a few in a day -- pay close attention to the following waters. Each one is set for an incredible year of supercharged striper action.

CEDAR LAKE
Jackson County's Cedar Lake is right up your alley if you're looking to tangle with a big purebred striper. Biologist Shawn Hirst said this small 1,750-acre impoundment sees a number of lunkers each year.

"Most of the info I receive about the striper population in Cedar is from bait shops or anglers," said Hirst. "I've seen or been called about numerous stripers from the high teens to low-20-pound range."

Beginning in April, look for Cedar Lake stripers to be relating to points in the upper to midreaches of the lake. Blade baits, jigging spoons and bucktail jigs are effective for targeting these structures. In the summer, stripers head for the depths of the lower lake where they collect over submerged humps and bars. In this instance, the same blade baits and spoons can be effective for targeting suspended fish, but anglers may also want to try trolling flashy crankbaits, Roadrunners or hair jigs with a strip or two of silver Mylar tape. Live shad drifted or slowly trolled can likewise be effective.

Cedar Lake is located four miles southwest of Carbondale. Two boat launches are available. There is a 10-horsepower restriction on motors. All striped bass must be at least 17 inches to keep, and there is a daily limit of three fish. For more information, contact the Shawnee National Forest Murphysboro District office at (618) 687-1731. For travel and lodging information, phone the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce at (618) 549-2146.

LAKE CHARLESTON
According to the 2005 Status of Striped Bass/Hybrid Striped Bass Fishery in Illinois, numerous angler reports of hybrids up to 12 pounds have been tabulated in Coles County's Lake Charleston. A productive fishery has developed in this small 346-acre supply reservoir, and the upcoming year should be good because strong year-classes of fish over 20 inches are present. In 2004, two big-fish nominations for hybrid striped bass were submitted from Charleston.

"Charleston gets some angling attention for its hybrid population," said biologist Mike Mounce. "There are a number of fish in the 17- to 20-inch class in the lake."

According to Mounce, most locals fish chicken livers on slip-sinker rigs or bobbers for Charleston catfish and stripers. "Flash" lures such as chrome crankbaits, blade baits and live shiners or roach minnows will likewise produce. In the spring, fish tend to congregate around the southeast corner pump station. As the year progresses, hybrids are attracted to areas of riprap and open water.

Lake Charleston is managed by the City of Charleston. Boat ramps are available, as are picnic and park facilities. The lake enforces a no-wake restriction. There is a 17-inch minimum on all hybrids, with three fish per day. For more information, contact Region 3 fisheries at (217) 935-6860. For travel and lodging information, call the Charleston Chamber of Commerce at (217) 345-7041.