SlingBlades

Thanks for the replies. The lake I fish normally isn't a big fish lake. It has a lot of 3's in it, but the 7's are rare. We usually throw small cranks in cold water around piers and the brush. I need accuracy and the ability to throw like a #5 Shad Raps& the small Speed Traps....and I prefer casting over spinning. The fish are sluggish due to water temps in the 40's so I don't have to hit them hard and bust them out. Usually the bigger ones even swim out toward deeper water.

Been looking at maybe a Loomis CBR 783 for throwing small crankbaits around docks and cover. Looking at the shorter rod for tight quarters and accuracy. Any thoughts or experiences out there with this line of rods? Am I on the right track? Thanks! :-?

I have some experience with 10# only. It has been strong and breaks around 19 or 20# which is great. I have seen the memory and slinkyness, but for throwing buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, and such the good far outweighs the bad for me.

Zoom Finesse on Shakey Head. If not bitten on initial fall, then literally shake the rod tip trying not to move the worm forward. Easily done on a vertical presentation in deeper water and drives spotted bass crazy. 8-)

Zoom Finesse Worm Zoom Trick Worm Hawg Caller Spinnerbait

Never broken one but sounds like I should have. I'm bad to slap weeds off by banging the lure into the water.

VMC Vanadium when you can find them.

Port Orleans Riverside has a pier on a pond you can pay to fish off, legally. There are also small canals that run around the grounds. I have heard there was decent fishing there, but I think they may ask you to leave. Not sure how monitored they are. The campground does have canals throughout that I think you can fish legally. We caught some good ones out of there a few years back.

I use the tool from the skirt factory you can find for sale. Good video though; I had not seen skirts made that way.

The DT series of cranks run great right out of the box. Very good bang for your buck IMO.

Not me, I love them. I usually pick up a few every year in the tidal creeks while LMB fishing. Nothing like a big schoolie on a medium action rod and Bomber Model A. They will absolutely stop, and I do mean stop a crankbait. Then it is on. Doesn't take long to figure out its not a LMB.

A few things I have learned and try to remember. If you use a "floppy" rod, use low stretch line. When the rod loads from a strike, set the hook and get a good bend in the rod. Not like a jig, but still set it. Stay in contact with something. Bump the bottom if nothing else. Hit stumps and brush with multiple casts and angles. Point the rod low and at the bait for better feel. Feel (or gain a feel for) your bait and what it is supposed to be doing. When it changes, set the hook. Some crankbaits will catch better than others. Especially wood. When you find one dialed in, mark it somehow (I use a small Sharpie mark on the bill.) If you fish tournaments, fish the ones that are really good catchers in tournaments and no time else. I keep mine in a separate box. That will get you off to a good start. ;D

Simple....Spook. Blue Shore Minnow. ;D

Welcome aboard! Pretty new around here myself. ;D

Sounds like good information. I like Peahill myself. Let us know how you do!

I fished all those when in a club. Like Tillery probably the best because of super sight fishing. Haven't been on HR much since the drought days. If it would work out, I could at least show you the lake. I may be able to help you some if one of my guys isn't fishing that trail. I don't own a boat anymore, but I use my dad's little tracker to keep tabs on things. Probably be up there this weekend. It is a good cold water lake. I live west of CG off 152, so I am not far away. Keep me in mind.

OK Gaston is one of my old faves. Used to fish a trail that had a tournament there late 80s/early 90s. Always did pretty good. I have seen some monsters there spawning. Wiley was always an amazing lake, but I haven't been there in a good 10 years.

Just found the board, and it looks really good. Favorite lakes to fish in NC are Kerr, Norman, and High Rock. I hope to learn something and contribute something...eventually.