Darren.

Welcome aboard! ??

Sweet. Never caught carp this way, but I know they'd be as you describe. I have caught catfish, chain pick, which is like hauling in a boot full of water, LOL. I typically use gammy circle hooks when doing this type of fishing. Inspired by coarse fishing vids and articles I read over the years. Learned a lot from an elderly S. Korean gent back in the mid 2000s.

Depending on my rig, I typically hold spinning gear with the reel between pinky and ring finger and I like to put my index on the rod if possible. Other times, if a heavier reel/longer rod setup, I may go all above the reel, tho not frequently.

There's something to be said about light tackle, and finesse fishing. My favorite technique. Next up for ya, long pole, no reel, just a length of line and a float. Hang on cuz a 2lb bass on a long pole is crazy fun.

Tonight, I'll be drinking....

Welcome aboard! ??

Welcome aboard! ??

Welcome aboard! ??

Welcome aboard! ??

Holy guacamole! $400-450 for a first setup being new to the sport?!? Are we being punked? Daaaang. Go for a couple setups, start with spinning. Good luck, though I don't think you need it if you have that kind of money laying around for a setup .

Caught a 14lb striped bass while standing, but my Native Ultimate is kind of a hybrid kayak. The fish pulled me at least 75 yards before I knew what it was as the res does not stock striper. Anyhow, kind of back and forth between my legs by flexing my knees to keep balance .... if that makes sense?

Welcome aboard, Jake! ??

Welcome aboard! ??

Welcome aboard! ??

Welcome aboard!

Welcome aboard! I'll defer to those with experience with the items you mention....

Welcome aboard! I realize it's a wee bit outside your range, but if my wife and I had our druthers, we'd settle at Lake Gaston. But that's only because we've experienced only one other lake in NC, and that's White Lake. We're from VA, loads of lakes in the VA and NC neck of the woods. Probably hard to go wrong almost anywhere with a good lake.

Welcome aboard, Paul! Dang, some impressive catches to your record. Niiiice!

Welcome aboard, Smitty!

Welcome aboard! This is oft debated, seldom solved. Discussed many times here. My take, probably not. I always use a leader regardless because it means less cutting into my braid mainline.

Welcome aboard, Robert!

Welcome aboard! And congrats on the PB!

Welcome aboard, Tom! ??

Welcome aboard! ??

Welcome aboard! ??