johnmb

Glass and graphite are very different in cranking rods. The weight of glass is very noticeable over graphite and it is markedly less sensitive as well. With that being said, I prefer graphite but both will serve someone well as long as they feel good to the user and fit their way of fishing crankbaits.

I used glass rods for all of my cranking until i tried out the Veritas Winch series. I have the 7'6" MH for Strike King Series 5, 5xd, 6xd, Norman DD22, etc. I also have the 7' M Winch for smaller cranks like shad raps, 3XD, etc. They both have great actions and the best part is the light weight. They are much lighter, more well-balanced, and thinner than the glass rods I have used. The 7' Medium has landed bass up to 5.5 pounds for me and is my favorite rod. So, in short, I would personally go with the graphite option, though many prefer glass. I just like the sensitivity and lightweight of graphite better.

What bothers me at the ramp, besides what has already been mentioned, is when you head out to your local lake with a small ramp and there are a couple of people sitting on the (only) dock with towels and bathing suits and picnic supplies. Then, you start to launch and they don't get out of the way but instead watch in awe as if they've never seen a boat before.

I've been catching them on a medium sized Shad Rap during the post spawn conditions at my local lake. Key differences are the water temperature down here is around 85 in the mornings, but the bluebird skies are still present.

Depending on the day, it can be a tough lake to fish. They just recently had the Oakley Big Bass Bash out there. This time of year it is going to be packed with the wakeboarders, skiiers, and tubers as well.

Judging by the hooks, you're going to wacky rig them?

Pictures of the hull would help. I mounted my transom SI transducer without drilling a single hole and it has an unobstructed view plus it reads up to top speed in my boat (52 mph)

I have a Humminbird 1197 and a 998 and the side imaging is really cool. It will show you a much larger coverage area than DI/2d sonar, wasting less time

This. You can purchase a large pipe/hose clamp near the washers/dryers in home depot or lowe's

You'll probably find yourself wanting the biggest screen you can afford

What part of NC? I'm new from the Greensboro area