Bass Pro Shop has a series of rods called the “Crankin’ Sticks” around $90 dollars, sometimes on sale for less. I have two and they are amazing for the money. Although not my primary rods they are certainly my best rods for the money. Much better than comparably priced Lews Rods. I love them and they get used a lot. Don’t be fooled by their name. although they do make a model for crank baits in this line they also having finesse rods, power rods, worm rods, swim bait and frog rods in this line of every strength and length. They are one of my “Best” buy for the money lines. Also St. Croix Triumph rods, around $100. Great cork handles and true quality. And of course the Shimano Claris rods of the same caliber and price. These three are your. Best bets.

Hi Mark, that is wonderful, I’ve just been fishing a year and a half. I’m still finding my way but I’ve never loved anything as much as this. I bought a little 16 foot tracker v16 sc about a year ago. I am learning to get this thing around as best I can. I would love to host you coming over some time soon to fish over here. We have everything from the big three, lake Jordan, Falls Lake, and Sheron Harris reservoir where the MLF are fishing this week, 200,000 dollar tournament to a small 80 acre lake, Lake Orange, just 5 miles from my home. I too am retired. I’ve had cancer Stage 4 twice before in my last 6 years. I’m still very weak but I don’t let that stop me. Please consider my offer to fish, I’d really be tremendously grateful to learn from someone with your experience. I promise not to get in the way of fishing, one thing I’ve learned is how to be a good co-angler and not get in the way. My phone number is (919) 951-8141. Feel free to call or text me anytime. I’m just setting out this morning for falls lake to see if I can spot any of my idols prefishing for the tournament. It’s the top 40 from the MLF. They start tomorrow so I suspect the boat ramps may be very busy. Thank you so much for writing, I can’t tell you how thrilled I was to get your message. I am more than willing to drive your way also to fish anytime. Sincerely, Brian Hershberger.

Well what little you’ve done is more than I’ve done. I wish I could help in some way but I have no saltwater experience. So sorry.

I hear you about the flooding. It’s hard to believe how many times Merietta has been on the national news due to floods. It seems like that area really suffers during these spring flooding events.

So your thing is surf fishing. I’ve never done that. It looks great. I’ve always wanted to do some surf fishing. One expensive hobby at a time for me. Any more and my wife will divorce me. Lol

That’s awesome I’ve wondered what the Musingum was like to fish. Does it have many bass?

I too am new to this site. I’m living in Hillsborough near Chapel Hill. I did mostly falls lake, Jordan, and Sheron Harris reservoir. I also fish Hyco lake and lake orange which is only 5 miles from my home. Where do you fish? Have you been fishing long? How old are you, the only reason I asked is because I’m 67 and sometimes when folks here that they are not interested in continuing discussing. It’s weird but true. Lol. My name isBrian

I meant to say her Fad taught at Merietta College.

Holy smokes I just saw where you are from. This is crazy, my wife is from Merietta. Her Dad taught at Marietta and her Mom taught at Merietta High School in Devola. Where exactly are you from?

That sounds like a lot of fun. What kind of cats do you catch mostly? Blues or Channel? I enjoy fishing for crappie. They are such good eaten.

Thanks. What’s fishing like where you are? Going out Tues, Wed this week.

Thank you. I’ve included my entry with a picture of my best bass last fall. 👍🏼

Do you fish freshwater, salt, or both?

I just started fishing a year ago. I have been fishing in central (Piedmont) of N.C. And I am interested in anyone from my state who has fished here and thruout N.C. I fish Jordan Lake, Falls Lake (MLF is here next week!), and Sheron Harris. Does anyone have experience here and advice? Love to hear from anyone about any fishing topic.

Trilene knot! I taught my seven year old granddaughter in 15 minutes and she tied it the first time she tried. It’s a bit stronger than the improved Clinch knot because it passes thru the eye twice. Not as good as a Double Shindo knot but still great for most applications. 👍🏼