Agree with Steve Biker. A high rod tip is best for avoiding that hang up.
And I love long casts. I know it's more difficult, but I think the longer
the better because those fish seem so darn unaware of the boats presence and
the noise that naturally accompany it. I know I miss a few on those long
casts, but seems to me I get more hits. Good luck a have fun. I also think
the swimmin or buzz frogs work really well because you can let them drop
down into holes on the way home. Will be posting some pix of results at
Percy Priest and The "Secret River" in the U.P. soon. Used Froggies quite a
bit.

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God Bless America

Josh The Bad Bear