Sandhills Bass Anglers, North Carolina

Appreciate the input guys. Derrick, I looked up the Qualifier and the reviews are great. They are on sale right now for $79.97 as well in case anyone was looking to pick one up. After tossing both the Abu and Lew's, I think I would have no issues picking up another of either one. Jury is still out on the Vortex as I have yet to fish with it enough to tell but it does not seem to be as good as either the Abu or Lew's. Just found out the $65 Lew's Laser Speed Spool can be ordered on Walmart.com for ~$58 and shipped to the store for free so that saves a few bucks as well.

Tacking on a couple additional questions... the first being if anyone here has used the 13 Fishing Omen Black series of rods? Working night shift has opened up my Youtube time and the reviews seem to be quite good on these rods. The cost is on par with other nicer brand entry level rods as well.

My other question is more geared towards this season. I have never fished any of the lakes in the circuit and therefore have no idea what type of cover, depth, forage, techniques to consider when setting up the gear for these tourneys. If anyone wouldn't mind shooting me some things to expect (not looking for GPS points of honey holes) I would greatly appreciate it. I hate flying blind and trying to unlock the code on the fly when I am fishing a new spot.

Also, if anyone is in need of another in their boat on Sun-Tues/Weds, please hit me up as I am usually free on those days. I am in Hoke Co. but don't mind meeting somewhere to make it work.