CUFisherman

I just got an ALX Dragger used and it is my highest quality and most expensive rod to date. I'm using flouro on it so can't speak to braid and knot question but the rod is awesome. Newer to using jigs but this thing is very sensitive. I have an E6X 852 and the ALX is a lot more sensitive in my opinion. I also have a Dobyns sierra that I just got and I would give the ALX the nod for that as well. I like all of the rods I just was very impressed with the ALX. I also plan to use it for Carolina rigs soon.

When I was at Clemson I was catching spots on top water and then had a giant striper take right at the boat. Had to have been 30+ pounds. Went straight down and couldn't back off drag in time and broke off. Fun stuff. I just got a kayak last month and haven't taken it to Hartwell yet. I'm in Greenville and have been to some small lakes north of me. Will need to get out on Hartwell in the kayak soon though.

Can't really help you on places to go but I do know you won't find small mouth fishing in the Myrtle Beach area. I know you said freshwater but I'd think about some inshore fish (redfish, trout, or flounder). You can check out SCDNR website for some information. http://www.dnr.sc.gov/fishing.html

I also have a Dobyns Sierra 734c and I like it a lot for this.

I fished the same weekend as you and struggled to get on a pattern. I found some decent bait but nothing happening.

My buddy got on some striper last weekend but I haven't made a trip yet this year.