The same rod-and-reel setup an angler is likely to prefer for pitching, flipping or fishing Carolina rigs will suffice for creature baits. In Mike McClelland's case, that means a Falcon EC-74H Mike McClelland Signature Series rod. The 7-4 heavy action rod is designed for 15- to 30-pound-test line. McClelland teams it with a Quantum Tour Edition baitcaster with a 6.3:1 gear ratio that's loaded with either Sunline Super PE braided line for flipping a Super Hog in heavy cover or Sunline Shooter fluorocarbon in 15- to 20-pound-test in other applications such as Carolina rigging.
