When fishing medium to big creeks and rivers not talking big ones but like the trinity etc for flatheads using a circle hook. How many people lock the reel and how many put the clicker on? I heard a couple guys arguing about this at the store. I wanted to hear some other opinions

I kinda like the clicker but instead of running an unlocked spool just l back off the drag a bit. A real fish won't pay attention to the drag.

If it's dark and im after flats, I use the clicker...in my experience the flat slams the bait...then sits on it for a second before turning and moving...they swim away swallowing the perch head first, I let the perch get in the back of there throat...them bam! Fish On!

If you are fishing the river you don't want them going far with a bait, if they come out to get it they will be headed back to cover in short order. We catch them from time to time on fresh cut buffalo and carp in the river, especially in the spring and fall. I always use a clicker in the river, we get them up to about 40#'s as a by-catch. I vote for the clicker, but don't let them run and watch your line because they may not move far.

-Clicker-.

I always used clickers before with live bait day or night or with bit pieces of cut bait..but the other night when we fished my buddy jlowe landed a blue over 50 with his clicker on and shortly after I landed a blue over 40 without the clicker on so IMO its all on personal preference..

We fish the brazos and other various creeks in the surrounding areas for them, I always use a clicker at night. They'll run, stop then run. After the stop and run engage the reel and the hook will set. In late spring and early summer (pre-spawn) you can catch them in the rivers and creeks as well during the day, early mornin preferably. I like to put it right in their face in the cover, using this technique I don't use a clicker but I'm also using big pieces of fresh shad. When I say big I mean something they'll inhale at once. Once they're in the cover I feel like they don't run and swallow, they just take the whole thing in.

Clickers pre spawn and if u aren't right in front of ur rods. Otherwise pay attention and run no clickers and tight drag until u hook them then use the drag as necessary. IMO clickers aren't necessary unless u can't eye all ur rods. Fishing abus they may not even pull the line enough to click and if they do try will be weary of ur bait. Everything is situational just find out what works for the current conditions