Rookie needs help

[Doctor J]

Just bought a cabin on a musky lake. I am so pumped to get into fishing for them. Problem is I am a crappie/walleye guy. I need to get set up with equipment. Release equipment is #1 priority -I get it! However, to buy a good all around rod and reel for muskies, and if I were to make a trip to Thorne Bros to get it, what would you recommend? I see they make custom rods there as well, but have no idea what I should be chasing for a rod or reel.

Thanks guys.

[Nick Kuhn]

It's a world of it's own. You'll need to find a good long rod, whatever fit's your price range. Generally a 7'6"-8'6" H action will throw just about everything, except the heaviest and lightest of lures. Pair it with a good baitcaster. Generally stay away from low profile reels as most simply can't handle the abuse that the larger round reels will take.

[Esox_Magnum]

Okuma Akeema(sp) and a 8-9' Tackle Industries XH would be an excelent starting set up for around $220. If you stick with it you can spend more on equipment. Honestly I have a TB custom and a TI both in 9' and both are great rods ones just 2/3 less cost than the other.

I disagree about low profile reels I run 2 and they are great reels, a 300 Curado Shimano and a Revo Toro 60, either will throw any bait made for muskies.

I would stay away from the Records and other Abu muskie reels though, now that they are made in Korea they aren't the reel they once were.

[urban cowboy]

8 foot Heavy action shimano compre rod

shimano calcutta 400b reel.

Costs around $350 all together

This is a pretty versitile set up. Like Kuhn said, type of set up that throws just about everything, except the heaviest and lightest of lures.

[Scottie Thomas]

Welcome to muskies!!!

Thats great to hear you are pumped about everything... there are tons of pages of info on here about new equipment but I'll throw in my .02 cents...

Don't skimp on anything at all for sure, save your money and buy something that is of high quality.

Release stuff for me-- Big Kahuna Net, Knipex, 11 inch needle nose, gloves, bumpboard, jaw spreaders, and a yellow handled Luhr Jenson hook file.

Rod-- I'd go with something long, but thats just me... Id go 8 foot 6 in at a minimum, I personally like 9 plus footers. Musky Mayhem Tackle has a new rod for this year called the Avaio.. very, very good product. Tossed everything from burner bucktails to pounders with it. Okuma makes a nice affordable rod, Ive heard nothing but good things about Tackle Industries rods as well. If you can swing it, a sling blade by St. Croix or a predator blank would be awesome.

Reels-- Revo Toros have stood up to the abuse of muskie fishing. The ones guys seem to steer towards are the Revo 60 in a 5:4:1 gear ratio. They offer a great low profile for your hands and can handle most muskie baits. You should be able to find one for around $210-240 if you look. I love Calcutta TE 400s but the price tag is pretty steep, $330 would be a decent price for em. Ive used Penn 975s, and been happy, but have had one burn out. The Daiwa Saltist 30 or 40 HA is also a decent reel that can move a lot of line pretty quick.

Hope this helps

[NCLaker]

If you plan to go to Thorne Bros - just ask for Pat. He will make sure you get setup with the best setup for what you are looking for and within your budget. He will also help you get setup with a good start on lures for the type of water you live on. Very knowledgeable - He is more than willing to answer any other questions you may have.

I know they carry both Shimano Compre & Okuma EVX rods - both great choices to start out, around $120 w/ lifetime warrenties.

Good luck!

[Doctor J]

Thanks so much to everyone. Looking forward to the opener.

[brad coin]

has far has a rod length you should factor in how high your boats casting platform is some ride high ,,,,dont invest in a custom rod yet until you have some time on the water and know what type of action/length you prefer

on weds may 26th thorne bros is doing a "modern muskie equip" seminar,, that would be very helpful to attend

also the TC chapter of MI is having its swapmeet in june you could pick up rods reels,release tools and maybe nets at a savings

[Shawn Kellett]

+1 on the swap meet. Nothing like getting stuff for $.25 on the dollar.

A lot of what reel to get boils down to how much do you anticapate fishing? If it's a few times a year an Abu 6500 series is probably fine. If it's going to be more and/or you just like nicer stuff you can't go wrong with the Shimano Calcutta B, Curado 300, or TE.

Rods, get 2 one for jerkbaits and one for everything else. The jerkbait rod should be in the 6'-7.6' range and the other one in the 8-9' range. With those 2 rods you'll be able to correctly fish 90% of the baits out there.

[Musky hunter 82]

Doctor J where is you cabin at?? I grew up around the Grand Rapids area, so if you need some spots to try let me know i can hook you up.

[Doctor J]

Musky Hunter, we are getting a place on Moose lake.

[rugbymn]

I've only been hunting muskies for two years and I've already lost a lot of interest in walleyes in open water (through the ice is a different story). If there's one thing I've learned in my many, many (two) years of muskie hunting, it's that the single best piece of equipment is .

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A bottomless wallet!

[Musky Buck]

Doctor J didn't moose have a brutal winter kill this year ? JK enjoy.

[Doctor J]

Ha! Nice one Musky Buck. The worst thing is tomorrow is walleye opener and I will be at work from 6 am to 6pm. yippee.