Getting Started

[bassNspear]

I have done some muskie fishing over the course of my life, but have never really got into it hardcore.

I want to take the time to go out and get some good eqiupment for myself, and really start to get into musky fishing!

Any information would be helpful on gear or whatever.

Thanks all!

[Esox_Magnum]

Take a trip to Thorne Brothers in Blaine, look around, get a feel for what you like and then go from there. You'll get a different answer from every poster since no 2 guys like or use the same equipment........ What one guys swears on another may think is junk....

Basics are ( in this order) proper release tools, quality muskie net, 8-9' H-XXXH muskie specific rod with a good quality baitcaster 174#+ wire or 150# Fluro leader and 80-100# braided superline.

Now if you plan to get into this I suggest a 2nd job, very forgiving wife and a good support group.....

[Bassinbob84]

The musky armor and okuma rods are very good entry level rods. Match that with a Calcutta 400 and you've got a great combo. I use 80lb cortland line with 130lb stealth flouro leaders.

Just get a couple lures to get you started.

Dbl blade bucktails like dc10's, double cowgirls etc

I use llungen krisco's quite a bit

a few various topwaters. A few of my favorites are weagle (WTD), lowrider, and pacemaker ( prop baits)

and a mag bulldawg.

Release tools are just as important. Hook cutters, long pliers, a good net, and a musky glove to avoid bloody knuckles when handling fish.

[smeese]

I have some extra gear to get you started, unless you want to go new shoot me an email, I can probably set you up complete. Box, baits red/reel [email protected]

[Esox_Magnum]

Should note other than the Revo Toros I would stay far away from the new Abu muskie reels, unless you buy 2-3 so you have 1 to use while the others are in for repair. The Chinese ones are not well made....

[smeese]

2nd that.......7000 big game would be the minimum IMO, but not for big blades.

[urban cowboy]

This is a key time for you when it comes to not wasting money. I wish I would have ask more questions on forums like this before I purchased my first few rods and reels. Now I have over 10 different muskie rods and only use 3-4 of them.

As a starter rod I suggest the okuma 9'3" extra heavy. A long telescopic rod that can throw everything from showgirls to mag dogs. If you dont go with this rod, I suggest at least 8 foot or longer as a standard rod selection.

Reel, the calcuta 400B is a good choice.

Good muskie net. A good set of side cutters. Cutting hooks is a norm. You will use your side cutters just as much as your long nose pliers.

Last but not least.. dont go overboard on lures and equipment right out of the gate. The last thing you want is $3000 worth of muskie gear collecting dust behind the walleye and bass gear in the storage room. Work your way into it and purchase the right suff and you go.

Good luck and good fishing.

[Shawn Kellett]

Check out the used section on this site as well as other muskie related sites. You can pick-up slightly used gear for $.50 on the dollar (if not less). Go quality on your reels (Shimano/Diawa) and you won't be sorry. Baits, again look at the used sections as you can usually buy stuff for less then $.50 on the dollar.

You're not too far away from me, drop me a line and we can take a look at my wall and get you set-up pretty cheap.

-Shawn

[Ridgerunnr]

yeah Im just gettin started in the Musky venture myself..been fishing with my best friend and im hooked after a couple 40's in the boat. I went to GM and FFarm to check out musky baits..MY god..talk about overwhelming..and knowing from 20+ yrs of bass fishing i know half that stuff is prob [PoorWordUsage]. SO i ended up with a Top Raider, orange/yellow bladed BucherTail and a Perch 8in Suick..Which are baits m buddy has that have produced fish...SO any further choices to consider? be specific if possible..total newb here

[Esox_Magnum]

Must haves for me as far as baits are a Black/Nickle double couwgirl, 9" weighted Wades Wobbler in Black/Orange ( cant recall the pattern name although I own about 8 of them) Mag Bulldawg in a pattern that suits your lakes, hard to beat motoroil/orange or walleye though, Hellound in Walleye, and a black 10" Weagle..... Welcome to the madness.....