Muskie Rod and Reel

[gorbs412]

Just getting into muskie fishing and my spinning reel is smoked from all of the casting. Can anyone recommend me a good (not the best not the worst) reel and rod for muskie fishing? I am guessing med/heavy is the rod I need, but not sure on length.

Thanks for the help!

[Esox_Magnum]

My go to set up us a Tackle Indistries 9' XH telescoping with a Revo Toro 60. You can save $150 off the reel by running a Shimano Cardiff 400 or Okuma Akeena 400, both good reels that will hold up under light/moderate use. Rod will run you $110 and IMO it's worth twice that,either of the last 2 reels mentioned are in the $100-$125ish range.

I throw everything on that rod from smaller double 6 bucktails to pounders if needed.

[Muskiefool]

FFO has 6600 4 bearing Abu's reconditioned for $40.00 Then I would scan the boards for a good used 7 to 7'6" St Croix premier. possibly as low as 30 bucks, some 80# masterbraid or Tuff Line and a couple good leaders you'll be starting out at around 100 to 120 bucks with a rod and reel that should handle any fish.

Like Magnum said if you want to throw things that are huge and pull hard spend 2-3 hundered to start.

The first thing I would do is just start by enjoying fishing for Muskies then go to all the other stuff if you feel the need. But this is a great way to start without killing the bankroll.

Good Luck with them fishys......

[Nick Kuhn]

If you are patient and shop around getting a Revo Toro for $150-160 shouldn't be too tough. Get a long rod rated for 2-6 ounce baits.

[gorbs412]

What is FFO?

[Elia]

FFO is Fisherman's Factory Outlet. It's the online side of a well known tackle conglomerate.

[Kodiak]

My go to set up us a Tackle Indistries 9' XH telescoping with a Revo Toro 60. You can save $150 off the reel by running a Shimano Cardiff 400 or Okuma Akeena 400, both good reels that will hold up under light/moderate use. Rod will run you $110 and IMO it's worth twice that,either of the last 2 reels mentioned are in the $100-$125ish range.

I throw everything on that rod from smaller double 6 bucktails to pounders if needed.

very nice rod, i would trade my loomis for that 9' ti any day..i also run the revos, the toro winch and the reg toro...very nice reels. I used to have a cardiff and it was a decent reel, nowhere near the quality or performance of the revo.

[Kodiak]

you can also check c....l.... or HSO-Classifieds for rods, there are some deals on there, you can get loomis rods on there and croix rods for wayyyy off of new.

[delmuts]

I'll second the T.I. 9 ft.XH rods,(the handle extensions are sweet!). I matched mine with a okuma akeena 400 reel( after talking to Esox!! ), and love the set up! The only complaint i had with the akeena was; some of the bronze finish came off the handle onto our hands the first time we used it.( it does wash off! nothing after that!) I'm saving up so i will have my third T.I rod and plan to match it with another akeena reel for next spring.

[Kodiak]

gonna be a 9ft TI for me soon.

[gorbs412]

Is REVO S as good as the TORO? Is the only difference line capacity, and if so do I really need 200-250 capacity or will the S's work?

I ask because of the price difference.

[Esox_Magnum]

Is REVO S as good as the TORO? Is the only difference line capacity, and if so do I really need 200-250 capacity or will the S's work?

I ask because of the price difference.

No it will not work, I own both and the S is a low end bass reel no way would I use it for muskie sized baits and lines.

[Fish Head]

I just purchased a Saltist Levelwind 40 as a Christmas gift for my son. It will mainly be used for throwing #10 blades in summer and trolling in fall.

Does anyone have any experience with these?

[Esox_Magnum]

I have the 30 it's big cant imagine throwing a 40. I like my low profile reels for about everything but keep the 30 if I need a burner, not realy that much easier to crank thenm in then my Toros.

[Dano_the_jigasaurus]

the 40 is a beast. It gets to be a lot of reel as the day wears on and its not the smoothest, but is a good overall reel... but boy oh boy do baits move fast!!!! you will be attain speeds that muskies will love.

[Grunt L]

Just an FYI but Musky Tackle Online and myself still have the Tackle Industries rods (TI rods) on special for $110 delivered.

Thanks

[email protected]

[muskymaniac4ever]

what kind of warranty they have on the TI RODS? hard to throw pounders with it?

[Esox_Magnum]

2 year warrenty. I throw pounders with my XH but the XXH would maybe be a better choice. I find the 9' XH to be a great all around about anything rod, I use it for mag dawgs, medusas, weagles, DCG's, small buctails, gliders and my favorite Wades Wobblers in the 9 and 11" size. I have 2 set up both with Toros one 5:4 the other a HS depending on bait choice and drift speed. Little more moderate tip with great backbone, great 8 rod and holds fish great. This rod has replaced my St Croix and G Loomis and put my 9' Thorne Bros Predator to back up/spare duty. I have ran one for over a full season now have 4 and love them.

[Grunt L]

2yr warranty but I have yet to make anyone follow my warranty if they had any issues. Not one problem on my telescopic rods in 2010 and only a few on the removable handle rods and again, those were all taken care of 110%. While I do have a warranty I kind of look at each situation as if I was the customer and I am my own worst customer for satisfaction So, I make things right if/when anything pops up for rods and lures (which issues will with any product from any comapny). Thanks,

James

[delmuts]

I can attest to T.I. customer service being great! I had a rod with a problem; sent it out friday. Had my new one that next thursday! I plan on having one more before spring!