Rod and Reel

[Guest]

I started muskie huntn' about 2 years ago with my brother-in-law in WI. Since then I can't seem to get enough of it. The only thing I seem to be missing is a good quality rod and reel. Right now I mainly use Garcia 5000 series. I don't think it is big enough or fast enough to pull in the bucktails. I want to get a good setup before this season but also don't want to spend too much. Right now I am working on the wife to get a new boat and would have a hard time telling her I need new equipment as well!!! Any help would be apprec. Thanks!

[guideman]

The Abu 6500 is the best reel for the money, I have 8 of them, never had any problems. They go for about $75.00.

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Terry Sjoberg
Ace guide service.
Beautiful Lake Vermilion.
www.aceguideservice.com

[Guest]

The first reel that I bought years ago was the Abu 5000 series reel and a 7' Fenwick. It is now 6'-9", I had a run in with a car door. It still works great! Since then I bought 2 Abu 6500 a couple years ago when Abu Garcia had a $15 mail in rebate, a great deal. Still $75 is a great price.

As for the convincing buying a rod, point out the St.Croix Avid Musky Rod that sells for $210. Then when you get "the look" point out the St. Croix Premier Rod that sells for $120 and say what a great deal. I tried this with my wife. Except I think she knew what I was doing. Or perhaps she needs a muskie setup as well so both of you can have a great time fishing together.

Rob

[Guest]

Thanks for the info on the 6500. With the reel being that cheap I don't think she will give me "The Look" an a more expensive reel. As far as fishing she does not get into muskies but loves to fish. Whenever we go up north I find a lake close to a good muskie lake and then I do get the "ah ha".

[GullGuide]

bnecrush,
FYI-
Before you spend the big bucks on a 6500, take a trip down to Spirit Lake Iowa (right accross the boarder) to the Berkley/Pure Fishing Outlet store.
Just got back and picked up 4 C4 6500's for $30 each! They are reconditioned, but basically brand new, just a few scuff marks on em. Well worth the trip down there, but try to go on a weekday or be there right when they open their doors on the weekend for the best deals. The reel bins are to your right as you come through the door
Good Luck

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>"////=<
Gull Guide Service
fishingminnesota.com/gullguide
Brainerd-Mille Lacs-Willmar
Bemidji-Ottertail

[Guest]

Thanks for the help on the reels. Just picked up a 6500 C4 at the St. Paul boat show for $60. Along with that picked up an alumacraft Magnum 175 with the wife's ok even! See ya on the lake!!