Bass gear for muskies

[kt]

I've got a little bit of an itch to try some muskie fishing this coming summer. Last summer,I caught a smaller musky (40") while fishing for bass with a zara spook. Watching that fish explode on the surface was heart stopping to say the least. I won't ever give up bass fishing for any other type of fish, but, I would like to make a few musky outings this summer.

So my question is do you muskyhunters think that heavy bass tackle (Flipping tackle 7 1/2 foot rod 50 lb superline) would be effective equipment for a few musky outings. Also what type of baits would work best with this kind of equipment.

thanks guys,

kt

[AWH]

I run 50 pound Tuf Line with 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 foot rods on my musky gear. So yes, I would say that would work just fine. Longer rods like your 7 1/2 footer are generally better with your bucktails and spinnerbaits. And since you're a bass guy, you'd probably like throwing some of the big spinnerbaits that are out there. There's lots of them out there.

Again, with being a bass guy, you'd enjoy throwing top water too. My favoirte way to catch muskies. I prefer shorter rods when throwing top water. But if you've only got one set up, I wouldn't let a longer rod keep you from top water.

If you can afford it, I would spend the money on musky gear, rather than going with the heavy duty bass gear. I generally wouldn't recommend bass gear at all. But you're set up heavy enough where I think you'll be alright.

AWH

[Guest]

Kt,

To answer your question, I think it would work just fine for a "few" outings and if you can live with losing a quality fish.

Personally, I have tried fishing with light gear(same type of gear your talking about) and paid the price. I have also landed 40"+fish on the same gear, but am not willing to take the risk of losing a 50". Yeah, they can be landed on light gear, but why take the risk if you don't have to?

Good luck!

[kt]

I agree that musky gear is my best option. But like i said before i'm a bass man and i really don't want to go out and break the bank on some musky gear if i'm not going to get too serious about it. I definetly hear what you're sayin about losing the fish of a lifetime due to inadequate equipment. That would suck. Anyway, i appreciate the replies guys.

thanks,
kt

[traveler]

I'm in kind of the same boat as KT, except I have gear suited to light saltwater and salmon rather than bass. I want to get into some muskies this summer (have a houseboat reserved on upper LOTW in Aug.) I have a calcutta 400, a garcia 6500, one 7'6" heavy flpping stick rated to 30lb./2 oz. and one casting rod rated to 40lb./5 oz. If 50lb. spectra is considered "light"
what are you calling heavy? And what kind of rods are you useing?? I don't see rods rated a whole lot heavier than what I have, unless I'm just not looking in the right places. I'd just as soon not be too undergunned, so I'm willing to spend a few $$$ but want to make it money well spent.

[delmuts]

i think the rods shouldn't be to much of a problem . some of the reels used for bass fishing are on the light side. the salt water stuff should do fine. i fish with a abu garcia reel on my flipping stick. just make sure your reel can stand up to the fight. and keep your equipment in good shape. del

[TomWehler]

KT and others!
How ya all doing?
I'm srcaping the garage and waiting for a NEW custom HOT tub to arrive for my next job to pay the bills until the ice clears and we can head up north!

Boat is good to go and might hit Minnetonka next week to hunt some Crappie.
Mmmmmmmmm Fresh fried Crappies!

I will go as far as to say there is Absolutely nothing wrong with looking for Musky or Pike with a Med/Hvy action Flipping stick, quality reel in good working order, 20Lb Superline, quality leader and your Zara Spook or favorite Bass lure.
Can be really fun!!
But I Might also add that it can and will wear on the fish if you happen to get into a larger one or one that is a bit stubborn or frisky for it's size!
That is one reason why we Full time Musky Guides use Heavy equipment all around.
Can throw larger lures up to 8 OZ and have no fear of Putting a GREEN fish in the Finsaver or other higher end net.
Meaning, hook some face.
Control the fight, end it fast and release fish.
Fun, and everyone is happy.
In the whole big picture, stronger is best.
Mantaining your equipment and knowing how to handle said fish are things you must also never forget.
Nail a pig and left her go!

Take advantage of sales and build up a small stash of high quality Musky stuff and if you take care of it, IT will take care of you.

Keep on Rock'en!

T.

www.muskytomsguideservice.com

[This message has been edited by TomWehler (edited 04-15-2003).]

[This message has been edited by TomWehler (edited 04-15-2003).]

[Lunker]

If you fish here in the cities for musky or tigers, bass gear is often better. The prey is smaller here, as are the fish sometimes, and big rods with 50 lb test wont do well on the heavily fished waters. I fish for tigers mainly with 6.5 ft med action baitcasting rig with 17lb test.