Beginner Muskies

[say_der]

I have never targeted muskies and never caught one while fishing northerns or walleye. I'm wondering what kind of a set up I should have in order to try this? I'm assuming a heavy action rod. What about line and leaders?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks

[currdogg5]

I always use a medium heavy to heavy rod with dacron line. Make sure you have a good leader for these toothy critters. I usually buy terminator titanium leaders they dont kink or anything like that. Try casting a bucktail thats how i first got into the sport. Good luck!

[ricqik]

Go no lighter than your choice of MH rod and a reel that can hold plenty of line. Bring atleast some topwaters and bucktails. For beginners, try rebecca lake in western hennepin co. There's a fee to get into the park and only trolling motors are allowed. You can have a gas motor as long as you don't use it. Rebecca has muskies in numbers. It has a 48" size limit and the lake is used by the dnr as a brood stock lake. Excellent for c&r musky fishing. Most muskies there run from 36-45". I recommend fishing it during the weekdays or the 2nd week of openner for less pressure & less angler competition. Good luck when the season rolls around.

[David Swenson]

Hello Say_der,

A good rod to start with is a 6.5' to 7' rod with a medium heavy to heavy action. Gander Mountain Series or Cabela'a Fish Eagle II series rods work just fine to start with and the price is reasonable. I would suggest a ABU Garcia 6500 C3 reel to begin with. As for line, I use 80 lb. TUF Line. I always use mono backing on my reels due to the amount of line required to fill the spool and the cost of super lines like TUF Line. Leaders should be no less than 100 lb test with quality snaps on them. Do not skimp on leaders to save a dime. It could cost you a fish. You will need a ball bearing leader if you are using bucktails.

As for lures, get yourself a couple bucktails in black and in chartruese. I would also get a couple surface lures like a Top Raider, Poes Giant Jackpot, or a Hawg Wobbler.

Once you got all this start reading articles and books on muskie fishing. Stop in at this forum and ask questions. By opener you should be good to go.

Good Luck!

David Swenson
http://muskieguide.homestead.com/
http://baileystackle.homestead.com/

[Guest]

Morning say_der,

If you have still not found a Muskie rod take a look at the ones I have on my site. They all come with a lifetime on the blank against defects and 2 years on the parts and labor. I have a few of them on this board and they love them. They do cost a little more than a store bought rod but you can rest assure it will be the lightest rod and most durable you will ever find for MUskie.
http://www.countrykatfishing.com/custom-built-muskie-fishing-rods-detail.htm

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Jim Reed
www.countrykatfishing.com

[guideman]

Hey guys,
I ordred one of Jim's Muskie rods over the winter and was so impressed, that I had to order 2 more. The workmanship is excellent and you won't believe how light they are.
They are more money than your basic over the counter rod, but well worth it if you're a serious muskie angler.

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Terry "Ace" Sjoberg
Ace guide service.
aceguideservice.com
218-753-2612
[email protected]

[Guest]

you have rec'd some good feedback. let me add some Real important tools....Big net, hook out's, long pliers, hook cutters, gloves...I cannot stress how important it is for a proper catch and release so we can preserve this fish. I have seen too many careless beginners fishing for muskies. The angler or the fish gets hurt. So, get all the tools!

Starter rod - Gander has quality rods and you cannot beat them for the price...Need a MH rod rated from 1-3 oz or 1/2 to 2oz...I do not think a 6500C3 is a good starter reel. With the superlines today, all you need is a 5500/5600 series. I like the thumb bar, so check them all out...Lines - all pretty good. I use Power Pro and Tuff XP. Leaders - do not be cheap here.....
Learn to tie a good knot and your set!!!!!!

Good Luck!

[TomWehler]

Mr. Dave Swenson has it all mentioned!
Good stuff gets used a lot by people who know Musky and BIg Pike and earn a living useing it.
Ace likes Jims @ Country Kats Musky rods and I have one also.
SWEET!
Like a little stiffer rod than most, with a fast action in the last or upper quarter?
I like to set bone when I hook some face!!

I go with a mix of rods in my collection.
From 5' 9" to 8'.
MH to XH for Light Bucktails to 7 oz Jerks for my go to lures in prime time!

Tuff line rock's there is NO doubt!
Make my own leaders to be SURE of what I get and also like to save a buck when I can!

Use ALL Abu Garcia Stuff.
Mostly cause it has never let me down.
C4's & C3's and the Morrum!
Last a long time, easy to clean and repair and don't break the bank.
Great drags and inner components.
Tough an easy to use.

Find something you like, that fits you hand and body frame well.
Think of what your going to use it for, where, how long and have fun putting to gether a nice beginner package.
Simple is best, but don't go cheap, as you get what you pay for in most cases.
To light and you will be dissapointed.
To heavy and you won't have much fun right off and give up?

Try different things on for size, ask a lot of questions and have some fun.

Many ways to go, just really depends on your stlye and pocket book.

This site is a wonderful place to get good, free, no talk info.

Good luck and have fun.

T.

Mallard Island
Lake Vermilion
www.muskytomsguideservice.com