If you were me.....

[cliffy]

Ok, its the middle of winter and I have muskies on my mind....its a sickness that I just cant get over...

Anyway, I am already thinking of my next purchase of muskie gear. I am heading to the cities this weekend and plan on stopping at thornebros for a look around the store...I have never been there but have spent plenty of money on-line.

I am looking for suggestions on reels and rods. I currently have a 7 foot st.croix, fast action, with an 6500 C3 abu garcia. This rod/reel seems to work well for the heavy crankbaits..etc. Any suggestions for my next combo? I am looking for something that would work well for my smaller jerkbaits, bucktails.....something a little more flexable..a all around type of rod. Any suggestions on rods? I like the st. croix but I am open to suggestions....the same goes for the Abu Garcia reels.

Of course money is a factor, so I am looking to keep the cost of the combo at 300.00 or less. Thanks for your suggestions......

[cliffy]

bump.

[Scoot]

I'm biased here, but I'd suggest a rod from my dad. He makes custom rods and has lots of satisfied customers here. He can make a rod for the same of cheaper than you can buy in stores, but it'll have lots of bells and whistles like your name, custom windings, better guides, special handles, etc.
My suggestion would be a 7'6" spiral wrap baitcaster. There are lots of benefits to the spiral wraps that I won't go into, but I'll never get another baitcaster that isn't a spiral wrap. I've got one and I really, really love it. Mine's got a pheasant feather inlay and is a real work of art. If you're interested, let me know and I'll give you his contact info.

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Scoot

So I got dat goin’ for me… which is nice.

[Guest]

If I may, I would like to pipe in.

I, along with the majority of the other hunters in this world, have wasted TONS of money on gear, only to upgrade down the road.

I'm done experimenting.

My best recommendation is the Gander Mountain rods.

They are reasonable, strong, and a nice rod to work.

I have four rods that I primarily throw.
1: 7'6" bucktail (MH)
2: 7' Crank (or top raiders)(H)
3: 6'6" jerk rod (suicks, reefhawgs, mantas)(H)
4: 6' top water (jackpots, vipers) (H)

(Yes, I get some constructive critisism on the 6' top water rod becaue it is rather short, but I can work a jackpot and make it dance like no tomorrow, and hardly reel it in. Yes, it is a bit short, but the control I have on my lures are (in my mind) perfect. I won't give it up).

Also, all my rods have Garcia reels. They are strong, durable, and cheap to replace.

All my combos are under $150. So, with that, if I do abuse, I'm not weaping. But, I haven't broken a Gander Mountain musky rod yet!!!

I did wear out 2 Garcias over the last 3 years, but when you are burning bucktails for a week on the English river, non stop, what do you expect. I also hit LOTW 2 times a year, Mille Lacs about 2 times a month, and Minnetonka about 4 times a month.

Keep it cheap and simple. The more you buy, the less you use. Or if you are using everything that you buy, you are spending too much time changing lures, instead of catching fish.

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Let 'em go so they can grow!!!

[cliffy]

Thanks guys...that is a lot of good info.

Big G: What model of Garcia do you use? What brand of line and what lb line?

Scoot: what do you mean by spiral wraped rod...yes..I am stupid.

Thanks.

[TomWehler]

Big G Makes good points.

Still have rods I started out with more than 30 years ago and have up dated a LOT over them years.
NEW, pretty stuff is nice, amazing, but pricy?
If your not working them a lot you sort of feel you don't get your moneys worth?
But then I have had guys in my rig step on there NEW $300 Diamondback and go "Ah no biggie, I got three more back at the cabin!"
LOL
You get what you pay for most times, but don't need the $300 rods to get fish.

Jim At CountryKat made me a special 7' 6" rod last year for $200.
Xtra heavy, with a fast one foot tip.
Sweet.
I want to Rip some face on hookset and turn fish to me and show them who is boss right off.
Great rod for doing this and working just about any lures I use most days.

Bob at Faststrike made me a nice 7" 6" rod also in xchange for guide time.
Longer, Faster tip, more for Bucktails and also with Xtra heavy balls to trun them quick.
No playing around.
Nice stuff.

We also have a host of $40 Rizzo rods, Gander Mountain Bucher series, a St. Croix or three, a bunch of Fenwick 6' 10" HMG's, a few pretty G-Loomis and also a few Pete Mania combos and a bunch of other stuff.
Even have a 9' Southbend Glass Cat rod for trolling, seems to work just fine, the fish don't know how much I paid for it and bite on it when they feel the time to get their photo taken above water.

All will and can do the job.
Each is very diifernt though.
Some light, but very tough.
Some heavy and work just fine, just tire ya out some by days end.

Best advise from me would be to grab a few, slap on a reel and try them out.
Get what you feel fits you for the style you fish and don't worry so much about the money.
Have fun shopping.
When you see Matt Or Bret at Thornes, kick them in the anckle for me and say "Musky Tom says HI!"

Keep on Rock'en!

T.

www.muskytomsguideservice.com

[Guest]

I like to use the C3 for bucktails. It is a little slower retrieve, so it isn't so hard on the body (cranking so hard).

I like to use the C4 on the jerks and gliders. All it takes is a small crank to keep the bait moving the way you want. With jerks and gliders, you don't want to do alot of cranking. For me anyways. This system allows me to work the bait simpler, without cranking alot to keep up with the motion.

Also, I like "Tough Line". 80lb and 50lb. Seems to hold up well.

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Let 'em go so they can grow!!!

[Scoot]

You asked what a spiral wrap is- it's also called a Roberts wrap or an acid wrap. The eyes on the rod rotate around the blank as they approach the end of the rod so that the last several are underneath the rod like a spinning rod. The benefits of this type of rod are many. To call them the "cat's meow" is an understatement. Most guys haven't tried them, but if you do, you'll love them. They cast further and offer less wear on your line than a traditional baitcasting rod.
Any other muskie nuts have one? Striper, tarpon, bass, and other big fish fisherman are starting to move in this direction. Many guys on the bass tournament circuit have switched to them. I really love mine.

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Scoot

So I got dat goin’ for me… which is nice.

[cliffy]

Scoot,

Wow, that is very interesting...I have never seen one. I will have to keep that in mind when I am out looking at rods. I would also be interested in hearing from others that have used such a rod. Thanks again for the info.

[Wildlineman]

cliffy,

I own a Thorn Bros custom rod and I build rods myself. I'm sure scoots dad builds some nice rods, might be something to look at. But I went to the MN Muskie Expo last year and talked to the guy at Thorns that does the building (I forget his name) and he does craft a quality rod. Go and talk with them and ask questions if your not satisfied then go and buy something else.
Good luck!
Shayne

[chief]

Cliffy,

Big-G and Tom Wehler, both offer what I believe to be sensible advice. AND.... they're both an example that, ultimately, the tackle you use is a highly individual choice that reflects both personal preferences and your pocketbook. Having said that, as someone lucky enough to fish muskies two or three times a week for a good chunk of the season, you absolutely can't miss with Garcia Ambassadeur reels. Fishing as you describe, you'll probably never make them fail. Get a slower geared model for for working cranks, then get a fast one for everything else. There are soooooo many great rods out there for under $80-$90, and most of these are on sale at various times of the year. A few that come to mind are: Bass Pro Shops Bionic Blade flipping models, Cabela's Fish Eagle II, Fenwick HMX (and some HMG's), Berkley Lightning Rods, Gander Mtn, and some St.Croix.

As for line, I'm very satisfied with Tuff Line and Tuff Line XP--both in #50 and #80 test. I'm heading into my 5th season with Tuff lIne, and I've got a season and a half with XP with zero problems or hassles. Recently, I'm crazy about Spiderwire Stealth.

I recommend all these items for the simple fact that I never think about them, or have to think about them, when using them.

[CANOPY SAM]

I had my C3 bust a gear last year when a good fish hit while I was trolling. Any suggestions on where I could get this reel repaired? I really love it, and want it back for this year's musky season.

[Try Too Fish]

Sam
If you want to fix it yourself,go to abugarcia web site.They have schematics of there reels and how to order part info!
Good luck

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Try Too Fish
Forced Too Work!!

[cliffy]

Thanks for the great info guys.

I didnt make it to thornebros this weekend...car trouble in St. Cloud. I am going to try again this coming weekend and I will keep everying advise in mind....

[chief]

Canopy Sam,

Bass Pro Shops is extremely good at Garcia repairs. If you're at all mechanically inclined, schematics and a few parts are all you need. On occasion, Abu/Garcia has sent me small parts at no charge. Closer to the Twin Cities, Wayazata Bait and Tackle have made friends of mine very satisfied repair customers.

[Guest]

Sam;

I beleive that Thorne Bros fixes reels.

Cheif,
You are right when it comes to personal preference. However, I see soooooo many people "wasting" thousands of dollars on gear that they won't use or need.

It is such an addictive sport and so many people get wrapped into it so deep, they they loose normal thinking of the mind.

You don't need thousands of dollars to catch muskies.

When you are a guide, yes. But not the average joe out there on weekends.

One of the best articles I've read was written by Doug Johnson. He gave his top 50 lures for catching big fish. It covers all aspects. But mostly, he gave good insight that you don't need 500 lures to catch these fish.

A hand full of bucktails, cranks, jerks, & topwater is all you need. Get a few rods where you can handle the heavy lures and you are good to go.

Personnaly, I think a guy can get away with just 2 rods.
1: bucktails and cranks & trolling.
2: jerks and top water.

Everyone out there that is telling you that you need "all this stuff" is generally in the retail business. Walk into Thorne Bros: good grief. What the heck do you even call half the stuff in there. Man, it is cool, but a person doesn't need all that goofy stuff. Don't get me wrong. Thorne Bros are great guys, that deliver good products. But, man, do some people get carried away.

I personally have one big musky box. It is full of cranks, jerks, bucktails, topwater. About 20 lures each on average. I don't need anymore.

Good luck!!!

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Let 'em go so they can grow!!!

[buzbunni]

Ahhh Big G- I'm liberated!

I couldn't agree more with your comments on gear needs. If someone has the money, time, and temperament to buy tons of gear, well...more power to them.

Myself? I get stressed at the notion. When I walk into a place like Thorne Bros.(love them by the way) I get a stomach ache after about 20 minutes. It happens that way with me in almost every fishing store. I burned out on "fishing" about 10 years ago because I was freakin' out on all the gear I supposedly needed.I had no car, no boat, I had just joined Muskies Inc. and I was going thru a pen a day just circling all the gear I though I needed, and that was just for muskie fishing! I know, I know...I'm the freak.

I learned my lesson. I figure a couple of rod/reel set-ups for various species and certain presentations(like your example for muskie; apply to walleye, bass, etc.) is more than enough for me. I have so many lures I could open my own store. I know I don't NEED anymore. Yeah, I'll buy something here or there, but it's more for me; not to nab that 50 that wasn't going to hit the other items in my box.

Fishing was fun; then it wasn't; now it is again, and I'm planning on keeping it that way.

This spring I plan on picking up a fly rod and maybe 2 muskie rigs. I think I'll take your advice.

Thanks for all the tips everyone.

Is the ice melting yet?

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SERIOUSLY! It was THIS big!

[Jim W]

I thought I would help fuel the jones. I did a little open water musky fishing Valentines day...yes open water...yes in MInnesota.

My buddy Sarge and I managed two muskies with the largest about 40 inches.

Get this you musky hounds. I caught them both on a broken 6 foot medium light fast action g-loomis with 6 pound test.

Jig and a ring worm!

What fun indeed!!!!

Keep the rods bendin'!!!
(and those muskellunge know how to bend rods!)

Jim W