Muskie Reel

[Doop]

Hey guys,
I am going to buy an Abu Garcia reel for muskie fishing....i'll mainly be using bucktails of 1.5 oz or bigger and 3 oz spinnerbaits. Does anyone have any comments or suggestions? I was thinking about spooling it up with 80# Power Pro?
Thanks for your help in advance!

Mitch

[RK]

Hiya,
Personally I use Garcia 7000s 90% of the time. They're big and they take a little getting used to but once you are used to the size you can't beat 'em. Great cranking power (4.1:1 gear ratio) and still capable of fast retrieves because the large spool diameter picks up a lot of line. Durable too.

If the 7000 is bigger than you want to mess with, look at a 6500 TCM. It's basically a 6500c3 with an extra ball bearing and a single paddle 'power handle.' I put the single paddle handles on all my 6500s - really like them. For bucktails, unless they're small burners, stick with the 4.1:1 or 5.3:1 gear ration. 6.3:1 pulls awfully hard...

Cheers,
RK

[Trailblazer]

I would step up too 100lb Power Pro if throwing 3oz or more.

Good Reels suggested.

[David Swenson]

The ABU Garcia 6500C is the old tried true reel for muskie fishing. You will not find a better reel for the money than the 6500C. I would suggest you use this reel unless you have a lot of money to burn on a Big Game or Calcutta.

80 lb Tuf Line is all I use and I have no problem with it at all. Power Pro will also work just fine in 80 lb.

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

[Trailblazer]

I'd still step up to 100lb Power Pro if throwing larger oz. lures. Why take a chance in losing a lure?

[This message has been edited by Trailblazer (edited 04-01-2004).]