rod and reel

[fishing 101]

I am looking at buying another set up. Are there any out there that you guys prefer? Looking to keep the cost under $100-150? I kind of want a lite action set up so I can also cast the light bass lures as well. What do you guys like?

What line do you prefer also for the lighter lures?

[This message has been edited by fishing 101 (edited 06-22-2004).]

[Trailblazin]

A MH bass flipping stick spooled with 50-65lb Power Pro is what I like.

[RK]

Hiya,
Hard to go wrong with a 7.5' flipping stick. A lot of the muskies I catch every year are on flipping sticks. Great for smaller baits, topwaters, and as 'take a break' rods to cut down on fatigue. Mine are paired with either 80# superline (I like Spiderwire Stealth) or 20 to 25 Berkley Big Game mono. I know a lot of guys will tell you not to use mono, but the muskie hasn't been born that you can't whip on 20 lb mono and a flipping stick if you set your drag. I usually use Garcia 6500Cs of one sort or another. Absolutely loved 6500 Big Games, but they quit making them

Cheers,
RK

[fishing 101]

Thanks for the replies guys. What is the difference in the 6500 C4 and C3? What is better for the gear ratio - 5.3:1 or 6.3:1 What is the difference? Thank you!!!

I currently have the 5600 but the rod is made for 1-4 oz lures, and I have troubles casting the lighter ones.

[Trailblazin]

C4 is a higher gear ratio than the C3. C4 is great for working top waters, burning bucktails, etc.... I do not use lures heavier than 1 1/2 oz with my 5600C4, as the gears will wear out. I learned that throwing 2oz spinnerbaits.

Sounds like your trying to throw lighter lures on that 1-4oz rod. Won't work! Get a rod rated for 1/2 to 2oz. The St Croix Premier 7'2" MH rod will be perfect!

[lpeitso]

Actually for a rod, go get a Gander Mountain guide series rod. Nice and light, and somewhere around $60. I have a 7' with a Abu c4 5601 (thumb bar). I love the setup. My other setup's are All-Star's with Tica reels. Very comfortable setups. The Tica ($130) would cost you double the Abu ($65), but they are very smooth (12 ball bearings).

Lance

[fishing 101]

Blazin,

You talking about the premier "casting" or "muskie" rod. I am looking at them on Cabelas HSOforum, just to get an idea. We are planning on coming Miltona on Sunday, are there any good stores in Alex that any of you guys would recommend to pick something like this up?

[Trailblazin]

The Premier 7'2" Musky Casting. Sorry about that. I believe the rating is 1/2 to 2 1/2 oz. This rod will cast anything! I use this rod 90% of the time.

[Bushwacker]

I just bought two custom made St Croix muskie rods a couple weeks ago. One is the equivalent to the Premier Series, and SCII-PM610MF, line rating 14 - 30 and lure rating 1/2 - 2 oz. It is a very nice rod that I would consider if you are looking at St. Croix rods. It was recommended to me by the maker. I like the 6'10" length. The other is a Avid Series blank, an SCIII AC70HF, line rating 12 - 25#, and lure rating 3/8 - 1 1/2 oz. I like this one for small-med bucktails and crankbaits. I put an Abu 5500 C4 on the SCIII and an Abu TCM 6500 on the SCII.

As for stores in Alex area, Christopherson Bait shop on 3rd Ave has the biggest selection of St. Croix's in the area and has a ton of muskie baits. Definitely worth a stop. A lot of times you can find pretty good deals on lures.

[cliffy]

I would have to agree on the St.Croix 7'2 Muskie rod...my wife bought me one this spring for a birthday gift and I LOVE IT. It makes a great all-around Muskie rod. I like the fact that it handles so many different baits/weights.

Also this spring I picked up a G.Loomis 7'9 muskie rod. Also a great rod for lighter baits such as small bucktails/crankbaits. I think its rated for 1/2oz--1 1/20z. I have a c4 on this rod but that might change soon. I find the C4 (high speed)to be difficult to crank with lures with any drag. Dont get me wrong, it works nice for small bucktails and smooth topwater baits...but anything over..1.5 oz can get to be a little to much work for hours of casting..and I think it gets hard on the gears...

[fishing 101]

Thank you guys. I didn't quite feel like spending the money on the St Croix. I just about pulled the trigger on it - but then decided to go with the Berkley 3/8 to 1-1/2 oz. I also ordered the 6500C4 reel. Ordered it from Reeds HSOforum, should be here today. Can't wait - then heading to Miltona on Sunday. If it is not what I am looking for, I'll just have to get another one next year - can't have to many!!!

[Lost]

I'm glad I read this post. I picked up an extra-heavy duty Rapala rod and absolutely love it! It's rated 1/2 oz to 3 oz but I tell you what, I don't cast anyting under 1 oz with it otherwise it doesn't go anywhere. I'm looking forward to the day I can try it from a boat for some muskie's. Been testing it out in the river and I like it.

But I'm also looking for a med-heavy rod for the smaller lures. Thanks for the guidance! I'll probably end up with the Guide Series rod since it's in my price range.