new to muskies need help

[T.S128]

I've never fished for muskies but have really been considering trying to start. If I could get some input on rod and reel specifics that would be greatly appreciated. Is there a rod size that is better for multiple lure types? I really have no knowledge of this type of fishing but have been advised to throw bulldawgs and bucktails...

hopefully I can get by with just getting one multipurpose rod and reel for now. Not looking to break the bank but realize this will be and expensive upgrade to my fishing arsenal.

any help I can get from you guys will go a long way.

Thanks

[Esox_Magnum]

9' XH Tackle Industries rod and a 400 B Calcutta will get you a good start

[T.S128]

thanks for the reply. I just had one more question, why do you recommend XH over the MH (1-6oz) I can't really see myself throwing the really big baits, unless i really get hooked on musky fishing. Do you still think I should go XH even though i doubt I'll throw something over 6 oz. If I wanted to throw regular bulldawgs or super D's is the MH enough rod?

I feel a rod rated for 3-12oz is overkill for that size lures, but maybe not...?

[Esox_Magnum]

You'll want the XH if you intend to throw cowgirls and mag bulldawgs....HM is good for small bucktails,and smaller topwaters but will load to much in the 8 and wear you out...

[smeese]

What ever weight you go with, the longer the better for easy figure 8's a fish can actually follow. Also the heavier the rod the better if you intend to troll cause weight+speed+fish weight= quite a bend

[pinkfloyd4ever]

definitely purchase a quality rod and reel thats huge and if you take great care with them they will last you a long time so its worth the investment

[raiserlures]

I would start with a 7.5 foot mh musky rod and buy your self a good real. you will be frusrated with a cheap one because you will whear it out by next year. a 7.5 foot rod will throw all most every thing from small to big lures. i would start with a few top waters, 3-6 bucktails in different colors and sizes, and a few jerk baits. dont forget a few good leaders. also you will need a musky net, hook cutters, plyers, and a hook sharpener. if you go out with out the right tools and you catch some skis you have a good chance of harming or killing them. do it right and it will make your musky fishing just that much better. good luck and get ready to sell all your other fishing gear because you will get hooked.

[10,000 Casts]

8-9ft Rod, Compre, Bulldawg, Mojo etc. are good rods for the money ($100-$200), I would error a little on the heavy side because you will probably end up throwing bigger baits than you thought and like mentioned a longer heavier rod helps the figure 8.

Calcutta is a great reel, so is the Luna throw some 80 or 100lb test on there, I like Power Pro and Vicious.

Get some 12" flourocarbon leaders, Stealth Tackle is a pretty safe bet, I like them, you can throw any baits with them unless they have a really wide glide, then you need a solid wire leader. 130lb+ and I want them to be tied and crimped.

Long nosed pliers, bolt cutters, mouth spreader and a good large Muskie net is important, you may want to get some gloves, Musky Armour is a decent choice.

Good Pair of polarized dark sunglasses

If I were you, I would make a trip down to Thorne Bros and have them outfit you. I'm not a fan or Marine General and I'm not sure what the Hermantown Gander has for Muskie stuff. It will be worth the trip.

Good Luck!

[rugbymn]

You say you're new to muskie fishing and you need help. I'm already a muskie fisherman and I need help. I wish someone would have had an intervention for me before I ever started.

It will be much less expensive, better for your family life, and arguably better for your health if you take up drugs instead of muskies.

[Fish Head]

You say you're new to muskie fishing and you need help. I'm already a muskie fisherman and I need help. I wish someone would have had an intervention for me before I ever started.

It will be much less expensive, better for your family life, and arguably better for your health if you take up drugs instead of muskies.

Now that's funny right there.

[Stringerless!]

I agree with rugby. Save yourself the frustration and a couple grand and take up catfishing. What I should have done ! All you need for that is some cheap chicken livers, couple lug nuts for weights and lawn chair. Can't forget the cooler. Sounds appealing to me even. Man did I ever go wrong ! Best of luck to you.

[Flag]

It is amazing the Abu Garcia C3 reels have become a thing of the past to even the most experienced muskie anglers as a good first reel to consider to others. For under a hundred bucks, you have one of the most durable reels on the market. As long as you oil them regularly, they perform just as well as the more expensive reels on the market. You can get two C3's for the price of one Calcutta 400 B. Good luck!

[Esox_Magnum]

Todays C3's are not the same as the old ones, todays are at best a disposable....

[pinkfloyd4ever]

You say you're new to muskie fishing and you need help. I'm already a muskie fisherman and I need help. I wish someone would have had an intervention for me before I ever started.

It will be much less expensive, better for your family life, and arguably better for your health if you take up drugs instead of muskies.

funny stuff, but true

+2

[Stringerless!]

+1 esox. I literally have a 5 gallon bucket full of abu garcia that have something or another wrong with em. Have been using the same Diawa millionaire for 20 years and it was used when I bought it ! Just bought 2 new ones. Under $60. Will see how well they hold up.

[Esox_Magnum]

I run 3 Revo Toro's and get a good year out of them between trips to get fixed, luckily I can have that done while I wait... My Calcuttas are also strong reels, used 99% for ripping mag dawgs or bigger and has holed up great for 2 seasons and was well used when I got it...I'm also on the water 100+ days a season after muskies so my gear gets a good work out...

[STP Fisherman]

If you're going to throw double 10s theres no point in getting a cheap Abu. These lures eat up cheap reels, but the cheaper reels are okay for topwaters and jerkbaits in my opinion... Calcutta 400B is an investment you will never regret, solid reel.