Musky Rods

[mahannah]

I'm new to Musky fishing and looking to make an investment in some gear so I can be properly equiped. Can some recommend an all-around musky rod for a newbie to get started. What length? Do I want a MH or H action? Also I was planning to use a Abu 5600 that I picked up last year on hsolist. Will this work for Musky action?

[delmuts]

check back in the older posts. there was a decussion on rods that mite be helpfull. del

[cliffy]

It seems the trend is towards longer rods with more flexablity. This helps fight the fish up close..keeping pressure on the hook-set..etc. I also think longer rods that have more flex allow you to cast further..etc. Most of muskie my rods run between 7'6 and 8'0.

With that being said, you can spend anywhere between 50.00 and 400.00 dollars on different brands/models of rods....I guess it all depends on your budget.

I have two rods that are good all around set ups. One is the St.Croix 7'2 premier series..I think it was 135.00 if I remember correctly. The other is a G.Loomis 7'9 bucktail rod...that rod was a little more spendy then the St.Croix. Even though the St.Croix rod is short than I like, it still performs very well. Both rods are worth looking at if they fall into your budget. If, not, there are a ton of very good rods on the market that are under 100.00 bucks. I am sure that other forum members will have several suggestions.

The reel you mentioned should work. All my reels are Abu Garcia and I have not had any problems. I prefer the larger 6500 series...but that is me. The topic of which muskie reel is best has been beat up on this forum in the past. Lots of great information can be found if you search past postings. Good luck.

[Derf]

The 5600 reel you have will work just fine for muskie fishing. Put a layer of electrical tape around the spool (to keep the line from spinning on the spool) and fill it up with any of the new superbraids in 65# test or higher. Tuff Line, Power Pro and Cortland Spectron are all very good lines.

As for the rod..... for an all purpose rod of good quality it is hard to beat the St. Croix Premier 7'6" model. It will handle a good variety of baits and is a good quality rod. A little less expensive rod that I like is the Gander Mountain Guide Series IM8 series in 7'6" and also 8'. These rods can be bought for around $90.00.

Make sure you have the proper tools to deal with a muskie when you get one. You will need a big quality net, Hookouts, long nose pliers, jaw spreaders, a good quality hook cutters (Knipex) and a camera.

Good luck,

Derf

[Trailblazin]

My vote goes to the St Croix 7'2" MH Premier. I believe it is rated fior 1/2-2 1/2 oz lures. You'll be able to throw all day with this stick....If you are a taller than 6'2", a 7'6" rod may be appropriate. Feel them out for yourself!

[muskyman313]

I would agree with DERF. The best rod on the market today for the price has to be the Gander Mountain Guide series. I have 3 of them and like them better than the 2 St. Croix rods that I have, but that is just my opinion.

[JohnMickish]

About a month or so ago I picked up a Shakespere IM8 musky rod for $20 on close out at the Gander Mountain in I think it's Maplewood. It's no G. Loomis but hey, a $20 musky rod is a heck of a deal. They might still have one, call around. It's a nice 6'9" heavy action. I should have bought them all. Good place to start.

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It still beats workin'

[BIG]

On 9-14-04, I noticed Gander Mtn. guide series musky rods were $10 off...prices range from $49 to $79 (before discount)...should be good enough to get started musky fishing............

[bucktailsam]

I like the St. Croixs. I would get a 7-8 ft MH rod. St. Croix rods also have a lifetime warrenty which can really comein handy. Ive had to send in at least 2 of mine and they will replace the part or just give you a brand new rod.

[Lost]

I'm very happy with my 7' Gander Mountain Guide Series MH rod.

[Trailblazin]

While I like my Croix's, I do have one Gander musky rod that I never knew I had.

Its a 6'6" MH, a little short, but perfect for my brother in-law who is a little short stack and great for friends to use when learning to fish. I swore it was Croix...Who knew.....Guess I didn't since I never use it!

[Big G]

I primarily use Gander rods, just because you don't need the super-sensitive graphite of the Croix....

However, a draw back.........

The Gander rods have a metal tip eye-let. I broke one this summer, by hitting my leader swivel against it, burning bucktails.

So, I go to Gander and get a new eyelet put on, and they wreaked the rod tip. I had to cut off 3 inches and put a new tip, myself on. The graphite on the tip is cheaper than what you get with the Croixs........

But, my now 7' MH is a 6'9".........Same difference..........

[Mr Special]

I'm a big fan of Galyan's rods and service. I own a few of there rods, starting with the lower line IM5 3yr warranty to there top line HMG40 5yr warranty and with Fujgi guides. I've broken a few tips and even a rod in half. They have replaced my tips and rod with no questions asked.