combo for bucktails

[esoxhunter11]

I would like to get another set up for Muskies this spring. Wondering what opinions are for an ideal Bucktail setup. I would like it to be capable of casting/reeling a range of sizes.

Specifics on rod/reel/line would be welcomed.

Thanks for any help

[delmuts]

Are you talking "tens", bigger or?? This will make some difference.

[RuKiddingMe]

I really like my Musky Mayhem 9' Avio rod with the Abu Revo Toro 5.4 gears. With this setup I can throw small tails to big tails and everything in between.

[delmuts]

A 9 ft. for sure, but I was thinking what action he may want to go with.

[Esox_Magnum]

I throw 2 combos, Trinidad 12 for 10's and up, sometimes 8's...Other is a Revo Toro HS for mainly 8's, although does work on bigger and smaller, both are sitting on 9" XH Tackle Industries rods...

[esoxhunter11]

I guess the most versatile. I know there is a big difference between throwing 10's and 8's.

How about just for casting bucktails? That is usually my biggest problem with the set up I got. Especially in the wind.

[Esox_Magnum]

5:4 Toro 9' XH TI rod, if problems casting add a weighted leader....

[401TE]

Calcutta TE and a 9' XH Tackle Industries rod, would be my go to set up for all bucktails if I only got one. I throw everything with that set up and a 8' XH Shimano Compre paired with a Revo Toro 61HS. Only baits I don't throw are BIG rubber, like pounders and bigger.

[Feathers Rainin]

TE or 400D. I threw everything from singles 8's up to super models with the 400D and it worked well.

[tolle141]

I threw everything giant killers and up with my tranx PG. TI 9' XH. Lots of really good reels out there

[delmuts]

+ 1 for Tackle industry rods! He even have telescoping models if storage is a problem. As said. Many good reel choices out there.

[mrklean]

I plan on picking up a TI rod at the muskie show this year now i just need to figure out the reel to pair with it still cant make up my mind

[73h h4x]

+1 for TI rods, though I would recommend the XXH because, why not? I was, to my own disbelief, able to cast showgirls just fine with it.

If you can handle the TranxHG, that would be my vote for reel as well. A lot easier to reel slower on a HG than to burn on a PG or 400TE

As I stated in the low profile reel discussion though, the Curado is my favorite reel I've used. It just can't burn 10s+ like a Tranx

[smeese]

-1 for TI rods....Never been that impressed with em. I like my St. Croix and my G Loomis rods much better. Definately agree a 9 foot rod would be nice. I suggest a 1 piece rod but thats just me. I do agree with almost any reel listed above. Any Toro or the Tranx or the calcutta's you will be pleased with.

[bemidjibasser]

St. Croix 9' big nasty and a tranx pg. not a better combo for throwing bucktails known to man...

[mrklean]

St. Croix 9' big nasty and a tranx pg. not a better combo for throwing bucktails known to man...

Wish i had $700 for a combo

[bemidjibasser]

Ha! Well I built the rod myself and got a good deal on the tranx from a store going out of business. So I have about $550 into the combo...and it's worth every penny!

[tolle141]

St. Croix 9' big nasty and a tranx pg. not a better combo for throwing bucktails known to man...

I'd go as far as to say there isn't a better muskie combo out there.

Smeese - I don't think you can really compare a TI to the performance of a St Croix (Legend Musky) or G Loomis. But value to performance? There's a reason why so many people recommend TI rods. They have a softer tip than St Croix Premiers and I was nervous about that at first, but after using it quite a bit I think it really helps with figure 8 hooksets and loads fantastic on the cast.

[mrklean]

I just picked up a Lexa 400 and got a sweet deal on a used TI saved enough money im gonna get another jerk bait/top water combo

[bemidjibasser]

mrklean- What Lexa 400 did you get? Have you had a chance to cast it at all?

[mrklean]

Got the 5.1 with the power handle I was a little worried about the 6.3 with bigger baits so I went with the 5.1. Haven't casted it yet not till June

[MuskieFever]

I currently use a TI XXH 9' tele rod with a NaCl 60 5.4 And love it. Power handle makes a hugeeee difference. I can get big blades moving fast and for lighter baits if you just let out more line to help preload the rod you can throw small bucktails easy with a XXH. Can't beat TI for the price, great guy to deal with.

[Ice Wolf]

For buck tails but not With #10 blades my combo is 7'6" Shimano. 3/4 - 2 oz. reel Abu Garcia record 60 with power handle. 5.3:1 gears. 80lb power pro. I stay with the shorter rod for ease of netting a fish by my self. With this rod you have a large range of lure size you can use from smaller slop masters to rad dogs and buck tails with up to #8 Colorado blades with out back lashes when casting into the wind.

Icewolf

[esoxhunter11]

Thanks for all the info, I think I got it narrowed down a little bit. Now I just have to try to get a deal at the Muskie Expo.

One more question, I see a lot of people going to a 7:1 gear ratio. I know you can really burn bucktails with that but what are the cons? I was thinking of going to a 6.6:1.

Any info on that would be appreciated.

[mrklean]

Gonna burn your arms out with those high ratios