Can't decide on a new muskie rod set-up.

[esoxrocks01]

Since I'm starting to upgrade my muskie setup, I'm looking to buy a Shimano Calcutta CTB400 reel and a St. Croix Mojo Musky rod. Problem is, I can't decide on what rod length or power to settle on. I want to throw double cowgirls, big swimbaits, and regular-sized musky lures and topwaters. Basically, an all-around rod. What would you guys recommend me?

[RuKiddingMe]

You are going to get a lot of comments here about getting a T.I. musky rod instead. I would stick to your guns or maybe even up the ante and get a little high end rod that really can handle most baits well - not perfect but well. I have had bad luck with the TI rods - stripped out handles, mostly broken eyes on the rod it's self - now the one's I do have are on nothing but fall sucker duty.

If you are stuck on the Croix Mojo - and want to throw pounders at all - I would go 8'6" XH and that will even be a little lite for pounders, if you are only going to throw swimbaits as big as a Mag Dawg you should be able to use the 8'6" H just fine and still allow yourself to throw lighter/smaller bucktails fairly well.

Again a do all rod is very difficult to find but something that does both ends of the bait size spectrum decently is doable.

Now my personal opinion would be to up the ante a little - options get considerably better also - the St Croix LT series Thornes Customs and few more - personally I love my Musky Mayhem Aviao 9' H - there aren't many baits in my box I won't throw with it - I feel for me it's been the best "all around" rod - like it so much I picked up a second.

Again this is all just my opinion and only worth about $0.02...

[dan z]

I have 2 TI rods and they have served me well mine are both 8'6" with the screw handles.ones rated for 8-36oz and the other 4-12oz.if you have troubles the service is pretty good. Hood buy IMO.

[mrklean]

You are going to get a lot of comments here about getting a T.I. musky rod instead. I would stick to your guns or maybe even up the ante and get a little high end rod that really can handle most baits well - not perfect but well. I have had bad luck with the TI rods - stripped out handles, mostly broken eyes on the rod it's self - now the one's I do have are on nothing but fall sucker duty.

James has a no questions asked lifetime warranty on the T.I. rods pretty tough to beat that. I have a 9' XH and love it can pretty much anything from single blade bucktails to pounders to topwaters.

[MuskieFever]

Can't go wrong with the companies listed. I personally use T.I. myself and like it. As far as rod length, the longer the better. Since I've gone 9' I can't use my other rods. Easier to figure 8, more casting leverage, and you move more line when pumping a swimbait.

[RuKiddingMe]

James with Tackle Industries is a great guy very prompt and helpful (one of kind in this business) and very good to work with - I have worked with him plenty on the rods and some other stuff, obviously they are a great product and have a HUGE following, that alone speaks volumes. If I ever get a bug in my rear or have a need to figure out how to replace the rod eyes on my own I will definitely bring them back to life.

Only thing to consider in rod length and keep in mind I LOVE the 9 footers, until I slap on a glide bait or WTD topwater - this is where my trusty OLD 8' H St.Croix Premier shines, the shorter rod and softer tip helps get the action (insert adult joke here) I like out of these baits.

[Esox_Magnum]

Also use TI rods. 1 9' and 2 telescoping 9'. I do also own GLoomis and a TB custom predator but the rods in my boat are the TI and the Loomis. Wife bought me the loomis or it wouldn't be in the rotation. Predator hasn't seen the boat in almost 2 seasons.

[MuskieFever]

Also use TI rods. 1 9' and 2 telescoping 9'. I do also own GLoomis and a TB custom predator but the rods in my boat are the TI and the Loomis. Wife bought me the loomis or it wouldn't be in the rotation. Predator hasn't seen the boat in almost 2 seasons.

Any reason for not using the pred? Just curious because I've always heard they are unreal.

[Esox_Magnum]

Just prefer the TI rods. Fit and balance fit me and can buy 3 TI for what I paid for my Predator. And if one breaks James has excellent warranty where as my Predator only had 1 year... Granted it is a nice rod but not $250 nicer than my TI rods. I use and abuse them. They stay in the boat out in the yard from May till April and normaly used about 30 to 40 hours a week from May till at least Thanksgiving...

[B-man715]

You can muskie fish 40 hours a week for the whole season?? Holy moly

[Esox_Magnum]

Yea I live 3 miles from the nearest muskie lake... weekends normaly are at least 12 most times 16 hour days. 4 hours 3 or 4 nights after work plus weekends add up fast. ...

[hamms-scooter]

Sounds fun to me!

[tolle141]

+2 on the TI's. I have 9' XH's which throw everything through mag dawgs just great. I would take a long, hard look at the new Daiwa Lexa 400's. Time will tell if they're anywhere near as bulletproof as a 400B, but after 3 weeks my Tranx and Curado 300E hardly see any water time. Cowgirls and up I'd get the low-gear, power version. I have a 6.3:1 because I already have a Tranx PG

[mrklean]

That is my exact setup Lexa 400 with power handle and a 9' XH TI