New To Muskies

[basscrazy]

I was just wondering if someone could give me a good list of what rod length/size to use with each type of lures. thxz

[RuKiddingMe]

To get a good idea og what type of rod to use for the different baits, St.Croix Rods HSOforum has a good rod selection tool, you may want to try that out. Otherwise I'm sure there will be some more reposnses to this to help you along.

[basscrazy]

thanks that helps, one more question. I have a 7'6" st.croix premier, is it worth spending the extra money and getting the avid series?

[RuKiddingMe]

I don't have a premier, only an Avid, but I hear alot of guys like that the premiers more... I think it's all a preference thing and where or not you can/want to dump the extra c-note...

RU

[basscrazy]

yea thats my main problem i dont have the cash to drop on an avid series but i do like that the avid have lifetime guaranty and not 2 years like the premiers. Is there an outstanding preformance difference between the two?

[Scoot]

There is definitely a performance difference between the two in terms of specs of the blank. I think the difference may (or may not) be noticable to the feel of a jig fisherman chasing walleyes. However, I don't think that applies very well to muskie fishing. I'd suggest saving the $$$ and getting the premier. Just my opinion.

[basscrazy]

that prolly what ill do since i can almost buy 2 musky premiers for the price of one avid

[minniwinni91]

it depends were you live but thorne bro's is what I would tell you for your muskie needs

[EYEHUNTER10]

How bout a reel? I don't fish muskies mainly eyes after opener but I have vowed to hit Miltona, Lobster, and oscar this year. I need a baitcaster with a huge spool on it with a line counter for long line trolling eyes, could this double as a muskie setup??

[WMRP Member]

The best muskie setup for the money in my opinion is a Gander Mountain IM8 series rod at about $70. I would suggest a rod somewhere from 7' to 8' in the heavy action. These rods are extremely nice, well built, and lightweight and will handle big fish no problem. I have boated several skies over 50 inches and from 30-40lbs using them. Rig it with an Abu Garcia 5000 reel from Walmart for about $35 and spool it up with one of the newer lines like Cortland Spectron, Power Pro or Tuff Line. Be sure to use high quality leaders, snaps etc... Other MUST HAVE items include quality: hookouts, mouth spreaders, bolt cutters, and a large landing net. If you go muskie fishing with out any one of these items you are asking for BIG TROUBLE sooner or later when dealing with muskies.

[waltinader]

I would get a 7 foot heavy. There great for long casts and the best jerk baits.

[Muskydanno]

My vote also goes for the gander series of rods. Excellent bang for the buck.The IM7 series looks and feels like a St. Croix premier series blank to me. These rods can handle anything a big fish can dish out.I like the longer rods myself like the 7-1/2 footers and have even been using them for jerk baits. Like WMRP said, Large net , hookouts, mouth spreader and a bolt cutter are a must to insure your safety and the fishes.

[planenut]

Quote:

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yea thats my main problem i dont have the cash to drop on an avid series but i do like that the avid have lifetime guaranty and not 2 years like the premiers. Is there an outstanding preformance difference between the two?

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I'm not sure of the prices of musky rods but the St.Croix rods I picked up at factory in Park Falls are 1/2 price (new) than what you would pay for them at gander,sheels or sportsman's warehouse. If you have the time make a run to the factory and take the tour on how there made. Saved me $500 on 8 rods. I picked up an Avid AS90mhf2 for steelhead for $180, great deal