How Important Is Lure Weight Rating When Considering A Muskie Rod?

[HuskerTornado]

This year will be my first as far as targeting Muskie. I'm looking through many rods and will see a rod I like (7' H for instance) but the lure weight rating may only be up to 1 1/4 oz. I have a 10" Believer that I know is larger than that and I don't want to snap the rod casting it, but I also don't want to be fishing with an XH surf board.

[guideman]

If you plan on throwing a lot of large baits, you will need the right tools for the job. Most of my

rods are used for a specific purpose, however you

need a rod that can handle mutiple tasks. I would look for a 7.6 heavy that can handle 2 1/2 to 3oz baits. That should do the job for most baits that you will be throwing, most of the time.

"Ace"

[J-Hawk]

What is a good length for topwater/jerkbait muskie rod? I was also considering an all purpose rod but figure these are the presentations that I will use most. Thanks

[HuskerTornado]

Yeah, for year 1, I'll just be throwing Bucktails (ranging in sizes), buzzbaits, and some medium sized lures. The 10" Believer is the largest bait I have, and I want something that will toss that around all day, but still have the fishibility to go back to a 3/4-1 oz Bucktail if need be.

If I really get into it, then next year, I'll go buy different combos for different applications (much like I have for Bass, Walleye, and Panfish)....

[traveler]

Husker; last year was the first year I fished muskies to any extent, but rod advice is fairy universal. What you're asking is a lot like trying to slip bobber fish and jig for wayyeyes with the same rod, only more so. It just ain't gonna work well. My biggest lure is also a 10 inch believer (they obviously catch novice muskie fishermen!) and a rod that will comfortably throw bucktails all day is just not even close to ideal for chunking that big believer. You can lob it OK, thats about it. I sggest you settle for that for now; buy the rod that is WELL suited to the style you re most comfortable with now, (that was bucktails for me as well), do the best you can with the other lures. When you decide to buy another setup add a good short, heavy rod. Much as you may not want one, the short, stiff 5-5 1/2 footers are MUCH better for topwater and jerkbaits and if you keep fishin muskies you'll end up with one. I have kind of settled into 3 rods now, the shorty, the "all around" I started with and don't use much now, and 7 footer with a lighter tip that makes throwing bucktails a breeze. My .02 cents

[Scoot]

Muskie rods and fisherman have made pretty substantial changes in the past neumber of years. With the advent of superline not too many serious muskie guys still go with a 5'6" pool cue. I'd suggest thinking longer- minimum of 7'. I agree with the previous post regarding making one tool fit all your needs but I understand that if you're getting started it's not practical to buy three set ups right away. I'd suggest a 7'6" medium heavy rod with some bend in the tip- probably not a slow action, but not extrafast either. Also, something with a wider diameter at the base of it so you have a good meaty rod that will give you a feeling power!

Good luck!

[SteveWilson]

I went through that delema last fall. Over the winter I built a couple of Muskie rods, one a 7'3" for lures between 3/4 oz and 2 oz and a 7' rod for lures between 1 1/2oz and 8 oz. I'll see how they work in a few weeks !

[HuskerTornado]

I got a 7' MH Shimano rod this past winter for 1/2 off at this specialty store I go to. It was a great price and I couldn't let it go. It'll handle up to 1oz. So I suppose that will be my bucktail rod. But that won't handle the 10" Believer.

I haven't picked up a reel yet, but I'm looking at a number of different reels for that.

Most likely, I'll pick up a reel for that, then a H-XH rod with another reel before June as well.

Some stores are clearancing out the Calcutta's to make room for the Calcutta B's this year. That could be a good pickup.

Traveler, about the Believer, I know what you mean. I was in Scheels (a big sports store) back in December and got to talking to this guy that's big into Muskie fishing and he goes up to Leech lake all the time. He recommended the 10"er. I would have probably gone with the 8"er, but he seemed excited about the larger bait for the time I'm going to Leech.

[Lost]

I bought a Guide Series muskie rod... handles 1 oz to 3 oz lures. It does well with spinners. Not sure how it will handle the larger, bulkier baits. Hoping to get it tested for those this summer.

[wisconsinfish]

I take a lot of beginners fishing and let them pick from my rods. Most of them like the 7'6" St. Croix with Abu 5500c3. I used one for many years as my only rod, and does fairly well. However if you are shorter, you may want a different rod. It also can depend on what type of boat you are fishing out of. You definatley want one heavier than an once and a half if casting jerk or crank baits.