Please Don't Laugh-

[CanoeCruiser]

But are the Combo's from Cabela's worth a look? I rarely target muskie and thus don't really consider a Loomis or a St. Croix muskie rod a cost-effective investment (For now, anyway!).

A Abu Garcia® 6600 CB Fish Eagle® II Muskie Combo with the 7 1/2 foot rod (3/4 - 2 Oz lures.)is what I was looking at.

Most of the muskies I have encountered have been while bass/pike fishing, so I imagine I would have this rig spooled up with 20 lb test, a 30 pound wire leader and be throwing a big topwater/spinner.

I have a hookout, boltcutter and was thinking of a purchasing a cradle for large ones (I know, I'm an optimist!). I also own a salmon sized net for anything under 40 inches or so...

CC

[TBone1]

That will work for you, but spool it with 50 or 65 # Power Pro line and a good leader. Some people scoff at the idea of 50# line and opt for 80# , but I have yet to have a problem with 50#. I also like to use 80 or 100# flourocarbon leaders for bucktail and crankbaits. Flouro doesn't kink and holds up well. I have never used a cradle but do use a large Beckman net and it works well especially if I'm alone and hookup w/ a pig. Cruiser all that you need now is a few Honey B's for bucktails cranks jerks and topwaters and your set. Do you plan on fishing ski's out of your canoe?

[Esoxmn]

That should work fine but go with at least 65lb superline of some sort.

[CanoeCruiser]

Chuckle....I actually did hook into a 43" on Harriet two years ago in my canoe, while fishing for bass! That was a fairly memorable experience...

But, the muskie rod will be living in my Lund Fisherman, for the most part, I have no desire to target 40 inch plus fish in the canoe. Even if I 'could' boat 'em, I'm afraid the fish would either beat itself to death thrashing around or tear me up! The Harriet 'ski was hooked in the corner of it's mouth on a spinnerbait, so a fast tape, and a twist with the hookout and off she went....

Last dumb question- 50 LB test? I'm fairly competent in both fresh and saltwater and that seems a bit heavy... is there something I'm missing?

Thanks TBone1 and esoxmn! I know I know next to nothing about muskies...

CC

[cybermuskie]

You can use 36lb dacron if ya want. No it doesn't NEED to be that heavy, I just think guys like extra insurance of heavier lines, plus the new lines still cast as good even if they are a heavy line. I landed a 52 1/4 incher on 36 dacron and had no problems. It's all personal preference IMO.

[muskieboy46]

You definently dont need to go with 80lb line

i personally use 50lb only cause i like the braided line and cant stand using smalled diameter line then the 50lb braided.

If you want to use mono probably need 20-30.

before i was really into muskie fishing i caught a 46 and a 48 inchers on 14pound mono and a light action rod. But i think you stand a better chance with 20-30.

muskieboy

[CanoeCruiser]

Thanks for the clarification, everyone!

[RuKiddingMe]

I think you all are right, 50# - 65# is plenty, and that is all I used to use, but I tried some 80# and won't go back to the 65# because I like the diameter of the 80#, little thicker and packs on the reel better IMHO.

My line preference is Power Pro, seems to retain the least amount of water.

RU

[CanoeCruiser]

Sold!

I'm really comfortable with the diameter of most 12# mono on my casting rigs, so I'll most likely spool up with 50# Powerline (Same diameter.), just to make things a bit simpler for my thumb (Which is used to 8 - 12# mono.).

I haven't used PowerPro before, but I've seen enough in these and other forums to know that I'll need backing on the reel to prevent slippage, so will go for some 12# mono for backing.

I really do want to thank everyone for NOT laughing, and for all the good advice!

CC

[half2fish]

another reason to use heavy equipment is so you dont tire out the fish too much so it gets exhusted(sp) and die on you.

[delmuts]

one of the main reasons many of us have gone to the 80# braid is that some of the guys have had trouble with the smaller dia. cutting it self when casting lures.

[Crankbait_Guy]

I casted off 5 bucktails last fall on 50# powerpro. But for some reason I don't feel as comfortable with anything heavier than 65#.

[hoggs222]

I have the exact same combo from Cabelas, Abu 6600 with the 7'6" heavy fishing eagle II rod. Got it for $120 ($140 with shipping). It's a really nice rod & reel combo for the money!

[CaptainMusky]

It isn't the # test of the superlines that is important, but rather the thickness. Sure 36# dacron is MORE than enough, but the real reason it is because of the diameter. If you use a superline and use anything LESS than 50# you are begging for trouble. Not only will you have more problems with backlashes, but when you do, you will likely suffer broken line and lost the lure as mentioned previously.

I have had decent success with Whiplash. Tuf Plus is the absolute worst line, PERIOD! The new XP is supposed to be better, but after being burnt on Plus, they are not getting me back. Power Pro has a loyal following, but again, any of these lines should be a minimum of 65# because the diameter is thin, I have 100# whiplash on one rod, not because I am worried about a World Record, but it casts nice and doesn't bind up in the spool. 80# is a perfect all around line.

Thicker is better, if you are using superlines you definitely want the higher # test.

[shamalex72]

Do they still make whiplash? I used it a few years back and liked it, but then didn't see it around anymore. Now I use 80# power pro.

[waltinader]

Id go with a 50 lb leader with 30-50 lb line. When you get a monster on you want to get him in with out breaking your line.

[CaptainMusky]

Yeah, Berkley and all their intelligence has stopped making Whiplash. You can still find it around though. My favorite line was Ultramax, but they stopped making that 5 years ago.

Power Pro will be my next line of choice. Starting to run out of options, but there is nothing wrong with Power Pro.

[mudman]

another imporant reason for the heavy gear is to allow the angler to play the fish QUICKLY and try not to wear it out. the faster you can get them in and let them go the better