Expert Rod Advice

[bobO]

Just wondering if anyone has used any of the med/heavy or heavy action baiting casting IM8 rods from gander MNT. WOuld like to get one for Mainly Northerns but be able to fish big muskie baits as well. Any info will help. Thanks

[bobO]

and info would be greatly appreiated.

[Borch]

I don't have that particular rod. However their rods are good quality and a good value. Plus they stand behind their product with an over the counter replace if any does happen to them. I've been purchasing more of the Gander and Scheels rods for that reason. I've had one break, brought it in and picked out a new one, exchange with no questions asked or receipt required. That's standing behind your product.

For me that's as important as anything.

[bobO]

borch, thanks for the info

[Gus]

I picked up a heavy action IM8 gander rod last year. I don't recall the lure weight rating off the top of my head but it was a bassin heavy not a musky heavy. I planned to do just as you are thinking. Use it as a pike/musky backup rod. Well after throwing a few musky baits I soon realized how this rod was not built for it. It's a great rod and I still use it bass fishing and for pike, but you will have a very hard time trying to throw musky baits with it. It just isn't designed to take a lure that heavy. Pay attention to the lure weight rating and you'll be fine. My suggestion would be to get a rod build for musky lures. You'll be much happier. I know I am now. I had to buy two rods to figure that out though.

Good luck.

[bobO]

Thanks gus, I'll keep my eye on the lure wait, but Im going to get a musky as you suggested. I think I'll get a 6' - 6' 6" in length. I saw some 7' ers but they didn't look as beefy as the shorter ones.

[kslipsinker]

I have two Gander Mountain IM8 medium heavy 6'6"that I use primarily for bass. Boated two muskies last year over 40" with them, so they are pretty strong. They are great for bucktails, but not the best for muskie topwater because the tips are not stiff enough. A heavy IM8 would do that job.

[hitthebricks]

the IM8 is a little bit light for flingin big muskie baits but is fine for heavy rigs where you would need some feel. HTB

[unclejake]

how about a reel for that rod? is a good abu garcia 5500cc a good choice?

[bobO]

Thanks for the advice guys, looks like a 6' or 6.5' heavy action is the way to go.

[bobO]

I was also thinking of getting a heavier combo for trolling for walleyes and notherns. any suggestions???

[unclejake]

I'd go with a heavier 6' or 6.5' baitcasting rod, 3/8 to 1 & 3/8 oz rating, 10 - 25# line rating. I have a 6' fenwick that i really like...but i hear the gander series IM8 rods are nice and I would look into that...because i think you get bang for the buck plus the return policy, etc. i do have an IM8 spinning rod....i like it a lot.

have fun shopping bobO

[bobO]

sounds like you know what your talking about Uncle. I think I'll take your advice on the IM8 rods. now I just have to get a baitcaster real. The salesman at gander tried to sell me a gander guide series real, but I was not impressed.

[unclejake]

i usually pretend i know what i'm talking about...so i'm glad it comes across that way. i use a abu garcia 5500cc, pretty durable, does a good job, and relatively inexpensive (approx. 60 bones)...i would buy another one in a heartbeat.

[bobO]

I was thinking about getting one of those. I think a IM8 and a abu garcia real would do me good. I plan on testing it out up in canada and it should handle the walleyes and some big plus 40" northerns as well.

[unclejake]

YEP..THAT would be a perfect setup for the canada trip then. if you were strictly fishing northern/muskie...you'd probably want a heavier pole...but for trolling shadraps and casting spoons and such...it is a good setup. hope it works out for ya.

[bobO]

Thanks for all the advice Justin, I noticed you live in forest lake, how are the bass hitting in the narrows. Heard muskies are starting to pop as well.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Quote:

---

I don't have that particular rod. However their rods are good quality and a good value. Plus they stand behind their product with an over the counter replace if any does happen to them. I've been purchasing more of the Gander and Scheels rods for that reason. I've had one break, brought it in and picked out a new one, exchange with no questions asked or receipt required. That's standing behind your product.

---

Funny I had the exact opposite happen. I went in with a broken rod, but didnt have the receipt. I showed a worker in the fishing department the rod he didnt know if they could do anything for me so he calls the manager over. He said he can give me $10 off a new rod purchase or some rod he pulled from the back room (6'6" medium casting competitor). My rod was $50! I took the rod because it was worth $20 and didnt want to purchase any more of their rods. I was only 18 at the time, I'm guessing that had something to do with it.