Equipment Recommendations

[duckster]

Hey guys. I am avid crappie and walleye fisherman but have never really targeted big Northerns and Muskies. Well I tried it a couple of years ago with a friend and would like to get into it. Could you guys give me an idea of what I should be looking at for a rod and reel? I would assume that I should go with a casting outfit but what about rod size, reel size, favorite brands, etc. I would like to get set up to fish with some quality equipment without breaking the bank. I have looked at cabelas and was kind of overwhelmed with the choices and prices. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[jeffro]

Reel: Abu Garcia 5500 C3 - You should be able to find one for around $70 and will last a long time.

Rod: Brand would depend on how much you want to spend i buy St Croix rods but Gander and Cabela's have decent rods for alot less $$$. Get at least a 7 foot rod heavy action and it will be very versitle.

[RuKiddingMe]

I don't own one myself but i have heard good things about the Pete Mania combo's available at Bass Proshops, reasonably priced and pretty good quality. Might not be a bad starting place for you...

Welcome to the sick world of Muskies...

RU

[Jim Hudson]

Yeah, the Pete Mania combos are really nice and have been time tested by Mr. Mania himself. The rods come in a bunch of sizes where each length and action are labeled for specific uses. And the reels come in two gear ratio's, a 5:2:1 for your bucktails, jerk baits, etc and a 4:2:1 for your bigger cranks, bucktails, etc. So it is pretty easy to put together a good combo(s) for whatever you want a rod and reel to do. Also, the reels come with two different reel handles and a clicker.

I have two of these combo's myself, an 8 footer and a 7'2. I paired the 8 footer with a 5:2:1 reel for throwing bucktails, small cranks, jerk baits, and top water. Where the 7'2 is paired with a 4:2:1 where it works great when I am throwing my huge cranks or big plastics like a bull dawg. Personally, I like a longer rod, but you can go with 7' or 6'6" depending on what you like. But I would definately recommend one of these set-ups, they are the real deal.

[CodyDawg]

I would call or stop in to Thorne Bros. They are the muskie experts and will set up anyone according to their experience level and thickness of their wallet.

[duckster]

Hey guys, thanks for the info on Musky equipment.I'll have to check with the finance ministry but hopefully will be able to put some equipment together. Thanks again,

Duckster