Walleye reel for the Musky guy?

[Random guy]

Ok, heres the deal; I have a couple of semi heavy/fast St.Croix Walleye rods that I use for flipping and working musky jigs topped of with 5600 Abus and 65lb line.

From time to time I have the opportunity to go walleye fishing and I thought instead of buying a couple of new rod/reel combos to replace the ones that got stole last to fish Walleye a few times a year I could switch reels out for walleye.

So what type of cheaper baitcaster style walleye reels do you guys think I should get my hands on? How I look at it I want to be able to flip jigs and cast smaller crankbaits without going to a openfaced reel, I truly do not like using a spinning reel. Plus these reels will most like be taken of the rods once musky opens up and not go back on until the next year.

Any ideas?

P.S. I'm buying one tonight.

[Jay R]

Hey Jon,

Just go with the ABU 5500 or 6500 cheap % wise compared to your other baitcasting reels you have mentioned in your line up on other posts in the musky forum

Great to meet you last week. Thanks again

Jay

[jerkin'm]

I really like the Daiwa Procaster 100...it's about 60 bucks and for the money, can't be beat IMO...

[Bushwacker]

Jon,

I would really suggest getting a low-profile baitcaster with a flipping switch. I am mainly a bass/muskie guy, but I go walleye fishing time to time and my bass reels with flipping switches work perfect for pulling bottom bouncers and other rigging for walleyes, because you can use one hand to release line instead of have to release line and then re-engage the spool with the other hand every time. A little thing, but it makes a diffence if you are fishing all day. Also, a low profile reel works well for casting walleye size cranks and pitching jigs. The Quantum Accurist is the reel I use for walleye fishing, but there are many nice reels with flipping switches available.

[gspman]

An ABU 5500 or 6500 won't be able to cast smaller cranks very well which is one of Petro's requirements. Too much mass on the spool means a small lure won't produce enough inertia to get the spool rotating at a high speed which means your casting distance will be minimal. To have any chance of doing that you're going to need a small spooled low-profile baitcaster with a "super-free" design. IMHO you'll be spending over $100 for something like that to get decent quality. But without the right rod you're still SOL. A stiff heavy action rod will not give you the snap you need to get that lure going and the spool turning. The old Curado 100b would be right up your alley coupled with a 7' or longer M or ML rod.

I think a spinning reel with a 7'+ ML rod would work best to cast small, light cranks. Either that or just get one for trolling and forget about casting cranks.

[Random guy]

When I got home I looked closer at those rods and relized they are St. Croix Premiers 6'6" Med. I shopped around and kept in mind the cost factor and came across the ABU 1003LP. Low pro, cheap ($40) and they fit my hand. I think they should work out ok. Remember I am the worst walleye fisherman ever and I don't do it very much so they should be fine. I did take on outside with a jig and I was able to pitch it with some accuracy. A lighter rod and spinning combo would be better but I'm happy with this set-up.

[Northlander]

John that set up will be fine. Could be a decent jigging, rigging, light bouncers and bobber rod. Not great for all but will do nicely for as often as you will be using it.