Shopping recommendations

[TJ2]

I've recently become a new member of fishing Minnesota and I'm impressed with the amount of information you guys have posted. My brain is about to explode!

I plan on purchasing my first muskie gear (rod/reel/line/lures/net/etc) before the big trip over July 4. I know Cabela's and Thorne Bros are popular stores for gear but I'm interested in knowing if you guys have any other suggestions. Gear can get expensive (understatement I know) and I'd like to do some bargain shopping. If anyone has any other advice on this big purchase let me know.

My primary lake is Vermilion (West End) if you have any tips.

Thanks in advance!

[RuKiddingMe]

Some suggestions:

Reel - Tough to beat an Abu 6500 C3 or C4, quite the work horse for the money.

Rod - Gander's branded rods are prety solid for the money, you'll realize soon enough you'll want some Croix or some other top notch Brand and then you can use the cheaper one's for you fishing guests.

Lures - Most of us use typically only use a dozen or so of the 100's we have. Start out with 2 inline spinners, 2 spinnerbaits, 4 lipped cranks (2 deep/2 shallow), 4 pull baits (2 up and down/2 side to side) and can't for get the topwater, get yourself a couple or more (too much fun) prop and walk the dog style.

MOST IMPORTANTLY - do not skimp on the release tools, Big Net, Mini-Bolt Cutters, Pliers, Jaw Spreaders, maybe some gloves, a tape measure and the Camera.

Go out and have some fun. Beware it truely is a very ugly sickness.

Definetly check out HSOList huge bargins out there if you do your homework, custom bait are fun too.

RU

[TurnUpTheFishing]

Dont skimp on leaders at all!

Learned the hard way today. I bought some South Bend titanium 60lb test leaders thought they would do the job, I was wrong. I caught a musky unhook the fish and drop a spinnerbait I made myself into the water only to find out the snap had come undone and I just lost my lure. Very next cast Im throwing a swim bait, get a nice hit, set the hook, nothing, the leader broke! A 60lb leader broke! My freind who I was fishing with also had the same brand leader on and lost a bucktail and half the leader on a backlash.

[10,000 Casts]

cabelas, Thorne Bros, Reeds, Gander, Scheels.... They are all bout the same when it comes to price. 6500 c3 for $65 is hard to beat for the quality and price for a person that fishes less than once a week. RU is right about the Gander Guide Series rods, just make sure you get the IM7 or IM8. I have 2 IM8's and they are light, sensitive and have pretty good actions. IM8=$79 Im7=$69 (make sure you get a heavy because it is better for all around use and hook sets) I suggest a 6'6" for a first muskie rod because they are long enough for cranks and bucktails yet not too long for jerkbaits. Shimano Compre is another good starter for about $100. I like power pro line, 150 yds of 65lb for $15. (just make sure that who ever puts it on the reel uses mono backing)the line will last you about 4 years if you alternate ends every year. I agree on the lure choices that RU gave you but I can't make suggestions on brands and colors because I have never fished Vermillion. Saving money can be tough in muskie fishing.... I personally would gladly pay a little more for some solid advice. Most of the sales in the big stores won't be untill the end of the year or the end of winter when new models come out. I personally don't shop on hsolist because of the hassle and it is tough to know what you are getting.

[delmuts]

just a note for bargin priced lures; don't over look garage sales!! you may be amazed at what you find some times and the prices are cheap!

[LunkerBaitCo]

First, RU gives good advice. Second, Thornes gives good advice. Third, if you are looking to keep costs down, I have a used rod & reel I was thinking about selling which I may part with...you will discover you NEED 3-5 rod reel combo's in this sport to make your time on the water more efficient and enjoyable. If you're interested drop me a line.

[WadeSt]

Lunker - I to am trying to get into Muskie hunting!

[Note from admin: Please read forum policy before posting again. Thanks much]

[hanson]

Hey TJ2-

Welcome to FishingMinnesota.com! Feel free to drill these guys for info! There are some top notch muskie anglers here and you've come to the right place.

[Slyster]

FLEET FARM!

I priced out a replacement Minn-Kota prop... $44 at Joe's and $25 at Fleet Farm.. same prop.

Fleet Farm has a surprising amount of fishing stuff (Joe's didn't even have weighted tube hooks) so check them out.

[AWH]

Lots of good advice here so far. If you're looking for bargain prices, you can't beat Musky Tackle Online for their prices on lures. Just do a Google search with those 3 words and it'll be your first one. Buy a handful of baits from them and you'll be getting free shipping as well.

Aaron