Three or Four Starter Rods?

[TMF89]

Hey guys, I know a lot about fishing in general, and quite a bit about muskies, but I'm set on getting serious this year, so could you guys reccomend three or four rods/reels? I know you obviously use different rods for different baits/lures, but I'm not positive what goes with what. Any tips? Thanks for the help!!!

[Rebel9921]

You could always do what I did... Sit in front of the computer... look through the bulletin board page by page... see something I like, hit shift and the mouse button at the same time so that page would open up in other window... then go back and search some more... there are mannnnnnnny advices, hints, tips, n etc you would discover if you did that... no point for everybody to repeat everything they said ten times... even though I've found repeat posting by RK regarding the flourocarbon leaders maybe 4-5 times now... and occasional "PINK" from Jon P... the way Jon P gets excited about PINK, I cant help but imagine some beautiful muskie's swimming around in Lake X with this PINK tutu....

[TMF89]

I could... but I plan on only asking this question once, not three or four times. It'd just be more convienant to get a few quick replies on this, than to search through dozens of pages, and hundreds of posts, to find the information I'm looking for. I'm not trying to spam the forums, I just have a few quick questions to ask. Also, I've seen plenty of threads for rods and reels, but no real comprehensive thread on them, they're all just individual "have you tried this rod/reel" and "what's your favorite?" threads.

[Rebel9921]

well, but imagine all the infos you could pick up doing that... as far as Muskie fishing goes, a few questions is never enough... never know there are some topics you could answer to... never know theres something you never thought of... its all about helping each other out too...

[TMF89]

I know... that's why I asked this question

[Tippman]

I would get a Gander Mtn muskie rod as a starter rod. Very good rods for the money. St. Croix Premier would be another option.

[Random guy]

Take a look at the musky book thread, I threw an idea out there about to get some of those questions taken care of. As for rods, go cheap until until you find what you like. Some guys like 6' rods and some guys like 8' rods, some want to be buried with ther Abu reels and others know why Calcuttas are colored gold. The musky/pike world has about 1,000 options. Talk to the guides and try out a few rods before you start dumping money in it and end up converting bedrooms into tackle rooms with stuff you bought but don't really like.

[TMF89]

Money isn't an option, the 20% discount at Gander (I work in the fishing department) takes care of that . I probably shouldn't be asking against Guide Series, considering my employer, but are they really decent enough, or should I just up it to St. Croix? Also, I was wondering about sizes/actions? I know that you use a different rod to troll than you do to cast bucktails than you do to use jerkbaits, but I'm not sure what goes for what? I have ideas, but you guys know more.

[MuskieMojoTackle]

Buy 1 or 2 St Croix Premier 7'6" MH Fast and you will be set. That is a great all around rod.

If you think you will be trolling pick up a glass catfish rod (around $20-$30) with a decent linecounter reel and you are set.

You will get alof of different opinions on reels, but if I were starting out I would grab a couple 6500C3's and call it good.

No need to start with a bunch of rods right away. You can throw just about anything with the 7'6" MH.

[AWH]

Great advice by Luke. I've been musky fishing for almost 20 years now and have been running with 6500C3s for the entire time. I finally upgraded one of my reels this year for the first time. Not out of need, but out of wanting to see what I've been missing, if anything. The 6500s have served me very well. I work my reels very hard and usually need to have work done on a couple of them by the end of the year. But it's normal wear and tear. A very good value for a reel under $100.

The St. Croix Premiers are very nice rods. I run two different ones as my main rods. A 7-6 MH and a 6-9 H. My third rod is my designated bulldawg rod, an XH 8 footer, Bass Pro Shops Pete Maina rod. Those 3 rods meet every need I have over the course of the year.

Aaron

[TMF89]

Question, why are bulldawgs special enough to have their own rods? Everyone on here seems to have his own bulldawg rod, aren't they just jerkbaits? And what poles do you use for what type of fishing? Thanks!

[AWH]

I didn't like throwing bulldawgs until I found the right rod to use with them. I've found they just cast lot easier and are easier to work with the 8 footer. It was amazing what a difference it made. Once I feel the "need" to get another rod, it will likely be another 8 footer. This one for throwing bucktails, cranks and some top waters.

Aaron

[TMF89]

I'm sure I'll have to throw one to see what you mean. What about my other questions? I'll probably go out and buy a 7'6, and I already have a 6'9-11 (forgot lol), so which rod should I use for what?

[cjac]

$15 rebate from Abu on the C3s makes it a pretty good deal.

Looking at what I've sold/upgraded this year, error on the longer side than shorter. Personal preference to an extent, but I've lost fish that I may not have on a longer rod, which would have stayed "loaded up" better. Superlines have changed a lot with regards to rod length.

Best option, see if you can get out with a couple different people and try their stuff and see what you like.

With your question on what to use: 7'6" MH will do most everything as stated above. The other 6'9-11" rod you have, depends on what power it is, if H it may be a little too stiff for mid size stuff, but could toss Double XXs, topwaters, jerkbaits, etc. If MH, essentially everything, may struggle a bit on light stuff.

Pair up a nice rod and reel with 80lb line, and I'd like to see a fish in Minn that you can't handle on it. Have fun.

Chris

[MJBo]

666. Post something quick! Thats a jinx for sure.

[cjac]

Whew! Thanks, hopefully I'm safe to drive home now!

Took me a minute to catch on there, but I got it!

[Musky_Madness]

I started with the guide series reels and rods my first season. The reels are just fine. Same as the Pflueger 66 Trions to the T (made by the same company) and the rods were just fine but aren't up to par for the bigger lures. The Guides Series rods seemed too small when you start throwing bulldawags and bringing bigger baits in. I had a cork break off one of them, but GM was real good about replacing it no questions asked, same with one of their reels. Stand behind their products well! Save up and get some St Croix's eventually with the Big Game Abu Garcia 7000 HSN or Records.