Musky and Cats

[toonfish]

Is there a set up I can by that will suit fishing for Musky and Cats? What should I be considering when looking for a multi-species pole like this? Suggestions please

[aanderud]

I would get a rod that's fairly stiff throughout the whole blank if you're going to be tossing heavy musky baits all day.

The rod that I have for flatheads is an Ugly Stick 'Tiger' in medium action. I haven't tried muskies with it but I think it would do the trick. For flatheads, it's stiffer than many rods, so a bullhead doesn't bend the thing in half like some of the rods I've seen. But it's definitely easy to tell if they're still on your hook and lively. You can test it out in the store if you're unsure about it handling musky lures. They make a medium heavy action which I think might be a bit much for flatheads but would work. You would definitely not notice the bullhead/bait action nearly as much but it would be better for casting musky lures all day, I would think.

Throw any decent baitcaster on there and you'll be set for a day of casting for skis or a night of flathead fishing. Garcia 6500 or bigger should handle it, or of course there's 10 other brands at least that'll work too.

I suggest you try out whichever one you're looking at beforehand. Bob Moore has them in stock usually in Minneapolis.

[cjac]

You'll be far happier with two rods than one to try and cover both species, and with a decent cat rod being in the $25-$30 range, its the way to go. Pick one of those up and a muskie rod that fits your budget.

One reel can cover both, look for the 6500 as mentioned, with the clicker you're covered for cats and it's a reliable muskie reel. Other reels available of course, but stick to the 5.3:1 ratio and not the 6.3:1 models. Cool thing is 80lb Power Pro is considered the preferred line by many for both species, so really one reel can be switched from rod to rod.

Hope that helps,

Chris

[MuskieMojoTackle]

Quote:

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You'll be far happier with two rods than one to try and cover both species, and with a decent cat rod being in the $25-$30 range, its the way to go. Pick one of those up and a muskie rod that fits your budget.

One reel can cover both, look for the 6500 as mentioned, with the clicker you're covered for cats and it's a reliable muskie reel. Other reels available of course, but stick to the 5.3:1 ratio and not the 6.3:1 models. Cool thing is 80lb Power Pro is considered the preferred line by many for both species, so really one reel can be switched from rod to rod.

Hope that helps,

Chris

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Exactly right.

I'm not a cat expert, but from reading many posts about the preferred rods I can tell you that you will not find a rod that you will be happy with for both species.

[hanson]

The musky guys come through with some great catfishing advice! LOL!

Actually, they are right on the money IMO. Buy a good graphite musky rod, toss an Abu Garcia 6500C3 or 7000C3 on it, spool with 80lb Power Pro, and you are absolutely good to go for both species.

For another $25-40, you can get a longer glass cattin' rod to complete the arsenal. Cat rods don't cost much money, cat reels do.

[toonfish]

Thanks for all the help!!!

[rustiest1]

I have a Shakespear Catera heavy action musky rod. I also have the same thing in a medium heavy. the rods are 6'9 and 6'6. They are pretty sensitive and can haul in a cow if you needed to. The rod goes for about $50 at gander mountain. I am very pleased with the rod. Also, listen to everyone else and get the 6500.

[Guest]

I use my Fenwick Techna AV 7' heavy action rod with a Shimano Calcutta 300TE reel for both Muskie and Cats.. It works just fine for me.. I have 50lb powerpro spooled on it.