Spinning gear for Muskie...

[steffanf]

OK... I just want your opinions on this. I just recently relocated to the twin-cities area a few months ago. After going after some other fish species around here (with good success), I am going to try to fish for some muskies. I have used bait-casting gear in the past, but I have found that I just don't like it. So, after much contemplation, I decided to go with a heavy spinning outfit. I bought a 7' St. Croix extra-heavy action, fast-action spinning rod and paired it up with a 4000 series Shimano Symetre spinning reel. I am also using 50 lb. test braid. I can cast some large baits, with the largest I have tried so far around 5 ounces (largest bait I currently own). Does this set-up sound "doable", or am I just crazy. I know I can handle a 36" fish without a problem on this set-up, but I am not so sure about a 48" plus fish. Obviously, there are some limitations to this set-up, but I don't plan on casting 18" jerk-baits either. Has anyone else ever trird this?

-Gregg B.

[muskiedreams]

Baitcaster!!!!!!!!!!!LEARN 2 LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!

[Grant Pearson]

one word for you: BAITCASTER!!!!!!!!! LEARN TO USE IT!!!!!!!! Otherwise, use what you have for the time being and watch your drag, and learn to use it. Carefully. I was chasing catfish last night and watch an (Contact Us Please) catch a cat around 15 pounds and lost it due to not having his drag set. He didn't even know what it was!!! That is my advice!

[sbro73]

Shimano does make a spinning rod for muskies, and i believe that the Shimano Stradic 5000 is the match for it, this being said, once you get used to a good "baitcaster", nothing cheap, you'll get to like it.

[MuskieMojoTackle]

The rod being able to handle a big fish is not the issue. Being able to cast and work big baits properly is more of an issue with the spinning gear.

IMO, you will eventually want to go to baitcasting gear, but dont be scared to use the spinning gear for the time being...until you're sure you really want to chase these stupid buzzards.

[Scoot]

I caught a 51" ski on a spinning rig earlier this week. I use it as a comeback rig and pitch a jig/plastic with it. I also use it early in the year for sight fishing shallows. That being said, I think it's a mistake to rely solely on a spinning rig. You'll be limited by the setup in terms of the size of bait you can throw, the distance you can cast, the bulkiness of an adequately big setup. I'd suggest you follow the recommendations above- get a baitcaster, force yourself to use it, and you'll get comfortable with it and eventually like it. I think you'll find that the spinning rod has some specific uses that are nice, but doesn't work very well as an all purpose rig for muskies.

[markkstanley]

Going against the grain here but spinning gear will work well IF you have an adequate sized high quality drag spinning reel. I've done some inshore fishing for stripers that can easily match a muskie and it was spinning gear all the way. We threw lures at least as big as the typical musky baits. I often use spinning tackle even though I own several baitcaster setups and have no problems using a baitcaster. FYI I think a 4000 series is too small. I would move to at least a Stradic 6000 or get a salt water spinning reel. I use a TICA Taurus 5000 and 8ft MH ST Croix rod.