Versatile set-up

[Nick Kuhn]

For next season I'm looking for a set-up that can pretty much handle anything when casting for ski's. The reason is typically there are 4 of us fishing out of a 16' boat, so when bringing more than 2 rods things get crowded with gear.

While it'd be nice to have a single rod good for everything, I know that won't be possible. I'm looking predominantly at throwing 2 ounce sized topwaters, cranks, and jerkbaits. It'd be a plus if it could handle anything down to 3/4 ounce and upwards to maybe 4 ounces.

Oh, and try to keep it <$200, I don't have a ton of money to throw into fishing gear. Instead I'm paying for this new gopher stadium for some reason.

[MuskieMojoTackle]

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For next season I'm looking for a set-up that can pretty much handle anything when casting for ski's. The reason is typically there are 4 of us fishing out of a 16' boat, so when bringing more than 2 rods things get crowded with gear.

While it'd be nice to have a single rod good for everything, I know that won't be possible. I'm looking predominantly at throwing 2 ounce sized topwaters, cranks, and jerkbaits. It'd be a plus if it could handle anything down to 3/4 ounce and upwards to maybe 4 ounces.

Oh, and try to keep it <$200, I don't have a ton of money to throw into fishing gear. Instead I'm paying for this new gopher stadium for some reason.

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9' Heavy Diamondback built by KT Pro Edge. Only rod you'll need

[10,000 Casts]

You didn't mention if you wanted a reel in that $200 so here are a couple rods,

Anything 9' imo is to long for a "versitile" setup, A custom diamondback is a little over your $200 budget. They are verrrrrry nice though.

8' is plenty and even 7 1/2' would do fine. But I would recomend 8'.

If I only could bring one rod, it would be an 8' mh Fenwick Techna AV. It will handle small spinners and when you want to throw a 4 oz bait it will handle it.

An 8' Avid H would be my 2nd choice.

[Nick Kuhn]

Yeah I was hoping rod and reel. I figured dropping $100 on each should give me a good reliable combo. The C3 will probably be the reel though as a lot of people seem to like it. The big thing though is I haven't found a good heavier action rod I like. I love my lighter rods though, had my 2 favorites for over 10 years now and I couldn't be happier with them. Just haven't had the same luck with heavier rods even though I've probably spent more on them.

[10,000 Casts]

I would go with a Garcia 6600 EXT on an 8' Fenwick HMX. I know a place where you can get that combo for right around $200 Shoot me an email if you would like.

[MuskieMojoTackle]

If you're looking for a combo, then I'd go with an OKuma Induron 400 and an Ouma 8'6" H rod.

Awesome setup for right around $200, maybe a little more

[cjac]

Good suggestions.....

The $200 mark limits you a bit. Save a little and drop a little more $$$ and you'll be happier in the long run. It's easy for me to spend your money.... Skip buying a coffee or a soda or bring your lunch to work, it adds up quick!

Problem with some of the lesser priced heavy rods is the weight and taper, the key is to find a better quality blank that doesn't compromise angler comfort or quality or range of use. Shimano Compre series has made some nice improvements, so they're an option.

Like MuskieMojo said the KT Pro Edge Diamondback rods are great, KT also has a new Edge series blank he's building on under $200, KT said it's good from Lilly Tails to the big stuff.

Reels: Leverage the rebates and credit card/retail offers and you can work your way into a deal. 5.3:1 ratio on a decent size spool will pick up fast enough but not burn out the gears if you're throwing bigger stuff. Lots of opinions on the reels....

Chris

[cjac]

Great call! Just a little over $200 range. I have the 400 reel with the power handle and really like it.

[MJBo]

I like the Pete Maina combo from bass pro shops just as much as my calcutta 400B/Shimano Compre setup. In fact I like it more. Under 200$.

[PDXFisher]

I'd like my Pete Maina combo if it hadn't shipped with a rod that broke as I was putting line through the guides, then have two reels (the original and the replacement) each break within two hours of use. Luckily I have about five other rods now. If I didn't, I would feel very nervous about putting all my eggs into the Maina combo basket.

[bonefish]

I really like my Shimano Compre 7 1/2' rod. It's listed as heavy, but the action is pretty fast so I find myself throwing just about everything from Crankbaits to bucktails with it. You can find them for $99-$109. To keep your package under $200, a Garcia c3 is a solid choice. That combo should leave you with enough left in the budget for spool of power pro and a few leaders!

[Scoot]

PDX, bummer you had a bad experience with the Maina rig. I know dozens of others who have had a great experience with them. I think they're a great rig for the money.

MuskieMojo, what can you tell us about the Induron? I had a buddy use one this past summer and he had nothing but problems with it...

[cjac]

Hey Scoot,

I have one and really like it, the $120 pricepoint is great, but I don't think its a trade off for quality at all. I can switch between it and a Luna and not really notice a difference. Granted I picked it up mid-season so I don't have a long term view, but others that fish a lot have positive feedback. Plus, the power handle might be the best one there is. MuskieMojo told me that and I can't disagree. I use it for heavy stuff and lighter both, and have not had any issues. I know of guys that sold off their Calcuttas in favor of the Induron.

They have a very good customer service approach, I'd recommend your fishing buddy get a hold of them.

Chris

[MuskieMojoTackle]

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MuskieMojo, what can you tell us about the Induron? I had a buddy use one this past summer and he had nothing but problems with it...

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I used the Induron for most of this season and was very impressed. Not a better reel out there in the price point, IMO.

Like Chris said, the power handle is one of the best in the business. I am a big power handle guy, and this one actually provides more cranking power instead of just something a little bigger to hold on to.

The 5.1 gear ration is a great combination of speed and power. I was pleasantly surprised by the power of this reel when pulling Double X's this year. Best reel I've used for that next to a 7000.

All that said, I've spoke at length with Okuma about what I see could be improved with this reel. Bottom line...they are not trying to compete with a Luna or Calcutta. They are trying to make a more affordable, reliable reel and back it with outstanding customer service. I truly believe they have done that.

They will also be releasing a new reel for 2008. The Red Isis is more on par with the Luna and Calcutta B. Haven't seen one in person, but I gotta believe the quality will be there. Okuma seems very dedicated to catering to the musky crowd with quality and service.

I've thrown two Indurons quite a bit this year and only had one problem. I sent the reel in and had it back in a couple days. No problems since.

Like Chris said, if your buddy is having trouble with the reel I suggest he contact Okuma. Send me a PM, and I can put you in contact with Mark Rogers...he is the guy that I have dealt with.

Geez, I sound like a pro staffer. Not even close. I just believe in the product and have been lucky enough to chat with Mark about Okuma products and their plans.

[cpinkert]

4 people slinging musky lures out of a 16' boat...YIKES! You must really trust your buddies!

I bought an 8' Shimano Compre this spring and loved it. Only problem is that it broke at the end of the season on a fish that went crazy in the net. The only thing I didn't like throwing with it were Jackpots. Too long for me for that application. Otherwise, I could throw anything with it.

I paired the Compre with a Record and loved that as well. I beat the heck out of both this year and they both held up pretty well.

Total cost of the two = ~$230-240 Worth the extra $40 in my opinion. Tough to find a decent rod for under $90 and jumping up into the $150 range for reels makes a huge difference. Spend a little extra money on your reel, I guarantee you won't regret it.

Oh, and one last thing about the Compre's. Shimano allows you to return your rods right to the store if they break, rather than having to ship the rod to them at your expense. Something to think about as well.

[Scoot]

Thanks Luke and Chris. Yep, he dealt with Okuma's customer service dept. and they treated him very well. The problem was that once he'd get it back, it'd break again right away. Despite the fact that they were great to him, it took about six weeks to get it taken care of (had to mail it in three seperate times). The reel literally crapped out and became unusable after 1, 1, and 10 casts! Sounds like he must have had a lemon. That happens, regardless of what product you're dealing with. Again, to Okuma's credit- they were very nice and treated him very well. He was just frustrated by the amount of down time he had to deal with.

For now, I'll just assume he was the exception to the rule. Rumor has it that Dick Pearson was using them this past summer too. I've heard he's been happy with them too.

[MuskieMojoTackle]

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Thanks Luke and Chris. Yep, he dealt with Okuma's customer service dept. and they treated him very well. The problem was that once he'd get it back, it'd break again right away. Despite the fact that they were great to him, it took about six weeks to get it taken care of (had to mail it in three seperate times). The reel literally crapped out and became unusable after 1, 1, and 10 casts! Sounds like he must have had a lemon. That happens, regardless of what product you're dealing with. Again, to Okuma's credit- they were very nice and treated him very well. He was just frustrated by the amount of down time he had to deal with.

For now, I'll just assume he was the exception to the rule. Rumor has it that

Dick

Pearson was using them this past summer too. I've heard he's been happy with them too.

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yep, sounds like a lemon. too bad, but it happens

Not sure if Dick was using them, but I do know that Doug Johnson has been using them for a couple years now. If they hold up for all the time on the water Doug has, I'm confident I wont over use them.

[Scoot]

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Doug Johnson has been using them for a couple years now.

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Um... yep, Doug, not Dick. I had a brain fart there.

[MuskyBrian]

To chime in real quick...Had an Induron, liked it at first but it crapped out way too soon in my opinion. Had several problems with an anti reverse when pulling the Lure out of the water..Not a bad deal for the price, but doesn't compare to a Calcutta whatsoever.

Compre Rods...Had very good luck with the shorter, 7' version. However, have had two 8' Rods break in an 8 day span, Hard to walk away and buy another one after that...

[Lals]

Hey Luke and Chris,

Where do you find KT Pro Edge Rods? That 9' sounds like a good one to me.

Thanks,

[cjac]

Hi Tom,

Keith posts on here under Professional Edge. I'll send you a note to your AOL account if it's still active if not I'll hit your work email come Wednesday.

I have three of his rods on the Diamondback blanks and love them (I upgraded stuff while you were in Asia!). He uses a thick cork handle that is very comfortable and the way it balances out the rod with the lightweight Dback blank it makes it feel like a feather and so easy to cast. He also has another blank he builds on he's really excited about, little less $$$ than the Dback. Guides, wraps, butt length, all can be built to suit. They're awesome.

Please, just don't get mad at me when one KT rod turns into 4! If you do a 9' Dback you'll be hooked.

Chris