Hey Boys--Quick set-up question

[SnipeZilla]

So I just caught my first musky and needless to to say, i'm hooked. (got a 40" on a light action ice panfish rod with 4lb test) I already have a heavy action IM7 casting rod that i bought last year. It has an Abu C3 5500 on it. Is this an ok reel or do i need to upgrade to the 6500 size? (or comparable with a different company) I think i need to go bigger but i'm just want to know what you guys suggest.

Thanks,

Zilla

[10,000 Casts]

The only difference is size and line capacity.

I would reccomend it just becuase of the line capacity. You will want to be using 80lb superbraid because it handles better and doesn't backlash as easy. I don't remember from last summer how much 65lb you can get on a 5500c3 but it's not much.

The quality issue depends on how much you are planning to fish and what you are going to throw. If you are going to fish once a week next year then that C3 is fine, if you are going to fish alot more then you will want to upgrade.

[SnipeZilla]

alright cool, thanks. and 80lb is the way to go? I have 50lb on there right now from last season, which was fine for bass and pike.

[cjac]

Hi,

The set up you have would work for the smaller bucktails and oversized bass baits, I'd still go to 65 on that or even 80lb braid depending on line capacity. The heavier line helps with less spool binding, strength, etc. I use a heavy bass rod with a mid-size round baitcaster for the smaller baits and for tiger muskies.

If you're really interested, think about going to the Blaine Muskie Expo in early March. Last year Thorne Brothers had some really good deals on a combo with an Abu 7000 reel on 8 foot rods. It's a good all around combo for the most baits.

Plus, you'll see all the other stuff you'll need like a net, hook cutters, terminal tackle, lures, etc. $$$ add up quickly to do muskies right, but it's all gear you'll really need.

Read back through a few pages of posts and you'll find tons of opinions on equipment.

Chris

[SnipeZilla]

Alright sweet. Sounds good. Thanks for the help.

[RK]

Hiya -

Congrats on the first fish! (Although it'll probably ruin your life in the long run )

I know a couple guys who use a 5500 for muskies with no problems at all, but for big baits, it's just plain a lot of work with a small reel. A 6500 is probably a better option if you think you're going to be doing it a lot, and a 6500 is still not too large to do double duty as a pike reel from time to time. Plus with a 6500 you can put a single paddle power handle on it, which makes a huge difference in how much work it is to crank hard-pulling baits.

Cheers,

Rob Kimm