Choosing a rod

[Fish Head]

Looking for some feedback. I'm looking to add another Muskie Rod. It'll have some mixed use, but mostly geared towards heavier lures like 10" believers. I might even throw some 1 pound bulldawgs in the fall with it. My issues are:

* My rod locker won't quite hold 8'. 7'10" will work

* I want it to be a rod they carry at Gander because I have so many gift cards I'd like to use.

* I plan on putting a 7000 on it.

* Even though it would be free (due to gift cards), I don't want to spend too much on it so I can use the balance of the gift cards on other items.

I've been considering the Shimano Compre 7'6" heavy or X-heavy $109, St Croix Premier 7'6" heavy $160, St Croix Premier 7'9" xxxheavy $190, Musky Innovations 7'6" heavy or X-heavy $170.

Just do to the cost I might be leaning towards the Compre. Any thoughts and advice?

[HugoBox]

I haven't used their musky rods much, but the Gander Label rods have worked extrememly well for other species. I also think that the price-point for their rods is very appealing. They have a new model just out this year. I know they also have some longer lengths than they have carried in the past.

[Fish Head]

I have a couple Guide Series rods for other types of fishing. I didn't like the Musky rods I saw at Gander last week, but maybe they didn't have all their new ones in at the time I was there.

Should I be looking at X-heavy?

[HugoBox]

I guess the action is up to you, but the EP store has the new models in 3 or 4 lengths and at least 3 different actions/weights. The new ones also have their own look - the components seem to be better quality - but that's also coming from a guy who has bought 100's of lures cause they were nice and shiny!!

[b1gf1sh1]

honestly, if your useing those kinds of lures i think you could use a two piece. one with a little give and backbone. hybrid's(graphite/glass) handle the shock of larger stuff but you have to really give it some gas for a hookset. longer the better for those monster hooks too. just a thought.

[MNMUSKIES]

I have the Gander Mt musky rods and I really like them. But for the pounder bulldawgs and larger spinner baits I use one of the Musky Innovation X heavy with a garcia 7000. I really like the rod for the larger baits, I can throw them a lot longer than when I would use one of my smaller rods.

[cjac]

Hit the Sportsman's Show this weekend if you can. Great way to compare the bigger retailers all under one roof. There will be deals available...... You can actually have hands-on many of these and compare and ask questions.

Went there for an hour today on a late lunch run and the $10 admission paid for itself many times over. One purshase saved me $40, plus a couple free T-shirts and a DVD.

Overall, I like the Shimano Compre rods a lot. My pre-custom rod days I was primarily a St Croix guy, but the Compre line is just as good and $50-$60 less then the Premier series. The Compres tend to, in my opinion, be a little lighter on the ratings, so check out the XH for the lures you listed.

[10,000 Casts]

The Northwest show is a great idea. Reeds, Thorne, Marine General and more are there. It is certainly the best show of the year to get deals. I was down there Wed for teh show and there was quite a bit of muskie stuff, more than I expected.

I started with 2 IM8 gander rods 4 years ago. I like them alot. They are very durable, pretty light, and have a nice fast action. I went with them because I was woring there at the time and the warranty that they had. Pretty sure that they will still stand behind them but never had one returned in the 3 years that I worked there and I have never had a problem. One is my wifes rod and the other is my boogermans rod but they still get used. I'm not sure if they make a rod heavy enough for really big baits though.

Can't say enough good things about the Compre. They make a 7'6" XH that is rated at 3-6 oz. Lifetime over the counter warranty but you'll never need it. I gave that rod to the best man in my wedding last June and it is his favorite rod now.

Another option that they will have is a Fenwick HMX. It is the lightest of all 3 mentioned. Highly recomended... I started using Techna ASV's last year and I LOVE them.

I am not a huge fan of bulldawg rods but they do have some very heavy actions. 10oz, 16oz, 3 pound.... They feel nice and have good actions but they do break a bit. If they have them, check out the reaction strike rods, they are alot cheaper.

The Premier's will be the heaviest but they are built like tanks. Nice rods. See if tehy have any 07 Avids on sale, One of the best Musky rods there is.

Well, I could go on and on, but I have to go to work. Alot of traffic up here ya know, I might see a car or 2 and some deer. Someday I am going to move someplace where there isn't any traffic.

[Rebel9921]

Before I went down the path of custom rods... I was seriously considering Shimano Compre rods... I've heard whole lot good things about the Compre line since Shimano revitalized it...

I almost purchased two at the MN Muskie Expo but the deal for Strike Reaction rods changed my mind... 1 9'0 MH and 1 8'6 MH for $200 and 2 free Homewreckers... was a sweet deal so grabbed those two instead of Shimano Compres... Pretty much Strike Reaction rods are the SAME as Bulldawg rods... just different brand label is all... same material, same company that makes those, etc..

Dont think you'll go wrong with Shimano Compres...

[MuskieMojoTackle]

I would to with the Okuma EVX Muskie Series in 8'6" XH. This is the best stock rod I have ever used for tossing pounder sized baits. You can work cast everything from small tails right up to the magnum stuff. And, they are telescopic, so it will collapse down to a little over 6' to go in your rod locker. The best part...$120 and Okuma has EXCELLENT customer service.

I don't think you can get them at Gander, but with the price you wont care. Take those gift cards and buy something else.