Canadian Musky Setup?

[cRaPpiEMaN8265]

I went out last year after my 3rd trip to LOTW for muskies and decided i needed a new setup. I'm only 16 so i don't have a ton of money so i went on the cheap side.(nothing is cheap in musky fishing keep in mind) I got the Pflueger Trion Round Baitcasting reel which i modified by taking the clicker out. This was a major upgrade from the spinning reel i used for muskies which just wasn't working very well for fighting big fish. I matched that with a 7' St Croix Triumph Rod in MH power. I do a lot of topwater fishing on my musky trips as well as quite a few spoons or daredevels. Lines I have used in the past have included PowerPro, Fireline and Gorilla Tough. I know for sure I don't want power pro because i have had some major difficulties with it including losing some big fish. Fireline is ok but i think it frays easily and is usually too stiff for me. I almost always go back o the good ole' Gorilla Tough but I am looking to try something new.

What do you all suggest?

Thanks for your help!

Ryan

[Wallyeyes]

I am new to this genre of fishing BIG fish. But I spooled up 85# spiderwire ultra-cast. I have an Abbu 6600 C3 on an 8ft. IM8 med-heavy rod.

[10,000 Casts]

CrappieMan,

I started Muskie Fishing with the Trions. They got me through my first 2 seasons with no problems until I could spring for a Calcutta, now they are my back up reels and the ones that I let my friends use. You should like the Trion.

That Rod is a very durable stick, with a pretty good action; it will be a good all around rod for you. They started making that rod 2 years ago and I have yet to see a broken one or hear of a broken one. Nice Choice

I have used Power Pro for the last few years and I havn't had any problems with it. On the trions, you might want to put 65LB on instead of 80 because they don't have alot of line capacity. With the lines out now, if you lose a fish, it is probably the persons fault by not checking for weak spots and frays, not the lines. That's why you should cut off a few feet and retie every time you go out.

Don't use Fireline for Muskies...

There has been some really good posts on here about line, everyone has their preferences and they have some very good outlooks and insites.

[MUSKY18]

CrappieMan:

Listen to what 10,000 says. He hit the nail on the head with both rod and reel. Know of lots of guys using the Trion, or Gander Series (both the same reel) and really like them. Quality reel, and with the St Croix...simply one of the best rod makers today.

As for the line, I absolutely do not like Power Pro and will never go back to it. Never had problems losing fish, but other problems that drove me away from it. As 10,000 said, everyone has their personal preference. Mine happens to be Tufline or Bronzeback. Two great lines that will never disappoint you, at least they have yet to let me down!

[Dano_the_jigasaurus]

Cortland Masterbraid (Bronzeback color) or Spiderwire ultracast invisibraid is what I would recommend.

[cRaPpiEMaN8265]

Thanks for your suggestions guys. I just cannot go back to power pro. I lost a musky over 45"s at the boat because my line dug into the other line on the reel(bad news) Many people say i didn't have the drag set right and maybe I didn't but i like a line with a bit larger diameter so this doesn't happen. I may have o try that tufline stuff I have heard many good things about it... As for the rod I also heard they were a great rod the only difference between them and an avid or premier is they are made in china which is no big deal to me... I just know I will not be using a fenwick rod ever again as i have now broken 2 of them both on the tips...

Thanks for all your suggestions!

Ryan

[Scoot]

Ryan- I'm not trying to be rude or pick a fight here, but I really don't see the fault being on the shoulders of the brand of line you were using. If the line dug into itself, like you suggest, then you didn't have a large enough diameter line (as you also said). The problem is that you spooled up with too small of diameter line. I mostly use 80 lb. Power Pro line (like a bajillion other people on this board) and have never had a problem with the line, like you mentioned. What diameter line were you using?

I suggest you use Power Pro in a larger diameter- 80 or 100 lb. BTW- I don't care one bit what line you use. I'm not a salesman and I have no vested interest in what brand you buy. I do hate to see a really good product get cracked on, when I don't believe it deserves it.

[MuskyBrian]

I agree with the above.That doesn't sound like any type of problem associated with the brand of line. the only problems I used to have with power pro is sometimes the line would snap on a backlash, but it should never cause problems when fighting fish for any reason...

[cRaPpiEMaN8265]

I just think it is power pros fault i guess because their big selling point is having a small diameter braid when i dont really want a small diameter. Im not saying it is a bad line because i know a ton of people use it and have great success but i just see no sense in using 100lb line just to get a larger diameter?! Thats basically what everyone is doing and im sure that works fine but i would rather just go with a 50lb with a larger diameter. I know i wont be catching anything up to 50lbs and if i do they can have my lure! I was using the 65lb when i lost the musky due to the line digging in because that is what the people at Joes Sporting Goods said to use when i was there....

Thanks

Ryan

[PDXFisher]

I like the thinner line. I just like Stealth Ultracast and Stren more than Power Pro. Cortland bronzeback is a little thicker, but also great. I'd go with Cortland if you want thicker. Tuffline fluffs up and gives you a bath from all the water it holds. I don't see anything wrong with using a high lb test that is the same diameter as a lesser, unless it costs more or something. Higher is better, I lose less lures to snags that way. There's many times a bulrush stem would have snapped a 50lb, but with 80 or 100 I can get it out of there.

[cRaPpiEMaN8265]

I understand. from looking at the prices looks like they all involve a high budget! 20 dollars for 125 yards of line is just getting ridiculous!