beginner rod/reel suggestions

[goblueM]

Hey, I've been musky fishing the last year and a half, but have been using friends tackle. Or my heavy bass tackle for metro fish.

I'm thinking about getting a Shimano Compre rod, wondering what reel to match to it. Not looking to spend more than 150 on a reel. Any ideas? Thanks guys

[HugoBox]

A very popular reel as I've learned here is the Abu 7000. It retails for about $125. I got my first two this year and don't have many hours on them but like them so far. For a bit less $$ a 6500 C3 is a good option. I can't comment on other brands as I've been pretty much an Abu guy. I think the Maina reels in BPS are decent but I haven't used them.

[Esox_Magnum]

I have Shimano Corsairs, Cardiffs and Corvalus now for a few years, not spendy and have held up well.

[goblueM]

My buddy has had 5 Cardiffs break in 3 years... definitely not getting one of them. I'm thinking I might get an Abu C4 6600 to pair with a shimano compre 7'2 rod

[MuskieJunkie]

The Abu 6600 is kind of the chevy truck of reels, cheap, holds up well, everyone has them... Thorne Brothers sells them at a good price, I think I paid $55 at the expo and that was with line spooled on it. I've heard from guys who have had issues with the gears giving out after a few years of pulling big bucktails. The Abu 7000 has larger gears and eliminates that problem (some else can probably elaborate on this further). One thing I don't like about my Abu 6600 is the lack of an oiling port.

I have a Shimano Corsair that I really like, they don't make them anymore as they built up a reputation of being lemons. Mine has been solid.

The next reel I buy is going to be an Abu 7000 or a Calcutta TE, unfortuanetly those run about $400.

[MNMUSKIES]

If you are going to be throwing and big double bladed bucktails, I would go witht he 7000. I just got my second one and will be replacing my other two 6600 soon. I like them because they pull the big baits with no problem, and it makes being out on the water all day throwing baits a lot easier. I know they are a little more, but it's worth it.

The main reason I stay with abu is because I've had good luck with them and grampa used them and so does my dad. Can't break family tradition.

[dakotakid31]

Got a 7000 for 109 plus the rebate in St.Cloud. I really like the reel. No complaints and easy on the arms. Also have a 6600ssc3 and like that reel also.

[10,000 Casts]

The 6600 C4 isn't the best choice for an all around reel imo. The gear ratio is to fast for bigger baits. I think you would be better off going with the 6500 C3. Just remember that both are inexpensive muskie reels and they can have problems with the gear systems. But, if you are only going to fish a few times a year then they are great. Cardiffs are a pretty good reel, I have never used one but I know plenty of people that like them.

7000's imo are good reels for big baits and you can throw small stuff with them too but they are mainly for big baits.

I really like the Abu Record 60 for the money.(around $150)The Garcia 6600 EXT seems to be a nice reel and is worth a closer look at $169. Other than that the next step is the calcutta 400B at $219.

As for Rods, I love the Compres for the money. Very durable and a good warranty with a pretty good action. Compare it to the Cortland Endrance. Both are lifetime over the counter.

As for length, when I started, I started with a 7'2" Guide Series IM8 which is similar to the rod you mentioned. If I had to do it again I would have started with the 7'6". You can throw just about anything and work it comfortably. 7'2' is a good length for jerk-bait baits. also keep in mind what kind of boat you fish out of, itls alot easier to do a figure 8 correctly with a longer rods. Most people are going to Rods over 8' now. 9 footers are not uncommon for the big stuff.

[Esox_Magnum]

Okuma Induron is another reel worth a look, $120 wont break the bank and so far the one I'm running is smoth and trouble free. I don't buy into the low gear for big blades, I pulled DCG's last year with a 6600 Rocket with no problems and pulling them this year on a Corvalus. Guess if pulling them with a 6:3:1 reel on my 140 pound frame all day isn't taxing for me then shouldn't be for most.

BTW I live 12 milesa from Abu and buy Shimanos if that tells you what I think of Abu muskie reels. We have had them in the past but none have made a season yet without breakdowns.

[cRaPpiEMaN8265]

I have a Pflueger Trion which is a solid reel for my really big baits but I also just got the Shimano Curado 301DSV from Cabelas for $168 as they are discontinuing them to make a new model. I got to trey it today throwing some rad dogs around for pike and I was very impressed. It reeled with ease and I love the high 6:3:1 gear ratio for burning bucktails. I would highly recommend the Curado to anyone new to musky fishing and wants a solid low profile musky reel. It is truly a breakthrough that will change musky fishing forever. IMO

Good Luck

Ryan

[goblueM]

Well at this point I'm not looking to throw big baits - I'm gonna be throwing my big bass and pike stuff and some smaller musky lures such as 9" bulldawgs, chatterbaits, big jerkbaits and spinnerbaits. And some bucktails I made with my buddy. If I get really into muskie fishing I'll probably end up getting another rod anyways

[10,000 Casts]

Quote:

Pflueger Trion which is a solid reel for my really big baits

won't be for long if you fish alot.

[Esox_Magnum]

I had 2 Gander 66 reels built by Pfluger, one quit working while spooling, replaced it and it lasted 5 casts. When the 2nd gets returned there wont be a 3rd.

[cRaPpiEMaN8265]

Hm I got the Pflueger Trion66L and I did take it apart and mess around with it, doing stuff like taking the clicker out and tuning it a little but now it works perfect. Granted I have only had it for a year now. I guess if it does break down on me I will just put my Curado on my heavier rod and use that for everything.

Thanks for the warning,

Anyone have any comments on the Cabelas 7'6" IM7 Touney series HX Mod Fast Action? I just picked that one up the other day... Looks like a decent rod the only thing it it is a bit heavy which is understandable for a cheaper rod.

Thanks,

Ryan

[cjac]

Sounds like for what you're looking for the C3 mentioned in the first reply would be a good option, plus with your $150 budget it leaves money in the bank.

[Scoot]

If you want a clicker and a thumb bar, I'd suggest the 6600 SS C3 (per cjac's suggestion). It's got a nice gear ratio that won't burn out like the 6.2:1's will.

If it were me, I'd go with the Record. However, a 6600 or a 7000 would be a good choice.

[Rebel9921]

You cant go wrong with Shimano Compre rods... they are very reputable for non-custom rods... You'll be happy with them... but I'd suggest going long as possible... as there are many people (including myself) making the switch over from 7'6 or under to 8'0 or over...

as for reels... I cannot comment about Okuma as I havent tried them but their reels seems to be solid... I might will try out Red Isis sometime next year... but from what I know... the following three seems to fit you the best: 6500C3, 6600SSC3, or 7000 series (either i or iC3)... All can be found for less than $120... plus Abu is offering $15 rebate... so that'll help bring down the price...

Keep in mind... I definitely wouldnt suggest 6500 or 6600SSC3 for any big blades... as two of mine burnt out after 3 months of use... I threw mainly Cowgirls... I now have 2 7000iC3 for big lures... Maybe it'd be smart to get two rods... one with 7000 for big lures n etc... one with either 6500 or 6600SSC3 for smaller lures such as small bucktails n etc...

From what you described... it sounds like you might be throwing Showgirls or DC-8... If thats the case, I definitely wouldnt get a C4... I had one at the beginning of the season and traded it in immediately afterwards as it felt like I was reeling the bucktail through thick mud...

Last year... I started the season with three rods... 7'6 MH with 6600C3, 7'0 H with 6600C3, and 7'0 EH with 6600C4... Mid-season, all three rods were mated with 6600C3, then and the end, two rods were mated with two 6600SSC3 after two of three 6600C3 burnt out... This year (I havent fished yet due to a hand injury) I'll be starting the season with 2 8'6 Pro Edge Edge series mated with 7000iC3 and one 9'0 Reaction Strike MH mated with 6600SSC3... I wont be surprised if soon afterwards, I decide to make a switch, mating the 9'0 with a 7000ic3 then one of the Edge rods with a 6600SSC3...

We'll see how the season goes...