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Okay, I have made the decision that I am going to learn how to muskie fish this year and put in the time. I have tons and tons of bass, panfish, and saltwater gear, but I keep trying to get info on a good muskie setup. I read everything from 7' up to 9', etc. I will probably go with Ambassador as my reel, but what do you guys recommend?
Try a 7' heavy. Hard to beat the Shimano rods for the money.
I think a 7' heavy would be good........I have a Shimano Cardiff 300A that I like alot. But it really depends on what you are going to be throwing... the rage for 50+ muskies is the double cowgirl that is almost 3 oz. That is the bait the state record muskie was caught on. If you want to throw something like that you need some mean gear........My 7'4" med heavy wont even do it...........
7-8' Heavy for sure and not a bass rod heavy, Get a Muskie specific rod. one that is rated to throw anywhere from 1-5 oz baits. The Shimano cardiff 300 is an Awesome reel for the money and isn't too big and heavy. The Shimano muskie rods are the best rod for the money in my opinion and hold a lifetime warranty.
Line you will need 60lb + Braid. I use 65# suffix. You need leaders, the cheap berkley leaders are just that, and to lose a fish on one isn't worth the initial money saving. Titanium (crimped) or flourocarbon leaders are great. I exclusively use 150# flourocarbon as my leader.
Baits, in my opinion you should invest into a few Grim Repaer spinner baits. They are made near Morehead ky and are really awesome most skis that are caught by me or in the boat have been caught on Grim Reapers. They make differ oz size as well as different inlines spinners that are great. I like the spinnerbait bite and have had better luck on that.
A great suggestion would be to contact Rollie and Helens Muskie shop, and have them send you a free catalog. Your mind will be blown by the amount, size and price of muskie baits. Also try some local shops, most bait shops around Cave Run are stocked with the hottest baits. I normally go to Cave Run Pro Shop across from Scotts Creek ramp on Cave Run, home of TNT muskie guides. Ask for Mike and he will take good care of you.
Good luck.
1++ on the Cardiff reels and the flouro leader. Might want to check out Thorne Brothers ([url]http://www.thornebros.com/[/url]) in addition to Rollie and Helen's. As AJM said Crashs landing and Cave Run Proshop carry a lot of stuff if you want to actually see some of the lures before you buy.
Thanks guys. We are going up Friday afternoon late just to spend time in some of the local shops and get stocked on various lures. We will be on the lake Saturday and Sunday. Headed off to BPS in a little while. They stock a St. Croix, a BPS, and a Shimano Muskie specific rod. You guys talked me into the Cardiff, which I had already been looking at so it did not take much arm bending. Thanks again.
The best muskie gear for your money would be a membership to Muskie Inc. Chapter 52. I have only been with them for a couple of years and have not made very many outings but, I have learned alot. You wont be disappointed with them.
[QUOTE=Redskeeter;371284]The best muskie gear for your money would be a membership to Muskie Inc. Chapter 52. I have only been with them for a couple of years and have not made very many outings but, I have learned alot. You wont be disappointed with them.[/QUOTE]
they are good bunch of guys i know two members chris haley and david johnson, both know alot about muskie fishin. i am not a muskie fisherman but that site and those guys can help.
Muskie tackle is expensive. Get with a experienced angler before you buy so you do not waste time or money. I wish I would have done more of that when I started. Tim Gilbert has the largest selection of muskie tackle in the state. Tim fishes about everyday and can tell you exactly what you must have and what is junk. He doesnt try to sale you what he has the most of if you know what I mean. Gilberts Tackle Booneville, Ky
email me if I can help
[email][email protected][/email]
Muskies Inc VP
Chapter 52
[QUOTE=fcfishman;371247]Thanks guys. We are going up Friday afternoon late just to spend time in some of the local shops and get stocked on various lures. We will be on the lake Saturday and Sunday. Headed off to BPS in a little while. They stock a St. Croix, a BPS, and a Shimano Muskie specific rod. You guys talked me into the Cardiff, which I had already been looking at so it did not take much arm bending. Thanks again.[/QUOTE]
If you're going to Basspro, definitely look at the Pete Maina series rods too, along with the St Croix, and Basspro series rods. For the money, the Maina series are hard to beat. I've got their 6'6" jerkbait rod, and the 7'6" MH bucktail rod. Both have served me well so far.
As mentioned, consider joining up with Muskies Inc as well. There are plenty of upcoming outings that you are welcome to join in on, and get plenty of recommendations!
You might want to try a longer rod, say atleast 8 ft. IT makes the figure 8 much easier. Go with a Shimano Calcutta rather than a cardiff the gearings are much better and the real will last longer. If you want a cheaper alternative for the real check out the Okuma Induron. St Croix Preimer's are nice rods. Shimano Compres are also nice. Okuma also makes an 8'6 telescopic rod that is pretty good too. 65lb braid is too light, go with atleast 80lb, especially if your fishing Green and the Cave and there are a lot of snags, that you dont want to lose an expensive muskie lure on. I use both power pro and spider wire ultracast 80lb and like both a lot. Here is a good link and these guys have a ton of musky stuff.
[url]http://www.muskyshop.com/modules/web/index.php/id/1[/url]
Man, you guys have been great. Lot of options and good suggestions. I will definitely hit the Muskies Inc. affiliation. Years ago I used to fish for Muskies in the Green and Licking River but that was over 20 years ago. Now I am getting the itch to go chase the big fish again. Thanks again for all your help fellows.