A question for Musky Hunters

Post by **gordy28** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 7:54 am

Hello,
I had a question for the musky enthusiasts on the site.
As I get deeper and deeper into Musky addiction, I am thinking I need a new rod and reel combo:

I have a rod and reel combo that I really like using for throwing bucktails, spinnerbaits and spoons, but I am looking for a combo to cast some of the bigger lures out there (bulldogs, jakes, depth raiders, kickin minnows, double cowgirls etc)

I am confused by what I have read online in terms of gear ratio:

My current reel is a 5.3:1 - and I seem to read differing opinions about what you want to throw the big stuff:
Is going to a 4.2:1 - the best? So something like the Abu 7000i?

Also - for a rod, I like the look and feel of the 6' 4 extra heavy models - like the Compre or the Sto Croix Triumph Series (my overall budget for a combo is $200 - $275)

Is this a good choice?

Thanks
Andrew

Post by **Anton88** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:42 am

If it was up to me, I'll show you exactly what kind of rod I would be getting for Pike/Muskie fishing

It's made by a company in Germany called Cormoran. You can buy them here in Canada as well.

They are especially designed for this kind of fishing. (and quite inexpensive if you ask me)

take a look here:

http://www.cormoran.de/co/en/products/p ... -group.htm

a few stores sell them in Ontario, and you can order it from them.
I have their contact # should you be interested. As you see the price in Canadian $ is maybe around 50-60$ for a 2.7m (8.8 feet) long pike rod.

Post by **Jimmy_1** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 9:46 am

The Abu 7000 is great for cowgirls. You should have no issues.

As for rod. The St.Croix`s are very good. I myself use Loomis rods, but I do also use St.Croix`s.

Your proposed combo sounds good to me.

Be careful of buying 1 off rods! Companies like Shimano, Loomis, St.Croix etc are companies that are easily reached in case you need to use your warranty.

Whereas some of the smaller companies do make an excellent product, the logistical systems they have are usually not up to snuff....

J

Post by **Mr.J.** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 11:20 am

Shimano Compre rod 7'6"

Shimano Curado 300 (I thinkit's the 300? Matt?)

Best setup I'v ever used

Does all you need it to

For trolling

8' St.Croix

Sorry mind is blank on the reel, I'll get back to you on that one

Each set up is priced differently so either go by price or go by what feels right, that's your call.

Post by **Lunker Larry** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 11:22 am

Shimano Compre 6'6" and a Abu G 7000. Best bang for the buck. Affordable and reliable. I know. I beat the hell out of mine 2 to 3 days a week throwing jerk baits.

Post by **muskymatt** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 1:50 pm

Yes J...curado 300dsv...great reel. Awesome for casting.

Any st.croix, compre would be a good start. Depending on your height and strength anywhere from a 6'6" to 8 ' rod would be good. Med -heavy would be a start.

If you want a reel that you can cast and troll with the abu 7000 fits the bill, very total usage reel and indestructable.

Post by **Relic** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 2:07 pm

Yep, 7000 is the cats meow, it can do it all.

As for rods, lots of varying answers. I prefer longer rods 7'6 or better. Heavy but section, with a little give in the tip.

Easy for figure 8's, better hooksets, longer casts, more spread when trolling.

Post by **Bucktail** » Fri Jul 25, 2008 10:02 pm

I love my Shimano convergence and Corvalus reel combo with 50lb braided dacron Western Filament line. Smooth set up, can work a bait all day without too much effort.

Backwoods rods are beautiful as well, a little pricey but lifetime guarantee. I like the thick cork handle and light weight.

Post by **TrollingThunder** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 4:22 pm

First full year fishing for skies and the Abu 7001 I picked up I absolutely love, and it didn't burn a hole in my wallet either. The rod it's paired with is an 8' St. Croix Premier and I couldn't be happier with it.

Post by **troutnmuskiehunter** » Sun Jul 27, 2008 6:06 pm

Bucktail wrote:I love my Shimano convergence and Corvalus reel combo with 50lb braided dacron Western Filament line. Smooth set up, can work a bait all day without too much effort.

Backwoods rods are beautiful as well, a little pricey but lifetime guarantee. I like the thick cork handle and light weight.

I too love my Shimano Convergence one piece rod along with my ABU 6500C3 baitcasting reel....no complaints so far!

Post by **fishboch** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 8:02 am

I was having the same problem deciding and finally went with the 7000 and as the others have mentioned here it is perfect for the big bucktails. It's a little heavier and doesn't cast quite as far as my 6600xlt but it makes it so much easier hauling in those big double bladed baits. I might need to go with a longer rod to get better distance but as far as the reel goes it's a solid reel.

Good Luck.

Post by **almontefisher** » Mon Jul 28, 2008 8:22 am

TroutnMuskieHunter wrote:
Bucktail wrote:I love my Shimano convergence and Corvalus reel combo with 50lb braided dacron Western Filament line. Smooth set up, can work a bait all day without too much effort.

Backwoods rods are beautiful as well, a little pricey but lifetime guarantee. I like the thick cork handle and light weight.
I too love my Shimano Convergence one piece rod along with my ABU 6500C3 baitcasting reel....no complaints so far!

With the fish you have been catching Steve I would have no complaints either

Post by **gordy28** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 9:46 pm

Hello
Thanks for all of the responses
One more question - please
Does anyone have experience/opinion with/of the Okuma EVX Musky Rods?
They seem to get good write up from Rollie and Helens
I like the 7' 4'' model and they are selling on special at JB's fishing depot here in Toronto
Thanks
Gordy
PS - In terms of reel I have decided on the 7000i - just waiting for a left handed model

Post by **Peppino** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 10:54 pm

Saw them at the TO Sportsman show, well built rod for the price. If I didn't have my 7'6'' St-Croix, I would own one.

Peppino

Post by **Relic** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 8:54 am

Okumas makes a good rod. I own one and it is a good rod. Can't go wrong for the price. Trow a 7000 on it and you have a good set up.