Lucky Craft Man

This is not a "specific" fish, but I have obsessed over a 7 pound Smallmouth and a 50 inch Musky for years (and years and years). Just so happens that I caught both in the same year (2013) and I haven't really reestablished a new "fish" obsession. I guess the closest "fish obsession" for me right now is catching a Musky on the fly.

Haha...Nice! I have an Ice Auger that I may have to break out. I wonder how a Lucky Craft Pointer 100 SP would work if I just twirled it around in circles through the hole?

Here's an article I just read concerning Lake Erie http://www.aol.com/article/2015/02/19/lake-erie-almost-completely-frozen-over/21144494/?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmain5%7Cdl19%7Csec1_lnk2%26pLid%3D615652 According to the article, there was more ice last year at this time, but either way, it is freakin' cold!! I know for me, the Spring Erie Smallmouth bite was way off and the "Winter" extended into May. I just hope there is some Caribbean Vortex that blows up a lot of warm air soon and gets the thaw process going!!!

Haha...I don't know about being an expert, but what I do know is I can't wait for that new one to come in. I hope Scott is ready, because it will be going directly to him for a trim and some weight addition. Thanks for the recommendation on that one, Dwight, because I think it will certainly fit the purpose with which it will be used.

I'll try and answer this for Dwight, because he has a lot of preparing to do for this upcoming Spring Smallmouth Extravaganza he is going to put a whoop down on. I have both the 853C JWR and the 843 MBR. The 843 MBR is a fast action rod (as opposed to the extra-fast action of the 853C JWR). This slightly slower action seems to open to door to techniques like crankbaits, jerkbaits, topwater and other treble hook style lures (as a side note, there are a lot of guys who like an extra-fast action rod for jerkbaits & topwater, but I am not one of them). Also, the action and power of the 843C MBR is just perfect for Spinnerbaits. As for the 853C JWR (and other in the JWR series), these are really geared towards jigs and plastics. That extra-fast action really allows for working those bottom contact baits and the little more stout blank of the 853C is good for pulling fish through any type of light cover. With that being said, if you fish plastics & jigs like 90% of the time, then I would be looking into the JWR line-up as it will fish other techniques. If you want just one rod to really handle a lot of situations, then the 843C MBR would be my choice. As a Disclaimer, NRX rods are very addicting and you may say you just want one, but you will never be able to limit yourself. You will feel the comfort and sensitivity of that 853C JWR or 843C MBR or whatever you choose and say, "Maybe I'll just get one NRX finesse set-up?" With that you'll get the NRX 852S JWR. Then you'll say, "You know, there is some heavy cover I really want to get that frog through or a punching rig in," and you'll end up with the NRX 895C JWR or NRX 916C UBR. Then you'll say, "I really want a NRX jerkbait rod," and realized they don't make one, so you go and buy a NRX 843C MBR and take it to a professional rodmaker to modify it to get the action you want. It's just a never ending sickness. I just want to warn you before you get into that "gateway" NRX rod. Good luck in your search.

Hmmm...I have to be honest, I'm surprised no one directed you to the NRX 843 MBR. I know your range was 7'1" to 7'5", but if you are looking for a very diverse rod, then the 843 MBR seems to handle a lot of techniques well. With that being said, any NRX you choose will be the right decision.

With the way the Winter is going around here, Lake Erie may not thaw until Summer!!

Here's a quote from Scott Suggs, "To be able to win this tournament with these caliber of guys..." You guys may need to talk with Scott and let him know it's not a tournement.

I have a few, but my G Loomis NRX 916 UBR & Shimano Core 100 MgFV is what I really enjoy fishing with the most. There is just something about that combo with an ounce weight and a Chiggar Craw on the end while pitching into heavy LillyPad fields that brings a smile to my face.

May I make another unsolicited suggestion? Cortland Masterbriad is truly an incredible line for musky fishing. I've tried PowerPro, which is what I use for all my bass needs, but I just didn't like it for Musky Applications. To be honest, I couldn't put my finger on it (maybe the rigidity at that line diameter), but MasterBraid is my mainstay (as a side note, TufLine XP Braid is also another braid that I was impressed with for musky fishing, though, Masterbraid still is tops).

I have the third the BPS Extremes. I have two of the Baitcasting and 1 spinning that I take with me on trips and they really have served me well.

I tried a Monster Rehab once and I swear it about burned a hole in my stomach. I am not a coffee fan at all and avoid soda's, so I was in search of a caffeine source to keep my @ss awake during the day (I have three little girls under the age of 4 and they never seem to need sleep). I found Mio Energy and I have to say, this stuff is like drinking candy (plus the caffeine helps keep me from falling asleep at my desk).

What an Incredible Fish! Rare Giant from PA waters. Speedbead, here is a picture that angler had on his Facebook page (which suggests to me it was released)

I have a SBR661 and have caught up to 20inch LM on it. It is a fight alright, but I still was able to land them. I think you should be fine. Worst case would be that every 3 pounder will feel like a 6 pounder.

I couldn't imagine someone saying, "Well, the E6X is lighter, better balanced, cheaper, and nicer looking that the GL2, but I think I am going to buy the GL2." Someone is going to be bargain shopping for the lowest end G Loomis or go up the scale some (into IMX, GLX, or NRX). Since the GL2 is no longer the basement of the G Loomis line, I think they (like GL3's did) will get lost. I just can't imagine G Loomis being able to keep up and produce all these rod lines and models. Something has got to give (and I am betting it is the GL2).

I have become a G Loomis Junkie over the years (especially when it comes to the NRX rods) and I have to admit, these are nice looking rods. I can't imagine the GL2's hanging around long if these E6X's are as good as they are advertised.

How about buy a $300 to $350 retail rod at a good deal of $200 (with a little shopping around, of course). That's what I would do (though, I guess this falls in line with the guys who said buy the best rod that you can).

I have every Master Catalog since sometime in the early 90's (might even be back into the 80's). As a kid, when that catalog came, I would pour over every page as the internet wasn't in heavy use. Now with the website, I know everything that is going to be in that catalog months before it even shows up. It has lost it's magic over the years (though, it still doesn't stop me from pilling it into the collection).

Well, I don't know how serious you are about getting into musky fishing, but here's my experience. I would not get anything smaller than the Toro series if you are looking into a Revo. The bass Revo's will get tore up, especially if you intend to throw some double cow girls (I know that the bass series could fight a musky as I have caught quite a few while bass fishing with one, but as others have said, it won't hold up to the lures used when fishing for musky). I have a Revo Toro Winch that I purchased for dedicated bucktail duty. It performs that task ok (i.e., won't wear you out), but it sucks for every other musky fishing application (and to be honest, I not 100% fan of how it functions with the bucktails). It is just too slow of a reel. It's too slow in picking up slack while fishing a Bulldawg, it's too slow for my liking when fishing musky crankbaits, it's too slow when I want to pick up the pace on the bucktail (you will really be cranking). With that being said, do not get a high speed RevoToro (6.4:1). I have a few of the High Speed version, which I love for jerkbaits and topwater (really picks up slack), but 5 casts with a double Cowgirls and you'll be looking to pick up that lighter bass gear and find some largemouth for a break. Long story short, I do feel that a 5.4:1 Revo Toro is the best all around musky reel you can get (either in the standard Toro or in the NaCl model) and it is no where close to an overkill. If you start looking at a Penns International or something like that, then I would say you are getting into overkill range. Alright, let's talk about your rod. I know you didn't ask, but if you are going to spend money on a Revo Toro (which even a good deal will run you $180 to $200) then you might as well get a decent rod to go with it (as they say, if you buy quality gear the first time, you will only have to buy once). That Whopem Stick if I remember correctly is a fiberglass rod geared to Catfishing. From the ones I remember handling (white blank with some blue and red accents) it is quite heavy and soft (very moderate action). Your arms and shoulders will be cursing you out by then end of the day (though, to be honest, they will be cursing you out by the end of the day anyway for even deciding to take up musky fishing). May I suggest a Tackle Industries Musky Rod? In my musky line-up, I have G Loomis (both Maroon and Black series), St. Croix, Bluegrass, and Tackle Industry Rods. By far the best value is the Tackle Industry Rods (however, I will admit, the best performing rods are the G Loomis Maroon Series, but they cost three time that of a Tackle Industries Rod). A 9' XH Tackle Industries rod paired with a Revo Toro 5.4:1 reel will handle just about any musky lure you want to throw (unless you want to start throwing Bulldawg 2-Pounders, which will move you up into the XXH Model and expedite the need for rotator cuff surgery). Sorry for all the unsolicited Musky Gear advice. Good luck in your search and I hope you stick that first musky this year!

Even though I don't fish tournaments (and this post may not apply), but when I take someone fishing with me in my boat, which may include a three hour commute one way, I would never expect or accept (unless physically forced upon me) money from the person with me. With that being said, it is nice when the offer is made.

I have used that XPS Handle Wrap, Tennis Racket Grip, Mountain Bike Handle Tape, and Rod Wrap. The only one that I really like is the Rod Wrap. The XPS Wrap wears quickly and the tape doesn't hold worth a crap. The Tennis Racket Grip works ok, but I am only able to use it on my fly rods, because they are cut so short. I went as far as calling Wilson directly to try and get uncut runs of it and they essentially said no. The Mountain Bike Handle Grip has adhesive on it and I didn't like that being on my cork. Rod Wrap works perfectly. I have it on every rod I own. I started with just wrapping one worn handle and I liked it so much, it went on them all.

G Loomis NRX 916C UBR & Shimano Core 100MgFV

I thought the winner received $50,000 (at least that's what I remember from the first one they had). They also receive a big @ss trophy.

What distinguishes between the two? Tournament - (noun) (in a sport or game) a series of contests between a number of competitors, who compete for an overall prize.

Haha...I agree. Mike Icconelli is the worst at this. He screams out, "It's a Giant!" and it doesn't even tip the scales at 2 pounds.