Muskie Combo Questions

[Brnnoser6983]

So. This year I am thinking up upgrading my Muskie fishing setup. I originally went with an extremely cheap setup to make sure it was something I wanted to get into, and I do.

My current setup is an Okuma ABF spinning reel (the salt water reel) and a Whumppum stick. The problem is this setup while it works is extremely heavy!

What are your suggestions? Spinning over caster. Round versus low profile. Pros and cons.

I was originally thinking an Abu Garcia Ambassador C4, St. Croix MD FA and 85 lb braid, but I want to hear from others on their opinion who fish musky.

Oh price range isn't set yet, but I was thinking 300 ish range on the combo. Give or take.

[Lucky Craft Man]

Even though this is a Bass forum, I will offer an answer.

This answer really depends on what you mainly throw, but this following combo should handle a large range of lures.

Rod: Tackle Industries XH 9' Casting Rod

Reel: Abu Garcia Revo Toro NaCl 5.4:1 Ratio

Line: 80 to 100 lb Braid (I like Cortland Masterbraid, but there are a lot of good brands)

Leader: Stealth 130lb+ Fluorocarbon

That Set-up will run you around $500 (for everything listed) however, if you shop around, you could get everything for about $350.

[tomustang]

Okuma Big Bait rod and Shimano Cardiff reel

[Brnnoser6983]

Even though this is a Bass forum, I will offer an answer.

This answer really depends on what you mainly throw, but this following combo should handle a large range of lures.

Rod: Tackle Industries XH 9' Casting Rod

Reel: Abu Garcia Revo Toro NaCl 5.4:1 Ratio

Line: 80 to 100 lb Braid (I like Cortland Masterbraid, but there are a lot of good brands)

Leader: Stealth 130lb+ Fluorocarbon

That Set-up will run you around $500 (for everything listed) however, if you shop around, you could get everything for about $350.

 I know I know, but I was hopping it would slide because the "other fish" section... Lol..

 

But I love the Toro, and was thinking about that. But what are the + and -'s of round versus low profile, or isn't there? And has it come commonly accepted to use the lows on bigger fish? If I remeber right the Toro also would make a decent cross over reel with different line of course for just plain out northen or bass fishing.

 

I appreciate the help, really I do.

[Robert Riley]

Even though this is a Bass forum, I will offer an answer.

This answer really depends on what you mainly throw, but this following combo should handle a large range of lures.

Rod: Tackle Industries XH 9' Casting Rod

Reel: Abu Garcia Revo Toro NaCl 5.4:1 Ratio

Line: 80 to 100 lb Braid (I like Cortland Masterbraid, but there are a lot of good brands)

Leader: Stealth 130lb+ Fluorocarbon

That Set-up will run you around $500 (for everything listed) however, if you shop around, you could get everything for about $350.

This is pretty much what I have, I have a SC Premier instead of the TI. The set up may be expensive, but it'll last you, and Muskie is expensive in the first place haha.

[Brnnoser6983]

Yeah.. I have gotten by so far. 10 - 15 a lure. On the TW black Friday deal I spent the most I have ever spent on a single lure. Once I get this rod and reel down I will put more into tackle.

[slonezp]

Another vote for the Revo Toro. If you want round, I'd recommend a C3 instead of the C4 and that's just personal preference. I currently use my round reels for throwing A rigs or casting for salmon. The Toro is pricey but IMO well worth the coin.

[Lucky Craft Man]

This is pretty much what I have, I have a SC Premier instead of the TI. The set up may be expensive, but it'll last you, and Muskie is expensive in the first place haha.

 

I have a few St. Croix Premiers as well.  Great rods and if you don't plan on throwing anything over say 12 ounces, this would be another viable option.

[Brnnoser6983]

I was thinking of staying in the 2 to 4 oz range. I know I want to get a rocket for bass. On the C3 versus the 4 why the preference difference?

[Lucky Craft Man]

I was thinking of staying in the 2 to 4 oz range. I know I want to get a rocket for bass. On the C3 versus the 4 why the preference difference?

 

The C3 has a lower gear ratio (5.3:1 or 26 IPT) than the C4 (6.3:1 or 30 IPT).  Both reels are good and have their purpose.  For example, if you are throwing baits that have a lot hydroresistance while reeling in, like Double 8's or Crankbaits, then the C3 would be a much better choice (as you will wear yourself and the reel out if you tried using the C4).  The C4 is great for picking up slack when using lure like jerkbaits, glidebaits, or some topwater. 

 

If you are looking for just one reel our of these two, I would definitely say the C3.