Beginning Musky Setup

[Rusty Shackleford]

I'm looking to get a versatile setup that I could use, mainly for casting bucktails, topwaters, and/or jerkbaits. More than likely, minimal trolling. I've heard good things about the Abu Garcia 6500 C3, so I was thinking about going with that for a reel. Any suggestions for a reasonably priced rod? I was considering maybe a Shimano Compre Muskie Rod. Hoping to keep the combo around $250. Any feedback or suggestions are appreciated!

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I bought my first setup last year, a Shimano Cardiff 300A and a 7'6"-8'MH Tackle Industries musky rod.  I threw bucktails, topwater, bulldogs, and ledgebuster spinnerbaits on it.  It a really good rod for around $100, less if you find one on eBay.  I got reel for $80 and the rod for $100 so that a pretty good setup for under $200.

http://www.tackleindustries.com/muskypikerods.html

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I bought my first setup last year, a Shimano Cardiff 300A and a 7'6"-8'MH Tackle Industries musky rod. I threw bucktails, topwater, bulldogs, and ledgebuster spinnerbaits on it. It a really good rod for around $100, less if you find one on eBay, and it was lighter than my buddies 7'MH St. Croix Triumph musky rod.. I got reel for $80 and the rod for $100 so that a pretty good setup for under $200.

http://www.tackleindustries.com/muskypikerods.html

Just saw they were $110 right now with $5 shipping....not bad for those rods.

[bear7625]

Ambassadeur reels have been part of musky fishing for 50 years. I have 2 6500 C3's and 1 5500 C3 that I use, and they preform well.

With the wide variety of musky tackle available, choosing one setup to cover them all would be difficult at best. I use a 7'6 rod for bucktails, but I like a stouter 6'6 for topwater and jerkbaits.( better hook set )

Believe it or not, you can find musky rods for around $50 that will get you started just fine.

[Lucky Craft Man]

I will second a Tackle Industries Rod.  I have the XXH 9' Telescopic rod, which is a really nice rod for $110.  You obvioulsy wouldn't need a rod that heavy, but I would suggest getting a telescopic version.  Really much easier to store and transport.

[B A S S E R]

my musky reel is a C4. I havent caught a musky on it but plenty of salmon. its a great reel