What Are Some Good Musky Setups?

[tomustang]

Average size line mono/braid,

Musky rod actions,

Most common reels,

Leaders

Right now I have a St Croix Premier Musky 7'6" Heavy/Fast with a Curado 301E/80lb braid and some 80lb steel leaders sitting around, no baits though

[SirSnookalot]

Growing up on Lake St. Clair, I've caught a muskie or 2. I would use what I already have, but as a rule I match my equipment for the conditions and lures being used, more than than fish itself. I would not use braid if I had any intention of trolling, certain lures will twist up your braid and make it unusable, has happened to me many times, a BB swivel won't help. My first thought always is the water conditions, open water for me is lighter gear, heavy vegetation requires more backbone.

Been a while since I've muskie fished as I'm in a saltwater environment now, the closest similar fish I encounter are barracuda. These fish on average run 30-50", very toothy, very formidable fighters. Myself and most of my buds use 4000 spinning reel, mh or heavy rod, 15# mono or 20# braid, 30# wire leader, we are fishing open water, but a lot of coral and barnacles, of course we get cut off sometimes. I personally would not fish any heavier for muskie. I would take extra care in crimping your wire leaders, do not crimp on the very end of the sleeve, that creates a friction point and they can break. Piano wire is good too, use a haywire twist.

[d3bf48]

Your St. Croix and curado with 80lb braid is a good set up. Would be perfect for jerkbaits IMO. You might want a longer rod if you throw big bulldawgs and double 10 bucktails. Tackle Industires 9' XH telescopic rod would be my choice. Add a shimano calcutta 400te if you have the money.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

Personally I like 100lb braid better. Not because you need 100lb, but because it is more impact resistant. I've lost lures on backlashes before with 80lb.

7'6 Believe it or not, is a short rod nowadays. With that said though, I still like em' for casting crankbaits. They are short enough to do some jerking/twitching while cranking. 7' is better for actual jerkbaits, and walk the dog top waters.

For anything else, most guys are using 8'6 and even 9'. I think with your current rod, depending on how tall you are, and how your boat is setup, could be used for jerks and walk the dogs. A blade rod is pretty important. 9' would be my choice for longer casts, deeper/bigger figure 8's, and easier to change directions during the retrieve.

Some of my favorites-Phantom regular and softail jerkbaits, A double 10 bladed bait of your choice, Triple D for any cranking not in HEAVY weeds, Depthraider-non jointed in heavier weeds. Saftey pin spinnerbaits (because not many musky guys use them), Delong killer eel-prerigged soft jerkbait with killer action, and Bulldogs.

The trend has been bigger and bigger over the years. Some of the pounder bulldogs are almost 1lb-15-16oz

THAT is why I think it's crazy about guys asking if a Bama rig will wear you out. If so, bass fisherman are a whole bunch more sissied than Musky fisherman.

[tomustang]

Eventually I'd like to get my wife a setup too, but something on the lighter side, I know they make rods all the way down to medium, but what kind of baits would be good for medium?

[BradH]

Sounds like you already have the perfect rod & reel for esox sized bucktails/spinnerbaits, medium swimbaits, 1 to 2 oz. jigs and medium cranks. That kind of stuff can be cast all day without wearing you out. I'll go against the grain a little and suggest a 6' to 6' 6" jerkbait rod spooled with 65 to 100 pound braid and a high speed reel to take up the slack between jerks/pulls. I've tried fishing jerkbaits with "normal" length rods and I prefer the short rod. When I say jerkbait rod I mean one rated for esox sized baits. I'm probably in the minority though, seems everyone else wants a 9' rod for everything if you read the message boards. Add a 8' to 9' rod with Swedish made 7000 ABU for those gigantic baits, casting and trolling, and you should have a fairly complete arsenal. Use the search function on the next bite and walleye central pike/musky forums and you'll see all kinds of good stuff on rods and reels.

[SirSnookalot]

THAT is why I think it's crazy about guys asking if a Bama rig will wear you out. If so, bass fisherman are a whole bunch more sissied than Musky fisherman.

You said it not me.

The gear and line I see suggested to catch a fish that averages only 20# or so is something that makes no sense to me, except for the fact a heavier rod is needed to throw heavier baits. I admit I don't catch 20# freshwater fish like I did when I lived in Michigan, but I catch plenty of 20#+ fish down here. I'm not going to compare one fish against another, only to say tarpon are one of the more formidable fighting fish anywhere. Anyone that would argue that is someone that never caught one, it is the norm to use spinning gear or fly rod, mh rods, 20# line to target juveniles that are 10-50#.

If I've missed something as to why such heavy gear is needed, please give me an education. I am curious about this, my love affair is for light tackle fishing, not heavy baitcasters.

[BradH]

The heavy line is so when you backlash a big bait it doesn't just keep on going. But yes, I know what you are saying

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

You said it not me.

The gear and line I see suggested to catch a fish that averages only 20# or so is something that makes no sense to me, except for the fact a heavier rod is needed to throw heavier baits. I admit I don't catch 20# freshwater fish like I did when I lived in Michigan, but I catch plenty of 20#+ fish down here. I'm not going to compare one fish against another, only to say tarpon are one of the more formidable fighting fish anywhere. Anyone that would argue that is someone that never caught one, it is the norm to use spinning gear or fly rod, mh rods, 20# line to target juveniles that are 10-50#.

If I've missed something as to why such heavy gear is needed, please give me an education. I am curious about this, my love affair is for light tackle fishing, not heavy baitcasters.

A few key reasons.

Far and away number one is because of population preservation. They aren't a species with good spawning success, (for many reasons) and being a top predetar are a low population density fish.

Because of this EVERY FISH needs to be caught/released. Fish played out on light tackle, are often times literally played to death. The sooner the fish is landed, the sooner it can be released. We have since learned the old tactic of play till they turn belly up results in a high post release mortality rate.

The second is the size and weight of the lures used. I don't know of many fish that people use 1lb lures that they CAST with. Because of lure weight you need a heavy rod. Because of the heavy rod, and it's inability to protect light line-you need heavy line.

Plus as has been said, I GUARANTEE YOU that any slight loop in the line-even if it isn't a backlash will result in a lost lure if not using heavy line. Those heavy lures snap 80lb line like it's 4lb test.

[SirSnookalot]

Poetry in motion as today I did exactly what I'm talking about this morning. I was not fishing for anything special and it was dead casting lures. I then put a 2" grunt on a 4/0 circle with on my stradic 4000 redbone 10/20 spinning rod, sat back and b.s'ed with my friends. Few minutes later the reel is singing and 200yds of 20# braid is gone, cranking to max drag does nothing to slow the fish, so I start palming the spool to slow it down, after palming and releasing a few times I grabbed and held the spooled and stopped the fish. I now can start reeling in and gain ground, which I did and managed to get the fish with in about 30 yds of the jettie, my line snapped at the swivel, fish gone. I had the pleasure of the fight and fishing from an 8 high jettie could not have landed it anyway, so it worked out well, and didn't lose a yard of line. After about 6 or 8 jumps we ascertained the tarpon to be conservative 100# . The fish swam off none the worse for wear, in all fairness this species does have more strength and stamina that many other.

I do understand the concern for the fish, but I don't share it. I've caught countless numbers of really good sized fish, have yet to see a problem and they all swim off just fine. What happens when out of sight, I don't know, but that could be said about a quick catch, the fish is still tired. A growing trend is catching larger fish on lighter tackle, whether it be fly or spinning or light b/c gear. Shark on fly rods is getting popular, sailfish, tarpon , permit and many others too. Not too mention steelhead, which are dandy fish to catch and fight pretty darn good too, the equipment is not overpowering for them.

[Bluebasser86]

Eventually I'd like to get my wife a setup too, but something on the lighter side, I know they make rods all the way down to medium, but what kind of baits would be good for medium?

If she can use casting gear a heavy action baitcasting rod will fish larger bass style baits like big Husky Jerks or X-raps, larger safety pin spinners, and inline spinners in the 1/2-1 oz size. They may not be the "ideal" muskie setup or baits but they will account for their share of muskies. I've only ever caught 3 even though I've fished for them with muskie sized baits, 1 on a 1oz teriminator, 1 on a 1oz bucktail, and 1 on a 1/8oz crappie jig believe it or not.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

My comments above only pertain to Musky. Not any kind of saltwater fish. In fact, I really don't like any salt water fish, and would rather do lots of other things than fish for any of them. In fact, I don't really care about the fish either, because sport fish that are not commercially fished manage themselves fine, because they are able to travel, and find ideal spawning locations.

Sorry, but your always trying to put your 1/2 cent in that I read as a dig toward bass fishing, and freshwater fishing. NOBODY cares about saltwater fish. This is a bass fishing forum, not a saltwater forum.

[BradH]

I'm usually fishing for larger pike due to my location but I do fish for muskies when I get a chance. I upsize to musky baits & tackle when pike fishing to keep the little pike, bass and walleye off sometimes. If it wasn't effective I wouldn't do it.

I hands down agree on the fast landing and release. Also cover can be a factor. Yes you can play and land a 40"+ musky/pike on a jigging rod with 6 pound test but as soon as that fish runs into timber, strong current or thick weeds you are done 90% of the time.

I know where you are coming from SirSnook! My Dad landed a fat slob of a pike on Christmas Eve using a spinning rig like you described in short order. Most forums I just stop in a read every month or two. I'm probably wrong but I get the impression some folks don't fish that much but like to go online and pretend they do. Some guys act like you MUST have a super duper 12' rod and the latest Gee Whiz Superman reel. I'm sure those things are nice but there are plenty of proven tools as well. They also have a different tape measure, hahaha. I guess that could be internet forums in general. Nah, wait a minute, they are all legit. I'm the crazy one. I'm happy with my Scheels, BPS and Cabelas rods and my ABU reels that "won't last more than a season!"

I don't like to insult anyone's intelligence so if you already know what I'm going to say disregard. If you are in the market for a musky rig and some lures get in the market for a quality landing net and some tools. My first big fish were great experiences because I had the right tools in the boat. I've heard some horror stories!

[tomustang]

The biggest problem my closest hole for musky is that they die after most release, not sure how long the landing is since they are found dead up by the shore a few days after some caught them. Usually 4' in length. Bad enough I barely see anyone even fishing for musky up there but hear there's several people to do. The heavier setup will land faster and more efficient

If she can use casting gear a heavy action baitcasting rod will fish larger bass style baits like big Husky Jerks or X-raps, larger safety pin spinners, and inline spinners in the 1/2-1 oz size. They may not be the "ideal" muskie setup or baits but they will account for their share of muskies. I've only ever caught 3 even though I've fished for them with muskie sized baits, 1 on a 1oz teriminator, 1 on a 1oz bucktail, and 1 on a 1/8oz crappie jig believe it or not.

She's well versed in baitcasting, the problem is her size since she's only 5", does good with 7' bass rods but whipping a broomstick might seem troublesome

[SirSnookalot]

My comments above only pertain to Musky. Not any kind of saltwater fish. In fact, I really don't like any salt water fish, and would rather do lots of other things than fish for any of them. In fact, I don't really care about the fish either, because sport fish that are not commercially fished manage themselves fine, because they are able to travel, and find ideal spawning locations.

Sorry, but your always trying to put your 1/2 cent in that I read as a dig toward bass fishing, and freshwater fishing. NOBODY cares about saltwater fish. This is a bass fishing forum, not a saltwater forum.

If this is a bass only forum then no mention of muskie, pike, trout, walleye, carp, catfish, and salt water species should be allowed, that is not the case. Threads and pictures focusing on other species are often in the "Other Fish Species" section as well as the "Fishing Reports" section. Many people fish multiple species and have a keen interest in what the world of fishing has to offer, I get private messages of inquiry from people traveling here of how, wear and what type of equipment is needed to target ones I'm familiar with. Some of the local Florida guys that primarily target bass have messaged me as well. Kinda tells me that some do have an interest.

Fish are fish and fishing is fishing, doesn't make all that much difference where you catch them, a good portion of them react the same and are caught on identical baits. If one can catch a fish in freshwater, they can certainly do it in saltwater and vice versa. My point in the first place being, if one can catch a fish of similar size or larger with set up A, there is no reason that set up A can't be used elsewhere. I enjoy catching all types of fish and without a doubt get a thrill from the big ones, not to say I don't bass, that's an endeavor that I partake in daily as well and I do enjoy it, but still for me it's light tackle only for them. If I'm going to yank a fish in 1-2-3, I'll then start looking for a different activity, the fight is what gives me the pleasure.

[J Francho]

I do understand the concern for the fish, but I don't share it.

You are far, far out of touch with the current state of musky fisheries and musky fishing. These are a far more precious resource than junk fish in salt. I don't doubt that what you do is fun, and I doubt it has any impact to your fishery, but to apply that disregard for conservation with musky is irresponsible, and illegal in some cases. Think of it this way, one 20# musky removed from a system either by harvest or delayed mortality can erase 10 years of overall average growth in a lake. It's simply much more delicate than what you are fishing.

[tomustang]

You are far, far out of touch with the current state of musky fisheries and musky fishing. These are a far more precious resource than junk fish in salt. I don't doubt that what you do is fun, and I doubt it has any impact to your fishery, but to apply that disregard for conservation with musky is irresponsible, and illegal in some cases. Think of it this way, one 20# musky removed from a system either by harvest or delayed mortality can erase 10 years of overall average growth in a lake. It's simply much more delicate than what you are fishing.

I know where you're coming from with this response, but it's still surprises me that states have size/keep limits allowable. I know my state isn't big on musky population at all and still there is catch/keep rules, the conserving is based on the angler in this point.

You would think if they impact was so large they would be catch/release everywhere.

[SirSnookalot]

I'm sure many anglers would disagree the fish we catch are "junk", tarpon, marlin, sailfish, whaoo, and others are some of the worlds most sought after game fish, and you bet it's fun. If it weren't fun why would we do it? Inshore fish like snook, redfish and striped bass must be junk too then, yet anglers come from all over to catch and eat them. People on here were in awe when Fish Chris lands a 100# sturgeon on ultra lite gear, that is not a quick catch, I heard no screaming about the health of the fish then, he was applauded, a feat few could do. I will agree muskies are a bit more delicate and fragile, if the concern is that great maybe people shouldn't fish for them at all. Wouldn't surprise me if the written critique doesn't live up to the reality of what's happening on the lakes. People are always looking for the biggest of any species and muskies get big, any big fish is going to give a good account of itself and that's what the angler wants.

[J Francho]

It's just a term, doesn't mean they are garbage. Like "rough fish" in freshwater. It's not literal. Sturgeaon don't react to being played out like Esox. Maybe people really shouldn't fish for them. But the fact remains that people do, and when they ask for advice, we owe it to ourselves to give them the best advice possible. Not some half baked, "I don't care about the resource" response. What you may think you know from 30 years ago is irrelevant now.

You would think if they impact was so large they would be catch/release everywhere.

It's not like catching and mishandling makes them extinct, it makes big fish extinct. By big, I mean 50" musky and 40" northerns. Guys that get good at catching big fish learn better to take care of the fish they catch because they know they are catching one in a million fish, not one of a million fish that Snook is referring to.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

If this is a bass only forum then no mention of muskie, pike, trout, walleye, carp, catfish, and salt water species should be allowed, that is not the case. Threads and pictures focusing on other species are often in the "Other Fish Species" section as well as the "Fishing Reports" section. Many people fish multiple species and have a keen interest in what the world of fishing has to offer, I get private messages of inquiry from people traveling here of how, wear and what type of equipment is needed to target ones I'm familiar with. Some of the local Florida guys that primarily target bass have messaged me as well. Kinda tells me that some do have an interest.

Fish are fish and fishing is fishing, doesn't make all that much difference where you catch them, a good portion of them react the same and are caught on identical baits. If one can catch a fish in freshwater, they can certainly do it in saltwater and vice versa. My point in the first place being, if one can catch a fish of similar size or larger with set up A, there is no reason that set up A can't be used elsewhere. I enjoy catching all types of fish and without a doubt get a thrill from the big ones, not to say I don't bass, that's an endeavor that I partake in daily as well and I do enjoy it, but still for me it's light tackle only for them. If I'm going to yank a fish in 1-2-3, I'll then start looking for a different activity, the fight is what gives me the pleasure.

I don't see guys posting in a condescending manner about other species of fish. I only see you do that. Regularly.

[JIGFISHERMAN.]

I know where you're coming from with this response, but it's still surprises me that states have size/keep limits allowable. I know my state isn't big on musky population at all and still there is catch/keep rules, the conserving is based on the angler in this point.

You would think if they impact was so large they would be catch/release everywhere.

Don't be surprised if you here about at least one state proposing a tag type system like used for deer. Only 1 tag per season.

[Bluebasser86]

The biggest problem my closest hole for musky is that they die after most release, not sure how long the landing is since they are found dead up by the shore a few days after some caught them. Usually 4' in length. Bad enough I barely see anyone even fishing for musky up there but hear there's several people to do. The heavier setup will land faster and more efficient

She's well versed in baitcasting, the problem is her size since she's only 5", does good with 7' bass rods but whipping a broomstick might seem troublesome

You don't have to get her a broomstick. I caught my first muskie casting a 1oz safety pin style spinnerbait on a 7' MH/F St. Croix Premier. She can get it done with a smaller, lighter rod, it just might not be the "ideal" muskie fishing gear. Just stick to smaller lures and she'll be fine.

[SirSnookalot]

I've thought about this and I've tempered my position a bit. Would I fish heavier tackle for fish of that comparable size, no, I stand firm on that. My initial comments reflect only what equipment I would use for fish of that size, some but not all disagree with me. This may be a case in point.

You don't have to get her a broomstick. I caught my first muskie casting a 1oz safety pin style spinnerbait on a 7' MH/F St. Croix Premier. She can get it done with a smaller, lighter rod, it just might not be the "ideal" muskie fishing gear. Just stick to smaller lures and she'll be fine.

I will concede to the argument that muskie may be a bit fragile, may not weather the storm of a longer fight and other points mentioned may be valid. If I were that concerned and passionate muskie would a species I wouldn't target at all. Not being a muskie fisherman I don't contribute to any of the problems that have been mentioned. Excluding muskie, targeting fish up to about 40# that will see the same kind of equipment I've been using all along.

[0119]

Ive lost too many big snook from fighting them on light tackle. And i mean, have them go belly up even after trying to revive them. Snook your lucky you get into so many good fish. My side of florida is dessimated by too much development, too many snowbirds, too much run off and too many guides. I feel like "Skink" in a Carl Hiaasen novel.

[SirSnookalot]

@0119, my area is exactly the same with developments and snowbirds, but fishing at an inlet really helps a lot.