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Posts: 31
Location: saint paul, mn | I have used this site to begin setting up my "quality" muskie set ups. This past year the musky bug bit me hard. Thanks to this site I am getting much closer to being "ready" for this coming year. (although i have come to realize there is no such thing as truly ready!) The rod and reel I am looking at getting now would be a topwater set up. What am I looking for in a good top water rod and reel? What are people using that they like? As always, any help and suggestions are greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Nate
P.S. I now have a shimano cardiff 400 with out a rod, any suggestions on a home for this reel, is also appreciated. | |
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Posts: 7038
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | If you're looking to throw the straight in tail or head rotating baits (ie. Rumbler, Slam'r) or creeper style, I would recommend the Okuma 8'6" Heavy telescoping rod. You're looking for length for bait placement and hook setting power and this rod will be a great match for you.
If you're looking for something better suited for the side to side walk the dogs such as the Weagle, I personally like something a bit shorter, with a fast flexible tip but power in the rod. I use a G-Loomis 7'7" Heavy with an extended handle, but there have to be more cost-effective solutions beyond this rod. $250 for a rod that I basically throw for one lure is a bit silly. | |
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Posts: 2024
| Whatever jerkbait rod you have should be able to throw walk-the-dog topwaters just fine, granted it's not a complete pool cue (as Slamr said you want a bit of flex in the tip). I personally throw all big glide baits and walk-the-dog topwaters on a 7'6"H Fig Rig "Tooth Tamer". Very light with good backbone and a little flex at the tip. I throw prop style baits, buzzbaits, globes, Hawg Wobblers, etc. with an 8'MH St. Croix Premier. You want maximum casting distance and maneuverability (boatside and around objects - i.e. rocks, weed patches, stumps) that only a longer rod can afford. | |
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Posts: 31
Location: saint paul, mn | ok, so as far as a walk the dog rod, my jerk bait rod is a custom thorne bros. 6'2''. Is then a little too short? My other option, as far as rods I have, is a 7' H st. croix premier. (Bass size rod) It has a fast tip and has held up to a cuple musky already. Out of these two then, which would you suggest. Also, what reels do you prefer for both types, wtd & buzz?
I have read alot of things on here about the okuma rod, definantly gonna look into that.
As always thanks for the great advice!
Happy Holidays,
Nate | |
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Posts: 291
Location: Minneapolis | Your custom TB rod will work like a dream for walk the dog lures. Shorter rods are really nice for that - you can point the rod tip almost straight down while you work the lure. You lose a little casting distance, but jackpots and the like cast so far anyway it's not a big deal. | |
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| would a curodo 300 work well as a reel? | |
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Posts: 2024
| Problem with too short of a rod is that if you make a bomb cast (rpike is right, you can cast Jackpots a country mile with ease) you can't pick up line quickly. Imagine tying a 20' piece of string to a toothpick laying on a table. Now quickly lift that toothpick 90 degrees and see how much string is lifted off the ground/table. That may be an exaggeration, but the point is a bomb cast does you no good if the rod you have is too short and cannot pick up line fast enough to move the hooks in a fish's mouth. I think 6'2" is WAYYYY too short for any rod, but there are those who would disagree. Also, you don't necessarily want to work the bait straight down as this creates a greater distance you must move the rod to reach a proper and powerful hook setting position. Working your baits to the side puts you in a great position to set the hook. Something in the mid 7 foot range (7'6", 7'7", 7'9") would be my first choice.
Your bass rod might be OK for smaller baits, but I would not throw baits like Top Raiders or Pacemakers on it. Small buzzbaits would probably be OK though.
Reels for prop style, non WTD topwaters should be something smooth. Mid-range 5.1:1 gear ratio is fine. I throw those baits with a Luna, but just about any reel will do. WTD topwaters will put a beating on your reel. I've blown a couple Calcuttas and a Luna throwing these baits (and big gliders) and have yet to find something whose instant anti-reverse can withstand the rigors of this technique (would be curious to see what others say about in regards to reels and WTD topwater).
Edited by esox50 12/23/2007 11:12 PM
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Posts: 31
Location: saint paul, mn | Funny you say that about the rod being too short. When i was in thrne bros., i asked them specifically, "Is this too short? I have been hearing alot about longer rods recently, are you sure?" Him, "Oh yea, for a jerk bait rod, this is the best you can get for the money you are tryin to spend." ($250) Don't get me wrong it is a REALLY nice rod, and I am a pretty short guy, it's just frustrating to hear that. Especialy when I asked them specifically. My own fault for not being more adamant about the length.
Anyway, I really do appreciate all the help and insight.
Nate | |
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Posts: 31
Location: saint paul, mn | So after writing that last post I got to thinkin about that rod. I didn't think that it really felt like it was 6'2''. It says it, but when holding up side by side with other rods that are 6'6'', it is the same size. I know it is only 4'', but will that make any difference?
Still wish I woulda got at least a 7
Edited by jerkmybait 12/24/2007 2:54 AM
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Posts: 2024
| In reality, you will probably be fine. It will make working zig zag baits a breeze, you might just shorten up your casts a bit. Also, if you're not a big guy it might suit you better. Figure 8s might be a little difficult but I wouldn't beat yourself up over it. Try it first, then see if you like it. If not, sell it (here would be a good option) and pick up something longer!
Happy holidays everyone! | |
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topwater set up