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Posts: 4
| I'm looking for suggestions for a muskie/pike setup. The rod would be more of an allpurpose rod, and very lightweight. Reel needs to be on the smaller side, I have small hands. Any help would be great 
I currently am using last years Gander Guide Series Pro Select IM8 Graphite Muskie 7" MH and a Abu Ambassadeur C4 5601
Edited by nghttrain00 7/25/2008 9:24 AM
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Posts: 550
Location: So. Illinois | Sounds like what you have fits the bill nicely. I own a c ouple of teh gander Mt series rods and really like them.
J | |
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| I'm reading between the lines here, but I'm thinking you like your gander guide for small to medium size stuff, and are looking to add a 2nd rod with a little more backbone. You don't give a budget but if you want light weight few rods can touch a diamondback. The new st croix tourney legend or whatever they're called are super light too. Now these are expensive rods and you're looking at $250+. In the diamondback I'd go with a H power - it'll throw everything from a standard bucktail up to a mag dawg. In the croix the new double 10 model that's just coming out looks like it would be comparable to the heavy db. My next rod will be built on a g loomis steel 20 blank which should handle everything but big rubber. If you're going the custom route it really helps to talk to an experienced rod builder. I get all of mine at thorne bros but there's a guy on this board named keith who has a super good rep and can get you what you need as well. If you don't want spend so much there are lots of quality rods out there but I don't have much experience with them. All I know is when I pick up a $110 off the rack I'm pretty amazed at what you can get for your money nowadays... so much better than what we had 16 years ago when I was starting out. As for reels I can't help you... I use 7000's for everything. | |
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Posts: 159
Location: NYC (and many weeks in MN during summer) | I'd pretty much agree with Phil on most everything he said except about the diamondbacks. I own several, as they are my favorite blank by far. Also, they are the lightest. But the old saying applies, "they don't make em like they used to". Last year DB production moved from Vermont to china, and with it went it's quality. There have been NUMEROUS blanks snap while throwing lures within the rods rated weight. Thorne brothers no longer carries them for this reason.
I also had them make me the new Loomis steel, and I think it's rated H 25, and I would NOT throw anything larger than 8oz with that rod, let alone with the 20 blank. Infact, for the few times I threw a 9" curly sue with that rod, I felt like I had to lob it out there as something bad might happen if I really gave it the business. For the big stuff, I had keith at pro edge build me the st croix mega swimbait 8', and for just that application, it's wonderful.
As phil stated, you didn't list your budget, but he was spot on in suggesting you call or visit with a custom rod builder. You'd be surprised how far your money can go. And if waiting is a problem, TB offers 2 series of off the rack rods, the "c" and "s" series that start around $150 and are built " custom" quality.
As for reeling in big bucktails, I use a trinidad. It is unequalled, IMO for that application, but really only for that application. I don't know if they make a left H model. Also, Daiwa just put a levelwind on the saltist. Don't know about LH models, but at around $150, that's the ticket for big blades. If salt water reels don't work for you, I'd go with the Shimano Calcutta 401 TE. It's left handed, has oversized gears that are SMOOTH, but they are expensive ($350). Also, I don't burn db cowgirls with mine so I don't know how it would hold up over the long haul. I've heard from others though, that they fit this task well.
I hope this was helpful.
Randy | |
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Posts: 4
| You are right Phil, looking to add another rod not replace.
I was looking at St Croix Models
LTBC73MHF
TM73MHF
TM76XHF
But not sure if I want to rush out and get any of these with the new 09 rods coming out. Any Idea when they should be out. I seen August and also seen October.
Thanks for the Input Guys
Edited by nghttrain00 7/26/2008 11:00 AM
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Posts: 159
Location: NYC (and many weeks in MN during summer) | you already own a mh rod, which will cover your spinnerbaits, standard bucks, most topwater stuff and the smaller jerks/twitchs. I'd get a heavy rod next, which could cover all the bigger baits and blades, excluding monster plastics. I'd avoid an xh if your looking to become really versatile. It may be something you add later, like a jerkbait rod too, but for now, not prudent, IMO. Anything rated from 4 to 8 ounces will be good. I'd also look at something no less than 7'8"" up to 8'. Now you would have to completely different rods capable of throwing just aboutany baiton the market. Again,I'd look at the loomis or TB stuff.
For this set up, I'd definetly go with the Calcutta. Enough power to throw everything you'll be using, and won't blow out on you in one season. It'll cost a bit upfront, but if you only have to rigs on the water, you can't afford to have one fail.
Randy
Edited by NYmuskyhunter 7/26/2008 11:27 AM
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Location: oswego, il | I would still buy an 8' rod. Get an 8' medium heavy rod. You can throw easier, make longer casts and work baits with less effort. As for a reel, look at a low profile reel. Maina has a new one out, Quantum has a cabo pt and Garcia is coming out with a new one. For round reels, the shimano calcutta 250 is nice, st croix has a 200 series reel, I am sure there are others this size. You won't retrieve double ten bucktails with them but they are good for most everything else. | |
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Posts: 4
| Dumb ? what is TB??? | |
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Posts: 271
Location: davis,IL | I have a great light weight setup ( catches 50+ inch fish good too). An 8' Tica heavy rod (1 - 4oz lure weight) and a Quantum Cabo 30B spooled with 80' Spiderwire Ultrabraid. The rod telescopes down to about 6.5 ft for storage, the handle is not overly thick, and feels, weight and handling wise like a bass outfit with a lot of backbone. While both rod and reel are not made for cowgirls, it handles double 8 bucktails great, as well as the smaller, lighter, baits out there. I love this setup for throwing 1.5 to 2.5 oz bucktails all day. The rod weighs just over 9 ounces and the reel about 12 ounces, with the lenth of the rod and the fast action, it's a good hooker. Rod, reel, and spooling up line can be done for just a tad over $300. I also have an 6'9" Gander rod (Jerkbait/ topwater rod) with a ABU 6600C4, for a comparison the Tica is about the same physical weight and the reel is slightly lighter (1/2 - 1 oz), the handle is the same or slightly smaller in diameter, with a low profile reel.
Edited by muskydope 7/27/2008 1:03 AM
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Posts: 159
Location: NYC (and many weeks in MN during summer) | nghttrain00 - 7/26/2008 9:29 PM
Dumb ? what is TB???
Sorry, MY dumbness. TB is Thorne Brothers. It's a Muskie bait and tackle store, and custom rod builder located in Fridley minnesota. I should have been more clear. Give em a look online.
Randy | |
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Posts: 4
| Thank You to E1 for you help and Info.
Do you guys think a Okuma Induron 400Lx would be ok? Weight 13.1 oz 7 ball bearings plus a roller 5.1:1 gear ratio. I can get this reel for 60 Bucks Brand new | |
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| I've actually heard a lot of good things about that okuma, even for big lures. Never used one first hand, though. | |
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Rod / Reel Setup