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Posts: 48
Location: Twin Cities | I am new to muskie fishing and am already addicted. This was my first year fishing muskies and I had purchased ABU 6500 reel and a 7' 3" Rapala XLT rod as an all purpose set up. I got an Induron 400 for Christmas and need a rod to pair it with. My thought is something to handle a little heavier/harder pulling baits like double 10's and plastics up to 8 oz. Thanks for your suggestions. |
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Posts: 7036
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | There are a million great choices out there, and depending on a number of factors, what you are willing to spend being the most important (IMO), there are a number of rods that might or might not fit your desires and budget. My THOUGHT is that you might want to check out the Okuma EVX 8'6" XH to go with that shiny new gold Induron. For what you get (castability, power, and the very convenient telescoping funtion) I would err towards this rod at a very affordable $120.
Personally, I'm a rod snob, so if I'm not going with an Okuma, I'd jump in price up to a cutom rod from either Frank Bottliergi or Keith Terlinden. Both can be contacted through MuskieFIRST. |
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Posts: 392
Location: lake x...where the hell is it? | for blades go big, atleast 8' and XH. like slamr said there are alot of good rods now. when you go shopping take the reel with ya and try it on a few rods and whatever feels good go with that. good luck and welcome fellow addict, it cost more then drugs but a fix is always free.lol. |
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| what's your budget..that makes all the difference in the world for a rod choice...
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Posts: 547
Location: Oshkosh | I would look at either the Musky Innovations Swimbait 8'6" 2-10 o.z. rod or the St. Croix Premier XH 8'6" 4-10 o.z. rod. I have the Musky Innovations rod and it works very good for double tens and really launches mag dawgs. If money is no issue go with the St. Croix Legend Tournement 8'6" 4-10 o.z. rod. I just picked up one of these and cant wait to get on the water with this rod.
Peter |
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Posts: 48
Location: Twin Cities | The Okuma rod intrigues me because it telescopes. I built a tube to carry my other rod so if this one telescopes down far enough it would fit. My tube is about 7' 5", does anyone know how long the Okuma rod is when it's not extended?
Thanks |
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Posts: 413
Location: Madison WI | iamaddicted - 12/31/2008 5:59 PM
The Okuma rod intrigues me because it telescopes. I built a tube to carry my other rod so if this one telescopes down far enough it would fit. My tube is about 7' 5", does anyone know how long the Okuma rod is when it's not extended?
Thanks
I have this rod bookmarked on my computer because I too am thinking about getting this exact rod, I am unable to find where it states what its length is when its not extended but I would assume it would drop down between 7'3" to 7'6" depending on the length of the butt.
Here is the link to the specifications
http://www.okumafishingteam.com/rods/conventional/evxspecialty.html |
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | I haven't measured my Okuma 8'6", but I think I have heard it goes down to about 6'11". If I remember it will measure it and get back to you sometime.
I like the rod a lot. Casts a wide variety of lure weights well. My only dig on the rod is that if you are REALLY ripping heavy rubber baits with it, the slower action wears you out a little bit, but it really isn't something that I would worry about, especially if you are just getting started in musky fishing. Very nice rod at a great price. If you are getting the okuma, get the 8'6" XH.
curleytail |
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Posts: 145
| Here is my suggestion, I am really contemplating one of these once I get some $$ around. I know that it is only 7' but I fish creeks (really narrow ones) and I could not get through with anything longer. I am also impressed with the weight 1-5 oz. plus it's practically impossible to break one of these things!
http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0037185120975a.shtml |
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Posts: 48
Location: Twin Cities | Thanks for the suggestions, I'll check these out at the Minnesota Musky Show. |
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| One other rod to throw into the mix is a Lamiglas 8'6" XH. It is similar to the Okuma in that it has a softer tip than most of the rods designed to throw bigger baits. It is rated up to an 8oz bait and is very light. My biggest complaint with some of the rods designed to throw bigger baits is that they are too stiff all the way through. They preform well in the area of casting and working baits, but I think the softer tip preforms better after the hook up.
My sugestion is to take your time and even try to cast a few if you can before buying. At $100-$200+ you want to be sure of your purchase. Everyone has particular preferences on everything from action, to length, to butt thickness. The right fit for you is what is most important. |
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Posts: 172
| does anybody know which place that sell okumas rods and indurons in minnesota or will there be okuma booth at minnesota expo? thanks! been looking for okuma rods to get the "feel" of it. |
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Posts: 7036
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | I have that 8'6" XH Lamiglas...but mine is a few years old. Have they bulked up the power on the rod? I really love that rod, but it is NOT a double 10 or big plastic rod. More for the spinnerbait/medium bucktail/topwater end of things.
Also, comparing the Lamiglas to the Okuma brings back up the question of price point. The Okuma is $120, the Lamiglas nearly twice that. |
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Posts: 91
| The rod will fit into a 7' rod locker. |
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Posts: 229
Location: Plover, WI | I'd go with the Okuma's. Best rod for the price, in my opinion.
Mike |
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Posts: 48
Location: Twin Cities | Slamr -
I think my price range is in the Okuma or Musky Innovations range, but maybe you or others can help. What advantages do you get when investing more on a high end St. Croix or custom rod? I understand with an expensive walleye rod you can feel the fish looking at your bait, but this doesn't seem to be an issue with muskies. I appreciate everyones help. |
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Second rod