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Posts: 7049
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | The thread about how much we own in muskie gear got me to thinking: what can we save money on, while not sacrificing in quality/durability/longevity? Here's a few random thoughts that come to my mind:
-hook cutters: DO NOT go cheap on this. buy knipex or you'll be sorry, eventually.
-trolling reels: for $40 my Magda does what a $300 trolling specific reel will do w/o sacrificing much, if anything.
-snaps: NOT a good place to go cheap! string-ease have never failed me, others have. the extra money is money well spent.
-boat stereo: $100 for my unit, it rocks, and I could have spent aLOT more. None of them are water-proof and will all be killed by that next big wave that will eventually smoke my unit.
Your thoughts? |
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Location: Des Moines IA | I just went cheap on my GPS, now I know alot of guys will say that is not a piece to skimp on. I got an Eagle instead of a Lowrance, because it takes the same cards as a Lowrance, but even though it can't be networked, that's not a big deal, as I will only be using 1 GPS on my boat. It fits my needs just fine, and was almost 200$ cheaper. |
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Posts: 897
| You can definitely save money and still catch fish by using mid-grade rods. There are a bunch of rods in the $100 range that work just fine. Obviously, I'd like to have a $300 rod but it's not necessary.
Casting reels, I think people can save money by buying one quality reel rather than 3 or 4 junk reels over the course of two or three years.
Leaders, spend the money on good leaders made out of quality components (e.g. Stealth leaders) and you won't lose lures to breakage. I lost 3 lures last year because of leaders, none this year.
I think people can save money on gas by backing off the throttle a bit. I only put the hammer down when I think it's prime time.
That's what I have for now.
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | net - quality ... don't sacrifice
hook cutters - quality ... knipex only
reels - quality ... and if you're a caster you can do it all with one
rod - quality ... and if you're a caster you can do it all with one
baits - again, if you're a caster you can do it with 5
- depth raider
- double 10
- depth raider
- bulldawg
- ddd/chopper/pacemaker ... pick your preference
leaders - use quality
boat - i went from a bigger expensive one to a cheap used one that bought me the time to wait and find what i really wanted (a used 690) ... i'll be running a sweet ride that is less cost than what most have in annual fuel and bait expenses from what i've read.
truck - paid for ... buy a diesel, take good care of it and run the miles high.
i haven't bought a musky bait in 3 years, took an entire season off, cancelled a seasonal trip to canada and reduced time on the water to re-prioritize some financial priorities.
the result is that i now own a ranger 690 and owe about $4k on it, have a truck that's paid for, have learned that certain baits simply catch fish and that the amount of money you can have tied up in a sport can get stressed really quick if something in your life changes (for me it was health then job).
BUT ...
1. if you are willing to make some tough decisions, you can protect the most important things
2. taking a season off can give you back your perspective ... and
3. balance is more important than anything |
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Posts: 457
Location: Minneconia | I would think the long winter would be enough to give back your "perspective". |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | "perspective" ... i started to focus on bass and panfish.
it reminded me that there are not only other species, but a different view of the fishery and what's good for it. without sounding argumentative ... i think more musky fishermen should consider how they're viewed by others who share the resources. |
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Posts: 1169
Location: New Hope MN | I have some old St. Croix Lengends (10yrs+) that I catch fish on all the time. Yeah they're short, but they still work fine. I can't throw a bulldawg or a 2Oz spinner...
I also have a 2 1993 6500c3's that still catch fish. I use them for shallow trolling. I had to rebuild the drag 2 yrs ago. You guys with your new $300 reels every year make me laugh.
I also use old components from one lure to the next. If my 12 yrs old bucktail has no color/hair or is rust covered, I'll cut the wire and use the lead for a new one. Weight is weight. |
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Posts: 16632
Location: The desert | jonnysled - 12/10/2009 3:21 PM
"perspective" ... i started to focus on bass and panfish.
it reminded me that there are not only other species, but a different view of the fishery and what's good for it. without sounding argumentative ... i think more musky fishermen should consider how they're viewed by others who share the resources.
And Bingo was his name-o. |
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Posts: 2017
| Hook cutter= Lowe's Kobalt 8" Compund bolt cutter - cuts 7/0 easy with one hand, lifetime warranty = $9.99
Edited by IAJustin 12/10/2009 3:39 PM
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Location: Contrarian Island | I disagree w you thinking no head units are waterproof...I have a Clarion CMD5, it has no cover plate and sits out on the side of my console and it has been absolutely DRENCHED many many downpours....zero problems... so to say none are waterproof is not quite true..
things you definitely don't need the high end stuff for to catch fish are reels, heck my Pete Maina $100 reel has held up as good as any of the $350 ones...
rods, you can get used stuff on this site or elsewhere..
boat, you don't need a fancy boat to put fish in the net...the fancy rig below has been visited by lots o skis the last 5 yrs
imo the things not to skimp on are:
trolling motor,
good deep cycle batteries
outer wear
sunglasses
net
release tools
line and leaders...they are the connection to the fish....don't buy crap that will break and kill a fish
and the Clarion CMD5 w/ 4 Alpines... ; )
Edited by BNelson 12/10/2009 4:26 PM
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| we were talking about this over lunch today: if you're patient, you can get pretty much everything under the sun right here in the buy/sell forum. much of what you see is in excellent shape for 1/3 or less of the price of buying it new.
if your budget is modest you can avoid settling for cheap new gear by getting quality used stuff that's inexpensive. the fish won't mind if your reel came with some scratches on the sides.
the one exception, the one thing i'd never buy used is terminal tackle. get some Stealth leaders and replace your snaps with new ones when they start to show some wear.
everything else from boat, rods, reels, lures, etc. can be found on great deals.
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Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | Make your own solid wire leaders
Use Stealth Tackle Flouro leaders where necessary like spinnerbaits, bull dogs and trolling.
Don't use snaps.....use High Quality split rings.
Get Autopilot Trolling motor minimum with high thrust.
Fresh trolling motor batteries....big Fleet Farm ones are plenty fine...I get 5-8 years out of them...and I use them alot.
Use a good on-board charger like the Dual Pro.....Best thing I have invested in. Only have to add about a cup of water a year and I leave it plugged in all winter...just unhook the boat wires.
Edited by Jomusky 12/10/2009 4:38 PM
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Posts: 1270
| You can make all your leaders and save a ton of money. As for the sterio in the boat the best thing that ever happened in my boat is when mine quit working. When I'm fishing I don't need to be hearing music. |
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Posts: 8788
| In the past 6 months, I have lost my job, burned though my savings, and had a client default on four months worth of freelance work. I've had a LOT of time to reflect on the thousands of dollars I have spent on muskie gear...
I wouldn't recommend that anyone buy crappy gear, because it's going to cost you fish, probably some that will wind up dead, and it simply does not last.
That said? You don't need 6 rods, an aresenal of reels, and several hundred lures. When you take a week trip to Canada, bring 10 times more stuff than you need, and still leave hundreds of lures at home? Stupid.
Yeah, I like lures as much as the next guy, but a lot of guys out there, myself included have enough gear to outfit a guide service.
But yourself a good combo, 30 lures, good tools, a good net, and good terminal tackle, and thats all you will ever need.
As for balance and perspective? It's muskie fishing, it ain't life and death. You may find yourself standing in front of a mountain of gear someday, wishing you had the money you spent on lures that are still in the box, reels that have been used three times, and rods that are still in the package. Worse yet, it may be your girlfriend standing in front of that mountain of stuff, looking at the place on her finger where a ring would go, if you hadn't spent all your money on fishing...
Lambeau is right, too. The stuff that gets bought and sold here is largely a result of people buying too much stuff, and then one day getting to the point where they need the money more than they need to have 10 reels and 500 lures. Amazing deals can be had. |
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Posts: 1530
| i chuckle at the 200 dollar rods, reels, and 100 dollar lures. if a fellow does his homework, avoids the cattle call, theres plenty of quality musky stuff available.being a troller i prefer the 50 doaller tiger stiks, penn 320 reeels. im amazed at the need of 200lb snaps, . we tend to overkill the specie.. its not about the fancy shirts, rods, reels, lures. its about the hunt. i guess my take on it after 45 years chasin, has shown me. |
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Posts: 2515
Location: Waukesha & Land O Lakes, WI | Get a job at an outdoor retailer. Excellent deals to be had. Especially VAPP deals. Vendors are very generous, some offering up to 3 products a year at 50% off. |
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| BNelson, you might want to consider spending a couple of bucks on some battery covers.......and/or a good fire extinguisher  |
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Location: Contrarian Island | nah, the boat isn't exactly going to go up in flames now is it...  |
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| Just teasing, it is a sweet rig |
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Posts: 16632
Location: The desert | BNelson - 12/10/2009 6:43 PM
nah, the boat isn't exactly going to go up in flames now is it... ;-)
Per the Handbook of Wisconsin Boating Laws and Responsibilities:
It is unlawful to operate a motorized vessel equipped with a storage battery unless the battery is secured against shifting. The battery must be equipped with nonconductive terminal shields to prevent accidental shorting. Both the positive and negative terminals must be covered. A covered battery box with a strap is best.
I'm not sure if this law is the same throughout the states, but I would venture to guess it is. I'm not trying to call you out, just a heads up as some people really don't know. Spending the summer on the water with the Sheriff's Department made me aware of how much stuff they can get you on, and the fines are not cheap. Out here every offense on the water is a Class B misdemeanor as opposed to a class C. |
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Posts: 32889
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | The difference between 'cheap' and 'inexpensive' can be HUGE. Never use one term where the other should be.
I have gear that I like. Some was expensive, most was inexpensive. None was cheap.
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| When you really think about it if we could survive the first 3 months prior to opener of what ever the season were excited about we could save tons of money and you know what i'm talking about! Every year prior to the opening of bird hunting season i would buy a new Gun or new boots or something related to whatever I was excited about. I'm allready thinking about what new rods might come out for next seasons musky opener for crying out loud. Do i really need a new rod? Probably not but i can think of worse things to spend my money on! I'm a strong believer in buying the best quality product first and not spending more in the long run.
GOOD LUCK! |
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | for those of us who cant fish alot buying tons of lures is our way to get by... even though we never get to us them. |
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Posts: 1237
Location: South Portsmouth, KY | 2 things i learned about not goin cheap this year. Do not buy cheap raingear, and do not buy cheap batteries. Quality in both of these are worth their weight in gold. |
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Posts: 3480
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | I would definitely fit into the category of not buying the most expensive items on the market, but I am definitely one who would say spend the money on quality items that are durable and do what you need them to do. Many of the main items have been hit. Some things you just cannot skimp on, but electronics, etc...we can all get by with much less than what many of us use. I don't go top notch on electronics, and to be honest, I think I have only purchased 2 pieces of electronics brand new...the in-dash flasher on my console and the GPS unit on my console. Heck...I'm still running an old lowrance X65 in the back...
And I would also agree, we could cut back on many items like tackle...no need for all the rods, lures, etc. you only use about 14 - 15 of them consistently for the most part anyway... (tongue planted firmly in cheek here...) |
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Posts: 692
Location: Pelican Rapids, MN | Sacrificed the imported beer for some domestic - Priorities! |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | Don't sacrifice on:
-Things that get you out fishing (motors that run and a truck to get you there and home)
-Things that keep you out fishing (rain gear, TM and batt, good reels)
-Thinks that keep you safe (boat that doesn't leak and is wired correctly, life jackets, etc)
-Thinks that make for a clean release (terminal tackle, nets, hook cutters, etc)
The rest is for fun. I have over 1000 baits and after culling and culling it gets tough to get rid of some of them. They may not have seen the water in years, but they might get out on my next trip... |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | HOOKS! and Bourbon. If you use crappy hooks and lose a fish and remedy that by drinking cheap bourbon you'll be sorry. |
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Posts: 909
| BNelson - 12/10/2009 5:06 PM
I disagree w you thinking no head units are waterproof...I have a Clarion CMD5, it has no cover plate and sits out on the side of my console and it has been absolutely DRENCHED many many downpours....zero problems... so to say none are waterproof is not quite true..
things you definitely don't need the high end stuff for to catch fish are reels, heck my Pete Maina $100 reel has held up as good as any of the $350 ones...
rods, you can get used stuff on this site or elsewhere..
boat, you don't need a fancy boat to put fish in the net...the fancy rig below has been visited by lots o skis the last 5 yrs
imo the things not to skimp on are:
trolling motor,
good deep cycle batteries
outer wear
sunglasses
net
release tools
line and leaders...they are the connection to the fish....don't buy crap that will break and kill a fish
and the Clarion CMD5 w/ 4 Alpines... ; )
If I closed my eyes I would swear this was me talking! I agree with everything you said! Beautiful boat, heres mine!
(P1010040jet boat [640x480].JPG)
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Posts: 661
Location: Roscoe IL | I love the little river rat boats. Easy to load & unload, and you can use a ditch as a boat launch if needed. Sure a Ranger is the ultimate rig & on windy day's just about unbeatable, but for fishing local ponds or even smaller Wisconsin lakes it's hard to beat a smaller boat that you can beat to hell with no worries.
Buy what you can afford, look for deals on ebay of even a garage sale. I's a fun hobby that only get's expensive when you let it. I spent more on Suckers than anything else I can think of this season, including gas. I know my friend spent $8.00 each at one bait shop. YIKES!
Excellent thread comming into the Christmas holidays. |
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Posts: 2361
| I don't see anything cheap about stuff that works. I, and most, have boats that are a compromise. I often wish I had one or two more boats
Function is beauty.
Interesting about the electronics. I like my cheap trolling motor unit better than my more pricey Lowrance unit on the dash. Tells me more at all times. But.......I don't get to shows much, and I saw electronics this summer on Doug Kloet's boat that had my mouth watering. You guys have been using all this crap over the years and not talking about it. When I get the rare chance to fish out of someone elses boat, who has the latest gadgets, I feel like I am living way in the past.
If I won the lottery, I am not sure about spending on a boat, rods, definitely not alot on baits, maybe on reels, but ooooh
the electonics guy would LOVE seeing me come in the store. I would have every dodad and fandangle there was. Doubt I'd catch more fish, but I would stay glued to the screens on the way there and back... |
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Posts: 91
| I agree with Steve. The word "cheap" appears too often in these threads. I sold for over 40 years and learned to not use this word in my travels, even when dicussing my competition. I really dislike the word and wish others would quit and use the word "inexpensive". |
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Posts: 468
Location: Not where I wanna be! | This post is a fine example of why I am a member of this site!
Great stuff guys!
-Buy an inexpensive, well constructed, medium to small boat, plate it to the max. (size relative to the lakes you fish)(if it has trees growing in it, that is FINE, makes it more affordable!)
-Gut it and start over
-Build the interior to your specifications. (this will take some time depending on your skill with woodworking tools, but either way after your time and and monetary investment it will still be cheaper than buying a fully loaded rig.)
-Put the largest bowmount you can afford.... i.e. 101 thrust on a 14 foot jon boat, might be a tad much...
-Preveously experienced gear is OK!!!!!!
just a few thoughts |
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Posts: 909
| That little jet motor on mine will do right around 30 mph in 3" of water! Lots of fun! I always say that a muskie don't know if your in a Yacht or a raft!
Brian
Edited by muskie24/7 12/11/2009 9:14 PM
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Posts: 1456
Location: Kronenwetter, WI | Some ways I save k'ching...
---put quick-change snaps on all your spinnerbaits, then buy a supply of blade sizes/shapes/colors. Now you can change the blades on your spinnerbaits for size, color, shape as needed.
----make your own leaders, but RESEARCH on how to do it RIGHT. All info needed can be found right here on this site.
---make your own bucktails and spinnerbaits. Again, all info. needed is right here
I've saved well over $1000 doing these things, found a nice winter hobby, and put he money towards electronics. |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | Buy $1000 in baits for $250 on eBay. I collect Suicks like they are going out of style and yes, I have to repaint about half but the rest are like new or new and cost less including shipping if you bid correctly. Good winter projects!
Just search "musky lure" or "pike lure" or whatever your looking for. Pink boarder guy is gone now http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=p3984.m38.l1313&_nkw=musky+...
or get specific and search for the lure of your choice like Suick: http://shop.ebay.com/i.html?_nkw=suick+&_sacat=0&_trksid=m270&_odkw...
The buy sell board here has a few gems every week if you are fast enough to jump on them too!
James |
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Posts: 193
Location: Mayer, MN | I bought Super D swim baits and saved moolah thanks to Aaron and MuskyTackleOnline.
It is nice to see this refreshing perspective being talked about on Muskiefirst. My perspective changed this last year when I was layed off, lost a grandmother, lost one of her sons (my favorite uncle), my son was born, my sister in law divorced and my in laws foreclosed and bankrupt and I got a new job last week.
DON'T LET FISHING AND KEEPING UP WITH THE JONES'S DESTROY YOUR LIFE AND/OR MARRIAGE OR LEAVE YOU IN FINANCIAL RUIN!
There is a lot of pressure and competition on the fishing forums to SPEND the most. Over and over I see to be the best, you need to buy the best or spend the most. NOT TRUE!
Spend within your means and just be appreciative if you get a chance to fish at all. |
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Posts: 8788
| Don't buy cheap crap. cheap crap sucks. Buy good stuff. Just buy ENOUGH. Buy what you NEED. You can spend $500, or you can spend $10,000, that's up to you. Muskie fishing isn't brain surgery. It's FISHING. You're trying to outsmart a fish with a brain the size of a peanut, that will eat anything that moves when it's hungry. If you want all the high end reels and expensive rods, and a whole collection of lures? Great, your hobby is collecting expensive muskie stuff. Nothing worng with that. If you want to show off how rich you are (or how STUPID you are) you can buy everything under the sun. You won;t catch more fish, but maybe you'll look good not catching fish, or feel good about yourself at the end of the day because you caught one 34" fish on a $700 combo...
You need gear that works and doesn't fall apart, you need enough lures to cover the water column, and you need good terminal tackle. How many fish you catch and how big they are? That's about where you fish and how often, not about the price tag on your gear. |
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Posts: 75
| Words to live by on any topic :
"Some was expensive, most was inexpensive. None was cheap. "
Cheap will turn around an bite you every time.
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Posts: 335
Location: Minnesota | One thing that hasn't been brought up yet is the actual fishing expenses. Gas, lodging, bars, restaurants, guides, etc ....
Try something different to save money - stay closer to home to save gas and lodging expenses. You could stay at a cheaper hotel or camp somewhere. There are some nice campgrounds on musky lakes if you are willing to sleep in a tent. You don't need toeat out for every meal - pack a cooler and make your own food. You could bring a small grill in the boat and grill your steaks right in the boat if you can't find a place to get out and cook. Some of my best meals on trips to Canada have been on an island in the middle of nowhere eating precooked meals that were heated up over a stove that was packed in the boat. You could try fishing on your own next trip and save the money spent on a guide. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | lots of luck - 12/12/2009 6:39 PM
There is a lot of pressure and competition on the fishing forums to SPEND the most. Over and over I see to be the best, you need to buy the best or spend the most. NOT TRUE!
Spend within your means and just be appreciative if you get a chance to fish at all.
so very true ... |
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Posts: 1185
Location: Wishin I Was Fishin' | There is nothing cheap or rather inexpensive about musky fishing, if you got it bad it doesn't matter the cost. Sure you can save a dime here and there but it only get's spent on something else, like gas for the next trip.
Don't get me wrong I am tight b@stard with my money but I have to be to maximize my fishing trips. I even put my health at risk pouring lead for weight sets to offset the cost some.
I don't know what I would do without musky winternet. |
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Posts: 909
| The way I save the most money is by trading lures right here on the buy/sell section! I very rarely buy new anymore! This is a great feature of M1!
Brian |
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Posts: 829
Location: Maple Grove, MN | I do the following to lower costs:
- Make my own steel leaders
- Don't buy many new lures. Mostly just replace beat up lures that no longer function.
- Don't use throw-away lures like plastics much. Lures that withstand abuse from a number of fish can save one a lot of money over time.
- Use Gander Mountain IM8 Pro Select rods. At $80, they outperform and outlast many rods that cost three times as much.
- Use ABU Garcia 6500 class reels. Easy to fix and stand up as well as any I've seen. And they don't freeze up in the cold like many of the expensive reels.
- Use a good superline that can take abuse and is reasonably priced.
- Fish more and drive the boat less. Run-and-gun usually ends in less fish caught and more gas burned.
- Fish closer to home. Fact is, there are huge fish in the Twin Cities metro area and we usually do much better near home than up north.
- Run the same boat for many years. Ran my first boat 17 years. Have had the second boat since 2003 and have no plans to replace it.
This is what works for me.
Good day all. |
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Posts: 145
| I tend to go with the less expensive rods. I second Herb on the Gander rods. I have had very good luck on the tournament muskie rods (around $100). I spend the extra money on reels because I have had too many of the less expensive ones break. In my opinion it is less expensive to pay for a nice reel up front than replace cheaper reels (fishing is also more enjoyable!).
I also started making my own bucktails to save money and customize. I'm not sure how much this saves though because it has also become an addicting habit!
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| In my opinion, most musky anglers (nyself included) have invested more than needed into rods, reels, and baits. That's the fun stuff, no doubt. The underrated gear is where I look back on some purchasing mistakes. Here's some areas I wouldn't "skimp" on:
Raingear: Get the best you can, I love my Simms jacket.
Cutter: Get a Knipex, end of discussion.
File: If your file is three inches long and has a yellow handle, treat yourself to an upgrade and use it often.
Hooks: Don't be cheap and sharpen a hook until it has a squatty little nub for a point. Replace hooks often.
Leaders and snaps: Way too many people are tight wads with their leaders and don't replace them often enough. I like Stealth and #5 Stay-locs. It doesn't matter what brand you buy or if you make them yourself, make sure you replace leaders and snaps.
First Aid kit: Get one before hitting the water in '10
Safety gear for boat: Spare navigation lights, whistle, horn, extra flotation, backup navigation (hand-held GPS, compass), extra wires, spare prop, fuses, etc. Sure you'll spend a bunch of money for stuff you hope to never use, but if you need any of these items it'll be the best money ever spent.
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Posts: 221
| In whichever category, choose the product that has the longest warranty for the most INEXPENSIVE price. Okuma rods are probably the best example.
Darcy Cox |
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Posts: 582
| you don't need a $300 rod or reel to catch fish. Gander rods are usually under $80 and work just fine. Same with reels. Although i like my more expensive stuff better, i started out with the cheaper stuff and still caught fish. This is a good place to start i believe if you want to go a little cheaper.
The things i don't cheap out on are
1. Leaders - NEVER, always buy top quality
2. line - I always buy the good stuff - powerpro, stealth etc... there is no sense in trying to save $$ here.
3. Good set of pliers - you need them to work when you reach for them to unhook a fish. So many times you pick them up and they are rusted etc.... becuase you went cheap.. Get a good set of stainless steel.
Edited by jackson 12/16/2009 7:08 AM
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Location: Twin Cities | Thoughts on Going It On The Cheap?
Don't, it costs way more in the long run. |
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Posts: 221
Location: Detroint Lakes, MN |
IMO rods/reels are the last thing you should "go cheap" on.
Your rod and reel is the piece of equipment you use more than anything. A well balanced rod that loads properly and takes the work away from you fore-arms and wrists when you cast will allow you to fish longer and harder without fatigue.
JS
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Posts: 30
| One thing I have not seen mentioned. Barter.
Swap your stuff or expertise for gear.
I have some of the nicest gear out there. Most of it I either bought used from guides in the offseason or worked a trade for items or expertise I had to offer in exchange for the gear. I get seriously discounted stuff or free stuff from my work (the legal way). I find people who want what I have and work a trade.
Camp vs Hotels or cabins on my trips.
Make my own leaders.
Fiberglass down rigger rods for trolling (40-60 each) and Daiwa 47's with line counters. ( I only troll heavily for 2 months, casting the rest of the year).
When I get around to it I plan to firesale about 1/2 my baits or trade them and cut down to the basics. Unload all my starter rods, and extra equipment and go low key.
The biggest problem is I switch techniques and water regularly. Trolling at least requires more rods than casting. Different baits on clear deep vs dark shallow lakes. Trolling GB is small lures, other lakes big lures. You all get the picture. Concentrating on 1 body of water and limiting my approach would be a big cost saver.
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Posts: 203
Location: Germantown, WI | I've been using Gander Mtn Rods with Abu Garcia 6500C3s, and Bass Pro Pete Maina Rods with the Bass Pro Pete Maina Reels for a number of years. I also have an Abu Garcia 7000C3, an Okuma IDX-400A, and a Gander Mtn GS-66. None of these rods/reels are top of the line, but I wouldn't call them cheap either. I can handle everything from small twitchbaits to Magnum Bulldawgs, DCGs or 10" Jakes on the various rods I own. I wouldn't throw a Magnum Bulldawg, DCG or 10" Jake on my 7'6" MH Gander Rod with a 6500C3, but it is fine for small to medium cranks and twitchers as well as small to medium bucktails. I can't throw a Pounder on the rods I own, but I've never seriously considered buying one either.
I agree that you can get some deals on this site as well as on Ebay and I've done both. I also make my own wire and Fluorocarbon leaders as well as many of my own bucktails. I still like to buy lures and all of my rods and reels were bought new. I have a 16' Lund Rebel from 1987 that pales in comparison to most of the boats that I see at the boat ramp, but it suits me fine for the waters I fish.
I think a lot of people get hung up on the bling factor in fishing just like the bling factor in clothes or cars or whatever else people buy. If that is how you want to spend your money that is your business. I'm not knocking it. I'm sure that Shimano Calcutta reels and St Croix Legend Elite rods are great tackle, but I'm not likely to own them any time soon. My tackle gets the job done for me. I'm not out to impress anyone with a fancy tackle or fancy boat. Some day I will buy a nicer boat with more horse power when I can afford it, but I won't go into debt to do it. The bottom line is that you can catch muskies and enjoy the sport while not buying all the top of the line gizmos. |
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