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Posts: 158
| I've used Gander Mountain musky rods for some time now. The wife accidentally broke one of them so I'm looking to replace it. I'd like to hear opinions on $100 musky rods, and $150-$170 Musky rods. I'm looking for something 8' or 8'6 I haven't seen the Mojo Musky rods but thought about giving them a try. I'm open to used rods too so any higher end rods that show up semi regularly that sell for around $150 I'd be interested in too. I use Loomis rods bass fishing, and wouldn't mind trying one of their musky rods, if I get some positive feedback (and find a used one)
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Posts: 624
Location: S.W. WI | PM sent your way |
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Posts: 424
| LonLB,
Tackle Industries Musky Rods is your answer !!! Great Musky Rods !!!
esoxone |
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Posts: 400
Location: North/Central WI | Tooth Tamer makes some excellent 8' - 8'6" rods in a variety of actions that are all priced at $150. They have a great warranty and offer exceptional customer service. |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Okuma offers several rods in the classes you are asking about. Great rods! |
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| Black River Rods offers a full lineup with a range of powers and actions, including an 8'6" XH that is great for heavy plastic and big bladed bucktails. i've been extremely happy with their performance. http://blackriverrods.com/ they're affordably priced and backed up with a stellar warranty. |
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Posts: 906
Location: Canada | http://www.tackleindustries.com/
Do a search here and there's lots of info an all the brands/models mentioned. |
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Posts: 3240
Location: Racine, Wi | Another vote for the Okumas. If you do a search here you'll find lots of information on the different rods they have out there. Right in the $120 range. |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | Musky Tackle Online and Big Wood Musky lures and myself have the Tackle Industries rods on special for $110 delivered. Do a search and you will find a lot of info on them and what guys think of my rods. They are a steal for $110. Also the rods will be at the major shows this year on special if you want to touch them and see them.
Just look for the Top Predator booth and/or Kevin Cochran's guide booth.
James
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Posts: 332
Location: Michigan | Tooth Tamer Rods. |
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Posts: 158
| I think I'll go to the Milwaukee show, and see what is there.....I'll do some reading here and then see if I can actually check them out in person at the show. |
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | The okuma's are ok for the money. I am going to check out Hulbert news rods and the TI rods at the show though. |
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| shimano compre
for the life warranty |
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Posts: 393
Location: Hopefully on the water | Life time warranty does a person no good if they or someone else broke the rod. The rods listed before all could be a good choice for you. They offer a wide range of actions and lengths.1 |
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | If I were purchasing a rod in that price-set I'd go with a Tooth Tamer or Shimano Compre.
I have a lot of orthopedic problems and therefore choose rods (regardless of their rated action) that are lighter weight.
Tooth Tamers and the Shimano Compre line are. For me, Okuma or Tackle Industries rods are too heavy, as are the St. Croix Premier line of rods (they USED to run around $150). The weight of the rod tires me out. The extra heavy duty Okuma and T.I. rods might be great for throwing Pounders and other huge baits, but I just can't see utilizing those brands if I was not trying to throw a very large bait. St. Croix Tournament Legend line of rods are much lighter than the Premier series, though well out of the price range that you are shopping.
Have had the entire line of Shimano Compre. Great rods for the money and never had any difficulties with breakage or defects. It's hard to find lightweight rods in the price-set that you have stated, but Tooth Tamer and Compre are.
Keep visiting the Buy & Sell forum here. There are usually lots of great rods offered as spring approaches and guys get the bug to purchase newer equipment.
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Posts: 348
| St croixs best rods out there |
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Posts: 463
Location: Sw Pennsylvania | Another vote for Tackle industries rods if your on a budget. |
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Posts: 29
| twells - 1/14/2011 3:20 PM
Life time warranty does a person no good if they or someone else broke the rod.
Color me confused. Probably not what you are meaning but it sounds to me like you are saying that a lifetime warranty doesn't cover the rod if it gets broken.
Several of the afore mentioned rods I would recommend but have a preference for St. Criox and Okuma rods. I haven't had a chance to check out a Black river or a TI rod yet but have heard good things about them. |
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Posts: 322
| Check out the Petros Reaction Strike Rods.... They are made by musky innovations..actually that is also where you send the warranty card in to. You can buy them for about $70 shipped. Great rod for the average joe/ weekend warrior |
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Posts: 256
Location: Valpo IN | TI rods are a steal for the price, I bought 3 of em and would buy 3 more if I had more arms. |
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Posts: 422
| There are definitely a lot of quality rods in this ever growing competitiveprice range...Which is good for the consumer. I personally have used St. Croix Premiers, Tackle Industries Rods, Shimano Compre's as well as some cheaper ones as well. You can't go wrong with any of the name brands that have been mentioned, so shop around and find the one that feels the best in your hands. As far as quality components, they all use them.
I personally like the new Tyrant rods, Tackle Industries, and the St. Croix rods.
Good Luck, |
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Posts: 229
Location: Plover, WI | I second the Black River rods. Great quality, price and you cant beat the warranty. |
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Posts: 512
Location: Appleton | c44hmusky - 1/15/2011 12:52 PM
I second the Black River rods. Great quality, price and you cant beat the warranty.
I would agree with this. Jason will take care of his customers I know that first hand. |
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Posts: 153
Location: Antigo Wi. | I also have to go with black river rods , been using them for the last two seasons and Jason has been awesome in the customer service part . Cannot wait to see the new rods coming out . |
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | I saw and held the TI rods for the first time yesterday and WOW, they felt awesome. I messed around with the 9' XH telescopic and the action seemed perfect for double 10's and big rubber. Very well balanced and a great overall feel. I will definitely be getting one soon and can't wait for some open river to cast with it! |
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Posts: 909
| I hated my Compre! Tackle Industries gets another vote from me!
Brian |
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Posts: 285
Location: Price County WI | Tooth Tamer, Great rod, lighter then most that are listed here. |
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| Tooth Tamer or Tackle Industries......your search is over! |
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Posts: 642
Location: Richfield, MN | I own 2 Okuma telescopic rods 1 is 8'6" and the other is 9'3" and I really like them alot. I also own a Compre as well in 7'6" and I do enoy this one as well.
I am going to be buying 2 rods between now and the MN Musky show and I know for sure 1 of them is going to be a Tackle Ind rod. James has given me some good info in regards to making my mind up on which one. Now I just either have to wait until April to see them at the Musky show or just go a head and order 1 and jump in with both feet.
I would really like to goof around with 1 before I buy it. But i know from all the info on this site one cannot go wrong with getting one.
If I new where I could go to see 1 that would be a great help!!!!
Now the other rod I am looking at is yet unknown!!!! Waiting to see what the TI rod is all about and then more than likely buying another who knows.
But I might also try Black River Rod just to get a good variety.
The rod I really want is a Thorne Bros 9'8" xh predator. This is one heck of a rod. But I just cannot afford 1. Every time I am up there I shed a tear!!!!!!!
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | 'Tooth Tamer or Tackle Industries......your search is over!'
Except for the Okumas. Excellent rods at excellent pricing.
I have several Okumas and like them alot, and several Tooth Tamers and like them alot. James makes a good rod too. Look them all over, look at rod building experience, reach, and range, how long the builder has been in business (which helps define how long they will be) warranty and recommendations here, and make a choice. |
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Posts: 158
| I have to head down to Polar Kraft, and Smoker Craft tomorrow, so I'm going to swing by a shop by Lake Webster while I'm down there, and see if they have any of these rods.
Thanks for all the help folks.
My next step will be the Mil show. I'd like to look at them in person if I can and figure the show would be a good time to see them. |
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Posts: 332
Location: Michigan | Ye Olde Tackle Box in North Webster should have Tooth Tamer Rods. |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | It you go to the Milwaukee show the Top Predator booth will have both the Tackle Industries rods and lures there for sale. Good chance to go hold a rod if you want to feel it.
Tackle Industries will also be at the upcoming MI Musky Show Feb. 5th and 6th
http://www.michiganmuskieshow.com/
If you are going to the MI show send me an email to [email protected] and I will let you know what I will ahve there OR let me know which rod you want to look at so I can make sure I have it in stock. I will also be giving away a free $10 Super Cisco lure to all kids so bring your kids to my booth.
MI Musky Show:
Saturday February 5th, 2011
10:00am-7:00pm
Sunday February. 6th, 2011
10:00am-4:00pm
MB&T Expo Center
3775 S. Custer Rd.
Monroe, MI 48161
James
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Posts: 158
| Slimeball - 1/17/2011 11:08 PM Ye Olde Tackle Box in North Webster should have Tooth Tamer Rods. That's where I went. 
I've been going there since about 94'
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Posts: 158
| Actually I'll plan on making that show....It closer than the WI show, and it's on my B-day. I'd like to check out the 9' MH rod. Split grip or regular handle.
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Posts: 551
Location: Columbus, Georgia | Crash Mullins has just launched a new line of four (4) Muskie Rods. Bluegrass Musky Rods include an 8'6" split-grip rod for throwing big blades, a 7'9" jerkbait rod, a medium heavy rod, and a lighter weight rod for throwing rattle baits, small cranks and spinners. He's offering the entire set (introductory offer) for $600 and offering free shipping.
I field tested these rods this summer and they are lightweight and have some great action. They also come with a bulletproof warranty. I suggest checking them out at: http://www.crashslanding.com.
There's also a video interview about the rods shot a few days ago at the Chicago Show. You can view that here: http://upload.outdoorsfirst.com/watch.asp?id=3146
For $150, you can't go wrong with one of the new Bluegrass rods. |
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Location: Des Moines IA | I really like my Okuma EVX rods. Lifetime gaurentee, affordable, and the telescopic handles makes it so I can get much longer rods in my rod lockers.
www.okumafishing.com |
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Posts: 158
| One thing to add. The shop I visited Had St Croix Premier, Tooth Tamer, Okuma, And the Pete Maina and newer Musky Angler rods from BPS.....Also the Mike Hulbert rods.....And some other custom built rods....Not sure who built them though.
That Hulbert rod was VERY nice. Even in a 9' XH, it was very light. Nice big handles, not overly long, which I like.
This one is the front runner so far....Got more to see....Looking forward to the musky show in MI on my B-day. |
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Posts: 2427
Location: Ft. Wayne Indiana | Glad you liked my rods! I will be at the Michigan Show with plenty of rods to sell, with some killer prices as well!!! Stop by the booth and say hello! Look forward to seeing you there! |
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Posts: 906
Location: Warroad, Mn | Been using the Okuma's for the past five years. Really like the 8'-6" in XH for allmost everything. Great rods, great price, and life time warranty. Doug Johnson |
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Posts: 233
Location: Iowa | I have one of hulberts rods and they are very nice. It's a great double ten and mag dawg rod but it will throw the lighter stuff too. Might even have to buy an another one.
I did look at tackle industries rod at the show - the new telescoping with the split grips. It does look like a very nice rod. If hulbert didn't have any rods, that would be a close second.
Jeremy |
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Location: SE Wisconsin | Need a new pounder rod and really looking forward to seeing Hulbert's new design at the Milwaukee show! |
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Posts: 692
Location: Pelican Rapids, MN | Hey LonLB, the St. Croix Musky Mojo's are a sick rod for the money!!! I got a few of them last fall. They are basically a Premier with split-grip styling. Personally, I wouldn't buy a new rod without a split. It's obviously just my preference, but when throwing all day everyday, the new grip has my vote. I did get an 8' model and I loved it right out of the box! Admittedly, I cast nothing but LT's but my trolling / Live bait rods have always been Premiers. I told Rich at St. Croix I would kill for a heavy 8' Premier with a split grip for casting, and he was gracious enough to send me some from the first batch. The earned a spot in the boat immediately!
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Posts: 158
| I'm curious if some of the smaller companies build their rods here in the U/S or have them farmed out overseas.
T/I, Tooth Tamer, Hulbert, etc.
Are the Musky Mojo rods built in Mexico like the other Mojo rods? |
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Posts: 906
Location: Canada | I got my Tackle Industries rod today! Wow! I haven't even used this and I am very impressed. This rod is way nicer in person than to see in pictures, it is light and I love the split grip! |
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Posts: 56
Location: Southern MN | CU301DSV - 1/19/2011 4:55 PM
I got my Tackle Industries rod today! Wow! I haven't even used this and I am very impressed. This rod is way nicer in person than to see in pictures, it is light and I love the split grip!
Just ordered a Tackle Industries rod last night, looking forward to getting it! |
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Posts: 692
Location: Pelican Rapids, MN | Yes, the Mojo has a Mexican MFR. I could be wrong, but I do believe every rod you mentioned is manufactured out of the country. |
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| There has been alot of good rods mentioned, for the money/lower budget. I have custom built sticks, (Legend SB, Vermont DB's, Predator, Calstar..), and very happen with them, Duh!.. But for just over a Ben Frank, I'll throw another plug for Mike Hulberts 9'. IMHO, it was the lightest out of all the ones I've held. I really like the action of both blanks Mike has. That fat cork is a nice feature as well.
Chas |
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Posts: 1425
Location: St. Lawrence River | Musky Innovations makes a great rod for the price. So does Tackle Industries, and James at TI is awesome to deal with he's a great guy. |
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| What's the best TI for tens? I have an XH (not TI), but it really buckles on the turns of 8s. It makes me want an XXH, but it seems like it would be impossible to cast a lure that weighs 2 oz and is not aerodynamic. I'm only looking at 9' rods. |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | Most of my customer feedback for my XH rods are great for double #10s and figure 8s. I like the XH for bucktails myself. The main rod I use is an XXH but I personally like a stiffer rods. |
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| Thanks. Will you be at the Ohio show? How long is the sale price going to last? |
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Posts: 726
Location: Eau Claire, WI | Hi.
I see you said used is also an option. I encourage that 100%!
For example, I just scooped 3 8' All Star XH rods off craigslist. I paid less than retail pricing on some of the rods mentioned in this thread and got three rods! I happen to like All Stars and they don't make them anymore so I'm always looking. HINT HINT, anybody out there with all stars to sell? I like 8' and 8'6" XH W. Inshores or Big Games. PM ME! : - )
Why buy new? There are tons of good reasons to do it. However, you don't need to do it everytime. My personal preference is to see whats out there used first, compare to same price range in new models and go from there.
Good luck,
Jono
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | catchandrelease,
Sorry but no Ohio show but I will be at the MI musky show on Feb 5&6. Also, the $110 special will be good until Spring and that is free shipping in the USA. $125 for Canada. Feel free to email me with any questions or requests: [email protected]
Thanks,
James
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Posts: 56
Location: Oak Lawn, IL | I checked out most of the lower priced rods at the Chicago Show. I bought a Hulbert rod, not because I needed another rod, but just because it just seemed like a geat deal. The rod was definately the lightest of the bunch. It has fuji guides and fat cork, plus the handle was long enough where I wouldn't get punched in the ribs all day. It's got a nice fast action that should handle a wide range of baits. It wasn't as gaudy looking as some of the others either, nice charcoal blank with black and green thread. Obviously, I haven't used it yet, but it looks and feels like rods that cost twice as much or more. |
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Location: Northern Wisconsin | how much were the hulbert rods selling for? |
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Posts: 158
| Bob Gray - 1/21/2011 12:05 AM I checked out most of the lower priced rods at the Chicago Show. I bought a Hulbert rod, not because I needed another rod, but just because it just seemed like a geat deal. The rod was definately the lightest of the bunch. It has fuji guides and fat cork, plus the handle was long enough where I wouldn't get punched in the ribs all day. It's got a nice fast action that should handle a wide range of baits. It wasn't as gaudy looking as some of the others either, nice charcoal blank with black and green thread. Obviously, I haven't used it yet, but it looks and feels like rods that cost twice as much or more. That was my impression too....I'm curious how much the show price was. The shop I stopped at was selling them for $139
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Posts: 81
Location: Indiana | I believe Mike Hulbert has the prices on his website (mikehulbert.com) and I know the price was less then Ye Olde by about $20. I have the old style and I love it. I use it more then the two customs I have now because it's lighter and longer. |
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Posts: 906
Location: Canada | There's pictures of the Tackle Industries split grip rod here :
http://muskie.outdoorsfirst.com/board/forums/thread-view.asp?tid=62...
Also I'd like to add, personally being a lefty, I like the placement of the hook keeper too.  |
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | I noticed the Tyrant rods mentioned here. Never heard of them before this post. Not trying to step on any toes, but aren't they the same thing as the Tackle Industries rods? Looked at the Tyrant website and they appear to be the same thing, pretty much right down to the description. I'm guessing they worked a deal out with Tackle Industries? Just curious if anybody knows any news.
curleytail |
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Posts: 906
Location: Canada | curleytail - 1/26/2011 12:00 AM
I noticed the Tyrant rods mentioned here. Never heard of them before this post. Not trying to step on any toes, but aren't they the same thing as the Tackle Industries rods? Looked at the Tyrant website and they appear to be the same thing, pretty much right down to the description. I'm guessing they worked a deal out with Tackle Industries? Just curious if anybody knows any news.
curleytail
My understanding from James is that he makes rods for other companies and the Tyrant rods are made by him too, through Tackle Industries. |
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Budget Musky Rods?