Musky Reel Question
pistolpete314
Posted 3/24/2013 11:25 PM (#629498)
Subject: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 200


Location: Twin Cities
Hey everyone, first post here, hope I can contribute some knowledge in time but I have a question to start things off. I just purchased a new rod and am looking for a reel. This will be my musky setup and I am pretty new to buying fishing equipment. I have had 1 rod for a while and used friends musky rods when needed. I'll be throwing spinners, bucktails, and other stuff that is fairly light. I went into thorne bros and he recommended a curado 300ej but I have heard it doesn't have enough stopping power like a calcutta would. Wondering what calcutta would be a good one or if the curado would be just fine. Also would take other recommendations. Thanks for any help
flyingfish8604
Posted 3/25/2013 12:02 AM (#629500 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 300


I personally really like the Abu Garcia Revo Toro. My wife and I use them for just about everything. Bucktails, topwater, jerk baits, etc. They are very reliable, and are worth the money.
pistolpete314
Posted 3/25/2013 12:14 AM (#629501 - in reply to #629500)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 200


Location: Twin Cities
Do you know the specific model and ratio?
flyingfish8604
Posted 3/25/2013 12:26 AM (#629504 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 300


We both use the revo Toro 50. It is the regular model. I think it is 5.3:1. I'm not sure if it is available anymore. I know people who fish the Toro 50-HS and love them. The HS version is 6.4:1. They use them for everything, even burning dbl 10's.
pistolpete314
Posted 3/25/2013 1:22 AM (#629505 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 200


Location: Twin Cities
Alright I will check that out, thanks. Also looking to find out what calcutta model would be good. Cabelas has several of them from 100B-700B.
Nolan
Posted 3/25/2013 1:53 AM (#629507 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Get yourself a Cardiff 400, Calcutta 400b, or Calcutta 400d for a great all purpose reel. A Curado 300 is perfect for smaller baits like topwater and showgirls, but a little weak for the cowgirls and big rubber you will eventually want to throw. Hope that helped
Zinox
Posted 3/25/2013 4:30 AM (#629510 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 1100


Toro´s are sweet reels, i got the HS and its good for anything up to Dc8, not for dc10 (but maybe the NACL with power handle can handle them better.)

Rudedog
Posted 3/25/2013 5:45 AM (#629513 - in reply to #629507)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 624


Location: S.W. WI
Nolan - 3/25/2013 1:53 AM

Get yourself a Cardiff 400, Calcutta 400b, or Calcutta 400d for a great all purpose reel. A Curado 300 is perfect for smaller baits like topwater and showgirls, but a little weak for the cowgirls and big rubber you will eventually want to throw. Hope that helped


Yep. Good advice
jonnysled
Posted 3/25/2013 6:44 AM (#629519 - in reply to #629513)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question





Posts: 13688


Location: minocqua, wi.
Calcutta 400b
pistolpete314
Posted 3/25/2013 10:21 AM (#629582 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 200


Location: Twin Cities
Thanks everyone, I think I will go hunt down a 400B
Brad P
Posted 3/25/2013 10:56 AM (#629586 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 833


May I ask what kind of rod you are using? Also when you say "stuff that is fairly light" what are you referring to? Some here might consider a class Mepps Musky Killer as light. Others would consider Double 8 colorados light. (I'm in that camp.) Neither view is wrong, but it helps to know where you are coming from in order to give you the best reccomendation for your question.

A 300EJ is a good choice for double 8s and small baits in general. However, it is basically a beefed up bass reel. If you want more "stopping power", which I'm assuming means you want a beefier drag and gears, then you are probably moving up to the Calcutta series. IMO, the 300D is the reel to choose if you want more "beef." It's gearing is going to be far more durable than the Curado.

Keep in mind that for bucktails and spinners, which you mention, speed is also a factor. The 300EJ excels at these baits in part because of it's line pick up, which is rated at 32" per crank. The 300D has around 30" per crank which is why I'd reccomdend it based on what you are asking.

cave run legend
Posted 3/25/2013 11:14 AM (#629589 - in reply to #629504)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question





Posts: 2097


flyingfish8604 - 3/25/2013 1:26 AM

We both use the revo Toro 50. It is the regular model. I think it is 5.3:1. I'm not sure if it is available anymore. I know people who fish the Toro 50-HS and love them. The HS version is 6.4:1. They use them for everything, even burning dbl 10's.


I will shake the hand of the person that can burn double 10's with a toro 50 hs. I think you need to do the 400b which is new around 220 $. Or I would save and get a new 400d which will last you for years and years to come.
black_dawg
Posted 3/25/2013 11:38 AM (#629594 - in reply to #629589)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question





Posts: 173


Location: Green Bay, Titletown, WI
cave run legend - 3/25/2013 11:14 AM

flyingfish8604 - 3/25/2013 1:26 AM

We both use the revo Toro 50. It is the regular model. I think it is 5.3:1. I'm not sure if it is available anymore. I know people who fish the Toro 50-HS and love them. The HS version is 6.4:1. They use them for everything, even burning dbl 10's.


I will shake the hand of the person that can burn double 10's with a toro 50 hs. I think you need to do the 400b which is new around 220 $. Or I would save and get a new 400d which will last you for years and years to come.



I would be scared to shake the hand of a person that can burn double 10's with a toro50 hs.
Turkeyt
Posted 3/25/2013 1:36 PM (#629620 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question





Posts: 260


Location: Almost Heaven
Pete, i sent you a PM
pistolpete314
Posted 3/25/2013 5:27 PM (#629670 - in reply to #629586)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 200


Location: Twin Cities
Brad P - 3/25/2013 10:56 AM

May I ask what kind of rod you are using? Also when you say "stuff that is fairly light" what are you referring to? Some here might consider a class Mepps Musky Killer as light. Others would consider Double 8 colorados light. (I'm in that camp.) Neither view is wrong, but it helps to know where you are coming from in order to give you the best reccomendation for your question.

A 300EJ is a good choice for double 8s and small baits in general. However, it is basically a beefed up bass reel. If you want more "stopping power", which I'm assuming means you want a beefier drag and gears, then you are probably moving up to the Calcutta series. IMO, the 300D is the reel to choose if you want more "beef." It's gearing is going to be far more durable than the Curado.

Keep in mind that for bucktails and spinners, which you mention, speed is also a factor. The 300EJ excels at these baits in part because of it's line pick up, which is rated at 32" per crank. The 300D has around 30" per crank which is why I'd reccomdend it based on what you are asking.



I got a tackle industries rod, 7'6", medium, says its rated for 30-60lb line and 1-6oz lures so I guess when I say light I mean less than 4-5 oz. I kind of like throwing anything but I like spinner baits a lot
bigred2198
Posted 3/25/2013 5:49 PM (#629679 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 397


400 b
oconesox
Posted 3/25/2013 7:00 PM (#629702 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: RE: Musky Reel Question





Posts: 287


Location: Oconomowoc, WI
You can't go wrong with the Calcutta B, but the diawa Luna and st. Crowd avid are also quality reels in the same general price range. All three are solid all around Muskie reels that will last for a while with simple maintenance.
pistolpete314
Posted 3/25/2013 7:16 PM (#629710 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 200


Location: Twin Cities
Sounds like from other threads I should get a power handle if I'm going to do anything big with the 400b
Propster
Posted 3/25/2013 8:59 PM (#629734 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 1901


Location: MN
Not necessarily for big baits (i.e. heavy or large), but for high resistance baits I would consider, i.e. dbl tens or more. This is because of the smaller main gear, but the same would apy to the Luna and Avid (same reel made for St Croix by Daiwa)
pistolpete314
Posted 3/25/2013 11:34 PM (#629770 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 200


Location: Twin Cities
Also wondering if anyone could recommend line? My rod is rated 30-60lbs. Was thinking of braid but I honestly have not bought fishing line before and its a bit intimidating.
pistolpete314
Posted 3/25/2013 11:38 PM (#629772 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 200


Location: Twin Cities
Also wondering if anyone could recommend line? My rod is rated 30-60lbs. Was thinking of braid but I honestly have not bought fishing line before and its a bit intimidating.
cave run legend
Posted 3/25/2013 11:49 PM (#629774 - in reply to #629772)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question





Posts: 2097


If throwing lures under 5oz use 80lb braid.
pistolpete314
Posted 3/26/2013 12:03 AM (#629775 - in reply to #629774)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 200


Location: Twin Cities
cave run legend - 3/25/2013 11:49 PM

If throwing lures under 5oz use 80lb braid.


Thanks, any brands you like?
Brian
Posted 3/26/2013 1:12 PM (#629901 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: RE: Musky Reel Question


In my opinion, the Calcutta 400B is in the sweet spot between price and quality. I spool with 100# Cortland Masterbraid and I can throw anything in my tackle box. If you throw big blades, then add a power handle.

Brian
Brad P
Posted 3/27/2013 9:27 AM (#630094 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 833


I would say the B series of Calcuttas probably fits into what you want to do. I'd stay away from heavier baits with that set up, casting them will be a bear. Given the short rod and smaller baits, I would do a tighter wound 80# braid. I really like Suffix 832, it doesn't retain a ton of moisture and casts quite well.

Since you are using one rod, do yourself a favor and go spend $2 on some Owner glow beads. String one just ahead of your leader on your main line. The bead doesn't really glow all that much, but it is made of rubber and will protect your rod tip during all the casting/figure 8s. Very cheap way to make your tip last longer. Also acts an indicator on when to start your 8.
RStien321
Posted 3/27/2013 10:29 AM (#630114 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 127


A more accurate description of the Curado 300 would be a round reel internals with a new frame - not a beefed up bass reel. Take a look at the gearing on a Curado 300 compared to a B series Calcutta. No comparison!

Now, is it going to be the same type of reel as a say a Calcutta TE or D? No, but it has nothing to do with the fact that the reel is low profile by design - it has more to do with the reel's gear ratio. Don't overlook the Curado 300 as a great general purpose musky reel.
pistolpete314
Posted 3/28/2013 11:57 PM (#630526 - in reply to #629498)
Subject: Re: Musky Reel Question




Posts: 200


Location: Twin Cities
Went with the 400b, hope it works out well.