|
|
Posts: 294
| Looking for a little insight here. I fished often a few years back when I was younger. At the time I only used one rod. I am getting back into muskie fishing again and realized on my last outing that one rod won't cut it. I could hardly toss the new bull-dawgs I picked up for the trip!
What I am asking for is suggestions on the most important actions and some fair priced rods. I am not opposed to buying slightly used either! Most importantly though I would like to know what you guys think are the two best all around actions I can start with.
Thanks for any help in advance! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 294
| Some one's gotta have some insight? |
|
| |
|
| I guess if I had to pick two affordable rods, one would be an 8'-8.5' rod I could throw dawgs, cranks, and bucktails with, then a shorter 6.5'-7' I could throw jerkbaits on.
Shimano Compre is a 8' affordable rod, Bass Pro also has a Pete Maina series rod that is affordable with good lenght/action selections (select a little heavy - they run light)
I've got a South Bend 6.5' rod for jerks I found for $25 that I like. There should be quite a selction of used rods out there too. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 159
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Definitely watch the buy/sell/trade forum here- rods on it almost every day. I've bought two i love off there. Agreed with mj, except i throw a shorter heavy rod for jerkbaits/topwaters and another longer medium heavy rod for bucktails. Big plastics, well, the shorter rod might do, but if you get into pounders and the like you may have to seriously consider a rod made for them specifically. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 550
Location: So. Illinois | I second the Shimano Compre rods. Good value for a rod. Also look at the guide series rods offered by Gabder Mountain. Not sure if they car an XH that would allow you to throw 8oz + baits but worth chekcing into.
Jerry |
|
| |
|
Posts: 139
Location: Slippery Rock, PA | Yes, gander mountain does carry an 8' XH rod rated to 12 ounces. It's the new musky extreme, 99.00 at my gander mountain. I bought it, seems like a nice rod for the price. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 130
Location: Chicago | I second 12gauge keep your eyes on the buy sell trade board, alot of good deals here but they usually go pretty fast. Compre's are great for the money and the lifetime warranty just sweetens the deal. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 7115
Location: Northwest Chicago Burbs | Another idea is to check out the new Okuma rods that made their debut last year. If you're looking to throw mag dawgs, try out the 8'6" XH,and the medium dawgs the 8'6" H. I've used both rods and found them to be a bit slower action than you're used to in the muskie rod lines from other manufacturers, but that slower speed allows the rod to "load up" lower on the blank, giving added leverage in the cast, ie. the bait gets "flung" more than "whipped" out. If that makes sense.
In short, I like the rod for this application, and at $110 it's a steal of a deal. Mate either with an Okuma Induron 400 and you're good not only for dawgs and other big plastics, but also for cranks, tail/head rotating topwaters, and bigger bucktails.
The rods at Rollie and Helen's: http://www.muskyshop.com/modules/cart/products.php/keys/Okuma/page/...
Company information on the rods: http://www.okumafishingteam.com/rods/conventional/evxspecialty.html
Rollie and Helen's Info on the Induron Reels: http://www.muskyshop.com/modules/cart/products.php/keys/Okuma/page/...
Company Info on the Induron Reels: http://www.okumafishingteam.com/reels/roundbaitcast/induron.html
A rod reel combo for $230 can be beat in terms of price, but in terms of quality, high end construction, and customer service, it's going to be hard to beat at this price point! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 294
| So it sounds like 8' plus xh for throwing the plastics, bigger bucktails, and just overall bigger lures.
Something like a 6'6" for cranks and jerkbaits?
I have never used anything longer than 7'. I am only 5'7" will it be much trouble whipping around an 8 footer?
Thanks for the help guys and anyone feel free to keep voicing your opinion. The season is coming up quick and I want to be ready. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 159
Location: Stevens Point, WI | I'm 5'8" and long rods are pretty sweet. What you should do is find someone who will let you cast their 8 foot rod and see how it feels for you. Throw the same bait on a 8' and a 6'6" and you might be pleasantly surprised. So much more power behind a longer rod! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 294
| I have been getting some pm's on this subject and it almost seems three rods is necessary. 12 guage if you could only have three rods what actions, and sizes would they be? I am looking at some stuff right now and I dont want to buy the wrong thing and be dissapointed. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 159
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Oh geez, i only have 3 "legitimate" musky rods and a couple that i use for muskies that are big rods from the '70s. I may not be the right person to ask, so someone else correct me here and add to my opinion, please! I also don't throw pounders, so i don't use those ginormous rods that i would need if i did. As of this year i can say i wouldn't ever go under 7 feet for a rod length, no matter what it's for. Maybe a 7' heavy for topwaters/jerbaits/gliders (especially for us short guys, we don't have to work those things with the rod tip under water with a 7'), i really like an 8' M rod for bucktails, and spinnerbiats- they can really sail those lures, and another 8' H or XH that can handle big jigs, dawgs, suckers, even DCG or other big blade baits. Try the search thread on here, i'm positive you'll be able to find better insight on this sight about rods. Hope this helps a little! |
|
| |
|
Posts: 294
| If anyone else has any suggestions please let me know.
Have a good weekend guys. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2024
| I'd say two rods would cut it. A medium-heavy power rod for cranks, spinnerbaits, topwater (including walk-the-dogs), gliders, and small to medium sized bucktails (could work with the popular double-10s). An extra-heavy power rod for big plastics, big cranks, pull-style jerkbaits, and big bucktails (#10s+). For the price, I was thoroughly impressed with my buddy's 8' XH Shimano Compre last year at being able to throw lots of different baits. Also, the longer the better. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 159
Location: Stevens Point, WI | Yeah, i'd agree with esox. I hate the idea of putting muskie fishing out of reach because of money. I caught my first 15 muskies on the same 6' fiberglass rod from th '60's, so it's doable. Definitely doable. I guess i'm thinking of an ideal world with an endless supply of money. Boat, truck, gas....what's a few hundred more for rods and reels??? |
|
| |
|
Location: Latitude 41.3016 Longitude 88.6160 | CK out TICA MUSKY RODS, they have 6 different action tele rods, retails for under $120.00 R&H has them in stock.
Attachments
----------------
 TicaMuskieRods.htm (23KB - 1357 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 294
| How is it working with a telescoping rod?
Esox, I would assume that an 8' for the extra heavy, but what size would you go with on the other. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2024
| 7'6"-8'6" for the MH. Personally, 8'. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 315
| i got one of the 7'6" shimano compres in the heavy size and its great for anything, got it last year at Thornes for under $120. my next set-up is an 8' Gander XH i cant wait 
-brian |
|
| |
