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9:09 pm
I am a new member of the forum and joined to become more knowledgeable about musky fishing. I am shopping for a rod and reel to give musky fishing a try. My budget is $100 - 150 for the outfit. I am also interested in suggestions for line strength, lures, plugs etc. I would like to keep it simple to start. I fish the Delaware River and the Rancocas in South Jersey. I also plan to fish in Wisconsin when I visit family. All advice is welcome. Thanks.
10:47 pm
March 22, 2004
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Hey,
Welcome to the board. From my personal opinion, you'd be best off investing in a good reel and worrying about the rod secondly. In the price range you're talking, I would buy an Abu-Garcia C-4, 6600. That will run you about $90.00. With the remaining money, I would buy as good a rod as is available. Whether that is a sturdy fiberglass or fiberglass/graphite composite rod, I don't know. Then, of course, you're talking line, lures, leaders. Line, I use 80 Power-Pro, which is a braided line. This doesn't have the stretch that mono has and provides a better hookset. It is also easier to cast than mono of the same weight test. Lures, at this time of the year, would be something slow moving such as gliders or jerk baits. Leaders, I make myself but can be either single strand steel or 7 strand.
Again, this is all in my opinion and there are guys on here that are much more qualified to give advice than I. Take it for what its worth to you and wait for other guys to chime in.
DL
DL
1:01 am
DL is right on target You could go to the next size smaller to save a few bucks 5500 c-3 Abu . I think Cabelas has some very affordable casting rods you want a rod that can handle at least 1-4 oz baits . Ive tried spinning gear when I first started to fish for muskie sbut its alot easier with baitcasting gear that I mentioned above .
I believe any braided line will work fine at least 30 lbs test , Including a heavy steel leader.
Some basic lures to start would be first get a few Bucktail spinners 6-8 inches. a few stick type baits Bomber Long A, grandmas etc.. and then maybe a few different jerk baits like a Suick ,Reef hawg. Tip # 3 stop fishing the Rancoccas river very few if any muskies left in that body of water . stay with The Delaware river instead . Matt l
1:46 am
June 23, 2004
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Rich,
You can certainly get a very nice Muskie outfit within your budget. For $150. you could probably get a used Abu C3 or C4 on Ebay (average price $35. to $70.) and still get yourself a new Shimano Compre 6.5' or 7' Muskie Rod (about $90.). A lot of us use 65# Tuf Line or Power Pro with a steel, titanium or flourocarbon leader so that we can keep the fight short and release the fish healthy. Come to one of our meetings and I'm sure that some of us could come up with some good used baits to get you started. Matt's suggestions on lures was right on.
Welcome to the board - and hopefully, to the club.
Capt. Dieter Scheel http://www.BigDRiverGuide.com
2:52 am
Folks, Thanks for the advice so far. I want to mention that I feel much more confident with a spinning combo. I'm not sure if the ones that have been mentioned are spinning or conventional. I will check out the advice that has been given so far. I appreciate any additional advice from forum members.
Am I addressing the group in NJ and PA? I am not sure. When and where is the next club meeting?
Thanks.
3:07 am
Hey Rich, its both Penn-jersey next meeting will be at lambertville Nj
3:10 am
March 6, 2005
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Rich- I live in Hainesport NJ so you're probably close by. I have a Shimano Compre Muskie series rod, with an Abu Garcia 5500 C-4 (bait casting reel) that are about a year and a half old. (they're in very good condition with a few very small scuffs.) I'd be willing to sell them for a $150.00 donation to the club (MI50). I'll even throw in an 8" rigid wire Sampo swivel leader, a 300 yd spool of 50lb. Power Pro braided line, a fire tiger Mepps Musky Marabu Bucktail, an 8" Bucher Shallow Raider crank bait in fire tiger, an shad 8" Reaction strike twitch bait, a Angling Inovations sucker swim bait, and a Parrot Bucher Super Top Raider. All of the baits are new and unfished. This set-up will get you on the water with the right stuff! Let me know if you're interested. -Eric
3:21 am
Wow Im interested thats a nice set up Rich if you can swing it . the baitcasting reels are easy to use with alittle practice
3:27 am
March 6, 2005
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Will trade premium tackle for premium "secret spots" ;D -Eric
3:35 pm
March 22, 2004
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Eric,
That is one hell of a generous offer my man. That setup would cost someone at least 300.00 to buy retail. Kudos to you and congrats to Rich for getting such a deal (provided he takes it of course).
DL
DL
3:41 pm
May 19, 2004
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Where can I get a deal like that? ;D
Nice job Eric.
Barry
We may only see what we look for.
4:16 pm
Eric, I sent you a private e-mail about your offer. Thanks. Rich
4:28 pm
May 19, 2004
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Has everyone forgotten the most important things to have before setting out? How about a net and bolt cutters? Safe releases for you and the fish are a top prioriity.
Barry
We may only see what we look for.
11:24 pm
January 5, 2006
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ERIC,the next deal you make let me know first lol -and I don't even like those baitcasters---RICH if you wanna go with a spinning outfit PM me I may be able to help cause thats the way I go frank
11:31 pm
June 23, 2004
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Wow!!
That is a very generous offer. No surprise though, coming from Eric.
Your continued generosity is an inspiration, Thank You!!!
[&]]
Capt. Dieter Scheel http://www.BigDRiverGuide.com
1:12 am
October 14, 2005
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Hey I'm new.......
Eric, that's a great and generous offer. That's why this club is a great way to get started with musky Fishing.
You'll find everyone is very helpful and knowledgeable. Hope to see you at our next meeting.
George
Sometimes you've got to "jiggle' it, and sometimes you've got to give it one big
"jerk"
TEAM BLACKBERRY
1:20 am
March 6, 2005
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Thanks guys- I figured that if I can't use it than someone should. I just PM'd Rich back, to see if he's interested. I offered it to him first, but if he doesn't take it that I'll go down the list. Thanks -Eric
1:55 am
Folks,
I just PM'ed Eric that I can not take advantage of his offer. I do that with much regret. I hope that someone else does take up Eric's offer.
5:07 am
Youve got to be kidding me.I have at least 5 outfits and over 200 baits and all i can say is,i'll take that offer and let the bidding begin at 155.00. ;D Bob
10:55 am
March 2, 2011
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Rich, I would strongly recommend a baitcaster over a spinning outfit. The pressure a musky can put on a reel is tremendous. And a baitcaster will act more like a wench when it comes to reeling in that big girl! Where in WI do you have family? I go back there for the same reason and to fish in the National Championship in August. Now, back to the equipment, I have the Abu Garcia/Shimano setup myself. It works great for most of the lures you'll be throwing. Good luck with whatever direction you go. Welcome to the club. Hope you can make a meeting. And let me know when you're ready to step up to a real gamefish-pickerel!!! ;D
And I agree, Eric made a very generous offer. If I wanted to get in a bidding war, I'd jump right to $200.00! I guess it's all that overtime I'm working! But, alas, I'm not in the market at this time. Have a trip to CA to pay for!
<<<<><<< Ed aka Pickerel Pete
Hooksets are free!!!
Ducktaillures.com garesguideservice.com
2:06 pm
June 23, 2004
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I agree with Bob, too good to pass up! I'm in at $160. - let's see how much we can raise for the club.
Capt. Dieter Scheel http://www.BigDRiverGuide.com
2:47 pm
May 19, 2004
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Ed, your typo was one of the funniest!
And a baitcaster will act more like a wench when it comes to reeling in that big girl
Act more like a wench? Reeling in that big girl? Priceless! [&]]
Barry
PS $165.00
We may only see what we look for.
11:32 pm
March 2, 2011
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I've got to quit posting so early in the morning!!! ::) Not that it gets any better lter in the day! Okay, so "Winch" for pete's (and I don't mean Pickerel!) sake!
<<<<><<< Ed
4:20 am
June 23, 2004
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It was a better story when she was a Wench. >:D
Capt. Dieter Scheel http://www.BigDRiverGuide.com
4:25 am
April 17, 2011
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I thought he meant net bitch.... is there a difference?
It is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury, signifying nothing.
3:06 pm
I was only using my bass stuff. iam a new member and muskie fisherman. I have landed one and missed a monster in one day last year onthe susky on a husktyjerk I have a 7 foot med heavy st. croix casting rod for lake greanfish. I am going to start muskie fishing seriously this year on the susky and would like to buy a perfect rod and reel for muskie on the susky. Any anvice for me? I am 5 ft 7 in tall if that info matters at all. Thanks suskysmallie
6:34 pm
March 20, 2004
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Susky,
Rod length is dependant on the angler but the growing trend is toward 7.5 and 8 foot rods. Line should be 50-80 braid or 30lb+ mono. The reason for the super heavy line is not necessarily the fish but rather the stress of throwing heavy baits(2-8 oz) all day. For a reel, it will depend on your type of fishing. For instance, if you are casting and retrieving bucktails all day, you don't want a high speed reel. The higher gear ratio models are not designed for musky style bucktails and cranks and you will get worn out. Use a 5.1 to 5.8 retrieve and keep the line full on the spool. Maximum pickup every revolution. I am left handed so my choices are more limited but Abu Garcia, Shimano and Diawa make great reels. I am personally a very big fan of the Quantum Cabo series. For baits, I would use bucktails and top water in the summer on the Susqy and Twitch baits and Jerkbaits in the fall/winter. General rule of course but a good starting spot. Check out Pastikas and Rollie and Helens for all the lures you will ever need.
Good luck. It's an awesome river.
GSR
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