What should I get?

Mark D. Platt · Post by **Mark D. Platt** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 5:45 pm

As a newbie to this club, I have realized something already. You all seem willing to share your knowledge.

I am a line freak, just ask Robhj. I have buddies who "put there name on the list" for all my old line.

I have caught a few muskies, all on my Pike equipment. I prefer to cast.

My question is if I was going to buy a rod and reel to cast some of these ginormous lures, what would you all recommend? What line and size would you put on it?

I was leaning to the Shimano Calcutta 400 or the ABU Record series.

P.S. Robhj I have started to remodel the "doghouse" in a Musky decor. I am getting the distinct impression that we are about to get into a whole lot of trouble. I'll leave your key in the boat. Please lock up and turn the lights off when you leave. I have also paid the retainer to the divorce lawyer and marriage counselor.

Post by **Cyberlunge** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 6:06 pm

Mark D. Platt wrote:
P.S. Robhj I have started to remodel the "doghouse" in a Musky decor. I am getting the distinct impression that we are about to get into a whole lot of trouble. I'll leave your key in the boat. Please lock up and turn the lights off when you leave. I have also paid the retainer to the divorce lawyer and marriage counselor.

YOU SURE ARE!!! All the line now is pretty good, I am still a power pro fan because it is wickedly tough and durable. I would steer you to the trolling line thread which is having a similar discussion about new lines.

Kevin

Deadduck1 · Post by **Deadduck1** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 6:19 pm

I'll throw my hat in the ring. I love my Shimano Calcutta 400's, and would not- not have them setup with power pro. I also love the St Croix rods in anything over 7 feet. I have just in the last couple years been going at this hard core, and have tried alot of other gear. This combo does not make me feel like I have been at war, after a day on the water. Good luck finding your great fit!!!

Post by **Will Schultz** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 6:31 pm

Reel:
Okuma Induron 400
Rod:
Okuma (8'6") - EVX-C861XH-T or the Okuma (8') EVX-C-801H

All available at the MMA banquet!!

PowerPro, Cortland, Stren Superbraid, Spiderwire Ultracast - all good stuff provided you use enough gun with 80 or 100#

edalz · Post by **edalz** » Mon Feb 25, 2008 7:01 pm

I just booked a trip to Andy Myers Lodge in LOTW and the guy that runs the place, Steve, recommended the new super braid Spiderwire Invisabraid. I have the link listed below and Steve was on a team of people that worked in the development. I also noticed Pete Maina talking about it on one the the Next Bite shows. Steve said that it had tested well and it was the line he would pick.

I have always used 65LB PowerPro and I really like it. I just got a new St. Croix "Big Dawg" rod and a Calcutta TE reel that I am going to put this line on. I will get some of the 80LB line (15LB mono equivalent) Invisabraid and give it a try and will post my thoughts on it. Good luck!

http://www.spiderwire.com/cat.php?k=74403&sk=50685

kid coulson · Post by **kid coulson** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 1:32 am

The people at Power Pro and Stren have been VERY generous to us lately as you will see at the banquet and other functions so I recomend either or.
I like Power Pro myself for casting 65-80 lb test.And,.........drum roll please......as far as I know, Its made in the USA!!

MuskyPimp · Post by **MuskyPimp** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 1:39 am

If I can give you a little advice "Do Not Go Cheap". As you can probably imagine musky fishing puts A LOT of stress on your equipment so just make sure you use quality equipment.

If I were going to buy one rod and reel to cast various lures-cranks, spinners, bucktails... I'd go with a St. Croix Premier Rod MH, 7'6" or 8' length, Daiwa Luna reel filled with 80# power pro.

hemichemi · Post by **hemichemi** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:41 am

MuskyPimp wrote:If I can give you a little advice "Do Not Go Cheap". As you can probably imagine musky fishing puts A LOT of stress on your equipment so just make sure you use quality equipment.

If I were going to buy one rod and reel to cast various lures-cranks, spinners, bucktails... I'd go with a St. Croix Premier Rod MH, 7'6" or 8' length, Daiwa Luna reel filled with 80# power pro.

What!?!?!?! You mean I have to give up my Zebco Dora the Explorer rig?

edalz · Post by **edalz** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 1:35 pm

hemichemi wrote:
MuskyPimp wrote:If I can give you a little advice "Do Not Go Cheap". As you can probably imagine musky fishing puts A LOT of stress on your equipment so just make sure you use quality equipment.

If I were going to buy one rod and reel to cast various lures-cranks, spinners, bucktails... I'd go with a St. Croix Premier Rod MH, 7'6" or 8' length, Daiwa Luna reel filled with 80# power pro.
What!?!?!?! You mean I have to give up my Zebco Dora the Explorer rig?

I pretty much guarantee the guy with the Zebco will catch the biggest fish.

Steve S · Post by **Steve S** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 4:24 pm

Tom, my partner was having such a bad year last year. He brought along his college age daudhters Snoopy pole. I did snap a picture of him with it in his hands. BLACKMAIL!!!!!!! He just joined the club so I won't embarress him just yet. Steve

John E. Sox · Post by **John E. Sox** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 5:30 pm

You've got to watch out for Swiper if you have that Dora combo!

Post by **Will Schultz** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 5:45 pm

John E. Sox wrote:You've got to watch out for Swiper if you have that Dora combo!

Swiper no swiping, swiper no swiping, swiper no swiping.

Pete · Post by **Pete** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:43 pm

Oh man!!!

hemichemi · Post by **hemichemi** » Tue Feb 26, 2008 7:54 pm

(Jeez! Whatta buncha dorks! We're gonna scare Mark away!

)

Michigan Muskie Alliance

What should I get?

What should I get?

Re: What should I get?