Lb. Test for smaller baits

Jim tenHaaf · Post by **Jim tenHaaf** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 1:06 pm

What lb. test do you all use for smaller baits? I was having difficulty throwing 6" grandmas and single-hook bucktails. I had an Induron 250 with 65lb., then went to a Calcutta 400B with 80lb. The Calcutta actually threw the smaller stuff better. But early last year in the spring, I started with 35lb. and could throw small stuff with ease. Any thoughts?

Post by **Will Schultz** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 1:20 pm

Casting small (light) lures is a function of the rod more than the line. I fish 65# on my spring rods and can cast lures down to 1/2 oz. as far as I want. St Croix, Okuma and others make some heavy bass rods that are great spring muskie rods which handle small lures up to 1.5 oz easily but still have the power to handle large fish.

Jim tenHaaf · Post by **Jim tenHaaf** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:06 pm

I do have a MH 7' rod that I use when I used to go for pike. (And I caught my first muskie with it) I could throw 1/2 oz. spinnerbaits as hard as I wanted. I've got that one spooled up with 35lb. Maybe I'll put some 65lb on that one and try it.

Duke · Post by **Duke** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 2:55 pm

I gotta agree Jim- go with the 65# on that lighter rod. A fast action is what you need to fling small baits and still battle big fish- in the spring you might be battling a fish that actually exceeds that 35# test. You won't be able to swing that one in Bassmasters style!!

swanezy · Post by **swanezy** » Wed Jan 28, 2009 9:14 pm

yea i have a St Croix rod, that years ago before i fished muskies i used for pike and bass. I now use it for throwing smaller muskie baits up to 2 oz like my mepps #5's and smaller topwater's, suicks, and Bucktails