help in finding a musky rod/reel combo

[ken208]

help with my musky rod/reel combo

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i'm currently looking ahead to upcoming musky fishing. i've never specifically fished for them before, so i need some very specific help regarding your recommendations on an appropriate rod & reel combo, length, action, line weight, leaders, etc. do i need a baitcasting type reel or can i get away with spinning equip? i prefer spinning gear.

i plan on throwing large plugs, spoons, and bucktail types over weeds and similar cover in lakes. i also would use a 10-12 inch live bait fish at times. i'll be fishing from shore, as well as from a larger canoe. i dont plan on doing any trolling with downriggers or similar.

i'm probably gonna get bashed a little for this, but i'm looking to go cheaper. i'm on a college budget and already spend half my money on fishing as it is. i've never owned a big game combo for freshwater before.

i'm ready to buy upon repeipt of good advice.

thanks in advance and best of luck.

[Will Schultz]

In case you missed my response on Michigan Sportsman...

I would consider my muskie casting rigs cheap compared to a lot of people I know, but retail is over $250.

What is your budget for the rod/reel?

[Kingfisher]

You will have to get and learn to use a Baitcaster. I would recomend starting with an Abu 5500 c-3 reel. They are reasonable about 69 bucks. Also for about 70 bucks you can get any number of fair quality 7 foot 3 oz. rated one piece casting rod from Gander Mountain, Cabelas or Bass Pro shops. My wife got 4 good years out of a 7 foot Fenwick trigger stick rated at 2.5 oz. . 5500 Abu with 50,65 or 80 lb. Braid line like Power Pro. Make sure you use a steel leader that is rated at least 50% higher than your line. Pretty hard to get cheaper than that and still have enough to land miss Piggy. Kingfisher