Michigan Muskie Alliance

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.

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?

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