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what size gear for muskie fishing
Ive been really interested in catching my first muskie for quite some time and decided to take the plunge and try to do it. Ive gotten a handful of bucktail spinners, raided my old surf fishing box for some big bucktail jigs, gotten some big husky jerks, some oversized spinner baits and crankbaits, and a few big plugs in the 7 to 9 inch range so for lures I think I'm ready. Ive been looking into how to catch them and I've gotten a basic idea of what to do but now comes the question of what do I use as far as a rod and reel and what lb test line? I've got rods running from Ultralight panfish rods to bottom fishing rods I've used on big sharks and jewfish. The problem is I've got no clue what to expect from a tiger musky, I was thinking a decent salmon rod should be up to the task loaded with 20 lb test and a steel leader but I'm not sure if this will be too light. My normal rig for salmon is an 8 foot 6 inch med heavy salmon rod rated for lures from 1/2 oz to 1 1/2oz. and 12 to 20lb test line, should I go heavier or will this be sufficient? Ive tried finding info on which rod and I've mostly found that most people tend to use heavier gear than needed but no one gives a good starting point so any info would be appreciated, on any part of fishing for musky come to think of it not just rods. Thanks in advance
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Mark Wells on
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Ken,
Just wanted to add my 2cts worth on line weight: Mono is out in my opinion. Too much stretch and is also easily cuts on a tooth or gill plate. Braid - any quality braid, is the way to go. I like Suffix 832 and Power Pro in 65# for most rods and 80# for my glide bait/jerk bait rods. Braid is much thinner in diameter per lb test compared to mono so because of the heavy lure weights, casting can and will cause thin line to dig down into the spool and the following casts will backlash because of it. Also, ripping a lure free from weeds or a hookset will cause the line to dig deep between the other iine wraps. The thicker, heavier line will lay on the reel smoother and pay out much smoother on the cast.
Also, using substandard line on purpose or no leader and consequently leaving a lure stuck in a fish's mouth that might cause it to starve to death is unexceptable in my book.
As Craig stated earlier in this thread, Cascade Musky Association has lots of member fishing trips planned for the upcoming season. If you're interested in camaraderie, sharing of techniques and just plain ol fun, you ought to join up.
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