View Full Version : getting started
balsl6
08-03-2006, 02:09 PM
I am going to just get started musky fishing. I will be Fishing teh NWA lake of the woods.
I would like to start getting tackle and rods. here is where I would like to start.
2 rod and reels
10 best all around baits
What type of line
I would like to go somewhat economical to start but not to cheap. I also know there are more than 10 must need baits but your best lures or suggestions from the guys who fish LOTW would be great.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Tom B
08-03-2006, 06:52 PM
I would make a trip to Thorne Bros.
Before you go though, think about the type of fishing that you like doing. If you don't like casting and steady retrieving, don't get bucktails. Ask how to work a bait, if it sounds like something you would not enjoy, don't get them.
I know people catch fish on backtails and glidebaits, but I don't like throwing them, so I don't. I think I own 2 bucktails and throw them so rarely, that I could get rid of them and never miss them.
Also, you say that you don't want to go cheap, but not too expensive. Look at All Star rods and Garcia reels. Find actions that you like that also work the baits that you like to throw. Once you do, your rod buying days can be over. Don't "settle" on a rod, because it is on sale.
You would probably have your bases covered with a couple of big spinnerbaits, couple of Suick type baits and a couple of Jake type crankbaits and maybe a topwater or 2.
Tom B
Tom B
08-03-2006, 06:52 PM
I would make a trip to Thorne Bros.
Before you go though, think about the type of fishing that you like doing. If you don't like casting and steady retrieving, don't get bucktails. Ask how to work a bait, if it sounds like something you would not enjoy, don't get them.
I know people catch fish on backtails and glidebaits, but I don't like throwing them, so I don't. I think I own 2 bucktails and throw them so rarely, that I could get rid of them and never miss them.
Also, you say that you don't want to go cheap, but not too expensive. Look at All Star rods and Garcia reels. Find actions that you like that also work the baits that you like to throw. Once you do, your rod buying days can be over. Don't "settle" on a rod, because it is on sale.
You would probably have your bases covered with a couple of big spinnerbaits, couple of Suick type baits and a couple of Jake type crankbaits and maybe a topwater or 2.
Tom B
jerkin wood
08-03-2006, 08:47 PM
I'd suggest an abu 6500 c4 on a 6'6" jerkbait rod for your jerks and an abu 6500 c3 on a longer 7'-8' rod for the other stuff. I prefer mason tiger braid in 50 lb. test but a lot of other people like power pro or tuf line. If you go with one of those go with 80 lb. They're thinner and more prone to snapping on a backlash. When you spool up you need to either wrap the spool with electrical tape or a few wraps of mono first or the braid will slip. Make sure you have a quality leader and swivel on both setups. I use 170lb single strand for jerks and multistrand for bucktails and cranks.
I've only been up there once but I wouldn't go without a black bucktail with a silver blade, probably 2 one big one and a smaller one. That was by far our most productive lure. The other thing I wouldn't be without is a topraider. Orange was a good color for jerkbaits the week we were there.
A couple other things I can think of are good release tools, long nose pliers, hook cutters and a musky size net. Keep the fish in the water until the hooks are out, lift them up for a pic, and back they go. I would really reccomend a gps unit up there also, even if it's a cheapy handheld. Those islands all look the same up there, I'd have had a heck of a time getting back without one.
jerkin wood
08-03-2006, 08:47 PM
I'd suggest an abu 6500 c4 on a 6'6" jerkbait rod for your jerks and an abu 6500 c3 on a longer 7'-8' rod for the other stuff. I prefer mason tiger braid in 50 lb. test but a lot of other people like power pro or tuf line. If you go with one of those go with 80 lb. They're thinner and more prone to snapping on a backlash. When you spool up you need to either wrap the spool with electrical tape or a few wraps of mono first or the braid will slip. Make sure you have a quality leader and swivel on both setups. I use 170lb single strand for jerks and multistrand for bucktails and cranks.
I've only been up there once but I wouldn't go without a black bucktail with a silver blade, probably 2 one big one and a smaller one. That was by far our most productive lure. The other thing I wouldn't be without is a topraider. Orange was a good color for jerkbaits the week we were there.
A couple other things I can think of are good release tools, long nose pliers, hook cutters and a musky size net. Keep the fish in the water until the hooks are out, lift them up for a pic, and back they go. I would really reccomend a gps unit up there also, even if it's a cheapy handheld. Those islands all look the same up there, I'd have had a heck of a time getting back without one.
If you have a Gander Mountain store in your area, also check out the GM Guide Series rods and reels. 7'-6" IM8 rods are a pretty good choice for a rod at $79.00 regular price. The GS-66 reel is basically the same reel as the Pfleuger Trion-66 and also costs about $79.00/regular price. Both of these items can be purchased at a $10.00/ea. discount when on sale.
Cheers and tight lines,
Musky Mike
If you have a Gander Mountain store in your area, also check out the GM Guide Series rods and reels. 7'-6" IM8 rods are a pretty good choice for a rod at $79.00 regular price. The GS-66 reel is basically the same reel as the Pfleuger Trion-66 and also costs about $79.00/regular price. Both of these items can be purchased at a $10.00/ea. discount when on sale.
Cheers and tight lines,
Musky Mike
fishncamp
08-09-2006, 09:25 AM
Abu 6500 c3 is a good reel for the money.I use Fireline xds and Stealth lines (80#). I recommend a good mix of deep divers,shallow divers and buck tails.Perch,shad and sucker my choice of colours.Use quality leaders.....I prefer longer(24 to 36 inch) mono or flourocarbon leaders for trolling as I find they are easier on the fish in case they roll.I also recommend a good net or cradle as part of your purchase.Good luck,have fun,and do not forget your camera.
fishncamp
08-09-2006, 09:25 AM
Abu 6500 c3 is a good reel for the money.I use Fireline xds and Stealth lines (80#). I recommend a good mix of deep divers,shallow divers and buck tails.Perch,shad and sucker my choice of colours.Use quality leaders.....I prefer longer(24 to 36 inch) mono or flourocarbon leaders for trolling as I find they are easier on the fish in case they roll.I also recommend a good net or cradle as part of your purchase.Good luck,have fun,and do not forget your camera.
Ranger Me
08-14-2006, 01:26 AM
My humble suggestions...
Just get one rod to start, a St. Croix Preimier PM72MHF and a Abu 6500C3 loaded with PowerPro 80#. (Practice casting at home with heavy mono before you put the braid on the reel) If you want two rods, get Cortlands, the All Purpose and the Bucktail.
Topraider in black/orange spots
10" Jake in Walleye
7.5 Grandma in Crappie
Black/Silver Raddog Spinnerbait
White/Silver Raddog Spinnerbait
Unweighted Suick in Perch
Buchertail 700 Bucktail in Perch/Copper
Buchertail 700 Bucktail in Black/Silver
Hirsches Ghosttail Bucktail in Perch/White
Triple DDD in some Natural Color
Jointed Bucher Depthraider in Firetiger
A good net, not a cradle.
Mini Bolt Cutters
Lure Retriever
Ranger Me
08-14-2006, 01:26 AM
My humble suggestions...
Just get one rod to start, a St. Croix Preimier PM72MHF and a Abu 6500C3 loaded with PowerPro 80#. (Practice casting at home with heavy mono before you put the braid on the reel) If you want two rods, get Cortlands, the All Purpose and the Bucktail.
Topraider in black/orange spots
10" Jake in Walleye
7.5 Grandma in Crappie
Black/Silver Raddog Spinnerbait
White/Silver Raddog Spinnerbait
Unweighted Suick in Perch
Buchertail 700 Bucktail in Perch/Copper
Buchertail 700 Bucktail in Black/Silver
Hirsches Ghosttail Bucktail in Perch/White
Triple DDD in some Natural Color
Jointed Bucher Depthraider in Firetiger
A good net, not a cradle.
Mini Bolt Cutters
Lure Retriever
Mikeie58
08-18-2006, 03:15 PM
Does anyone know what happened to the muskies 101 site?
Mikeie58
08-18-2006, 03:15 PM
Does anyone know what happened to the muskies 101 site?
Justin Voisine
08-25-2006, 09:37 PM
>Does anyone know what happened to the muskies 101 site?
I'm wondering the same thing............anyone have any news??
Justin Voisine
08-25-2006, 09:37 PM
>Does anyone know what happened to the muskies 101 site?
I'm wondering the same thing............anyone have any news??
the muskie 101 is being rebuilt i think and for your baits get somthings that are easy to work bucktails and spinnerbaits ill list some examples
radd dog spinnerbait fuddly hawg spin funky chicken for spinner baits
suicks suicks suicks and maybe a manta and a b-flat for jerks
triple d for cranks maybe a shalow raider/depth raider
top raider or stomper then a pace maker for sure some kind of walk the dog bait like a weagle , jack pot,viper ,z180 if u can get one
ghost tails ,mepps musky marabo bucher tails and a cow girl silly girl or super girl but they are hard to pull in
hope this helps
guts