Revo Toro/Winch 4.6 or 5.4?

[Iowa D.]

I am just getting rigged up for occasional Muskie Fishing and am looking @ the Revo Toro Winch 4.6 or the Revo toro 5.4. What are the advantages of either reel? would oneor the other be a better all around choice? Ease of use a Big Part of the decdision, 1st baitcaster.

I appreciate your input

[dogrodder]

The Winch is your choice for heavy baits and hard pulling baits like double tens. I also use mine for slow rolling bucktails. The faster reel is a better all around choice for throwing anything under 2 ounces.

[J-Man]

get the 5.4 if you can find one....may have to look on buy/sell boards or ebay as they took that model out of their line-up to go with higher gear and lower gear ratios instead of 3 different versions.

for occasional use, the 5.4 will serve you well and allow you some speed for smaller baits.

80# test braided line fully spooled with some mono backing and you will be all set.

[bob1]

Justin, my son just booked with you for August. I have not done any Musky fishing. I live in Arkansas now. I fish for Walleyes, Stripers, and Crappie down here. I retired from the Chicago area. What would you suggest for a rod and reel for Musky fishing? Not too expensive, but will get the job done.

I do have an Abu Garcia C4 that is almost brand new. Would that work OK?

I would still like your suggestion for a reel though!

Thanks, Bob

[J-Man]

A starter set-up should run you about 100 each for rod and reel. If you plan to use them a week a year at best, then you can get by with a starter set up without too many issues in most cases.

your C4 should be fine for a week's use. Unless it's just a year or two old, I would have it cleaned, lubed etc before your trip. It may be like brand new, but it's been sitting awhile, a cleaning would be a good idea to ensure it's all set to go.

You'll want some mono backing and 80 pound braid packed good and tight right to the to of the spool. I prefer spider wire ultra cast invisibraid.

gander mountain makes a reasonable start rod. I used them for a couple of seasons just starting yout. You should be able to get a Guide Series IM8 in 7-6 or 8 foot length. They will handle a week a year without any trouble and allow you to throw a variety of lures.

If i was purchasing a reel right now, I'd go with a C3 6500 for a starter set up (around $100.) Moving up in quality will take you into the $200-$300 range.

If you want/need more specific info or want to go higher end, let me know and we'll get you some more options to consider.

We'll look forward to your visit in August and getting you some LOTW muskies!

[bob1]

Thanks Justin!
Is there any kind of top water bite the middle of August?
Best baits for that time of the year?
Not familiar with LOTW, what kind of water clarity and depth is at your end of the lake?

Bob

[J-Man]

Topwater bite can heat up anytime, but typically mid August woudl be a great time to throw some topwater. Tail spinners like the Big Mama's & Top Raiders were my two best prop baits last season. Walk the dog lures like the Phat Daddy seem to always bring some action, whether or not you can get them to stick on those erratic baits is another story.

If you had one each of the following, you would be be able to fish a week and get all kinds of action....double 10 bucktail, double 8 bucktail, spinner bait, surface lure and crank bait like a depthraider.

We have stained water so you can expect some algae bloom that time of year. The past few years it hasn't been bad at all in August, but normally you will find some bloom. With the option of heading north, south, east or west from Morson you can always find some areas that are cleaner than others so it's not a real big problem if you dont mind mixing things up a little.

Average depth within our general area would be 20-30 feet. There is some deeper water within 10 miles, but you really have no need to run that far if you don't want to. There is so much structure in the area you can literally start fishing with the resort in sight. Often times, unless you go out and fish back home, you don't end up getting very far because it if it looks like it would hold a fish, it usually does.

[bob1]

Thank you Justin!

[Iowa D.]

Thank you for the input, I appreciate it.