Bucktail Rod/reel combo suggestions

[Labs]

Hello,

I'm in the market for a muskie combo to use with bucktails mainly. I'm just a weekender not looking to break the bank. What kind of ideas can you offer?

Thanks,

Labs

I recently did the same thing and got an Abu 7000, found a Cabelas FishEagle MH muskie rod on sale, even though it is two piece I think it will work fine.

The Abu 7000 (the winch) is a fine reel bulging bucktails and the Abu 5500-C3 or 6500-C3 would also be good choices for reels costing under $100.
It is tempting to think of a high speed reel (6.3:1) for bucktails but you really are better off with somethin around 5.3:1. Big blades on bucktails exert too much drag on a high speed reel IMHO.

For rods, I seriously do not think that you can do much better than the Gander Mountain IM7 or IM8 rods at a cost about $80 per copy.

I'd go with about a 7-1/2 foot MH action rod.

[Labs]

Thanks for the replies guys. It gets me going in the right direction.

Thanks,

Labs

[Pete Stoltman]

I would agree with the reel suggestions so far. For a rod I would difinitely consider the Fig Rig Extreme model in something like the 7'6" medium heavy. Priced at $89.00 with a three year over the counter warranty is a great deal.