We have some big Tigers in a lake we fish.A big guy savaged a 2# Bass a fishing buddy caught last year.Grabbed him at the boat and didn't want to let go.I would guess he was in the high teens maybe twenty pounds.We's gots to know.
Sure would like to hook one.What are some good rigs(poles,reels,bait) to try.
I have an older Heddon Muskie rod I bought on ebay last year but not too good with the reel I have on it.I slapped an old Penn 209 on it but can't cast it worth a snot.What say you.
Thanks
We bought a couple of Ambassadeur 6500C3s and C4s when they were around $70-$80 and have had no issues at all. I'd spring for a power handle on it if you really get into muskie.
I've been looking at upgrading our tackle but the words muskie and inexpensive are mutually exclusive.
In the 1960s and 70s we pounded a lot of water for muskies. Pflueger Supremes, St Croix muskie rods, Suick Musky Thriller(grey/white), Big Cisco Kid (all black, silver/black, red head white body), Mepps Big Tornado (black w/black blade) and a big Jitter Bug ( all black at night, yellowish green during the day). We fished mostly casting from 6 PM to full dark and cloudy stormy days. Trolled on nice days but then motor trolling was illegal so it was all with the oars but the old boats were long narrow and rowed like a dream.
Penn 209's are not designed to cast unless it's a HUGE bait and even then they suck at it. Get a Abu 6500C3 if you want a decent lower priced reel and put it on an 8' rod in the $100 range and you have a decent combo for under $200 then spool it with 80lb. braid.
Long rods are all the craze in the muskie worldthese days. 8'6 and 9' being the new standard. A good 8' heavy Rod with a 400b calcutta would cover you for 90% of muskie fishing. Spool it up with 80# braid and you should be good to go.
Lures- for twitching cranks I like 7" slammers, gliders I like 6 and 7 1/2" phantoms, bucktails I use llungens, and don't forget your rubber baits; bulldawgs and medusas