Need help choosing a musky rod

[ospreynn]

Hi, I'm about to buy a musky rod.. I haven't decided between a shimano compre muskie or a st. croix mojo musky... any ideas? Also, I wont be using very heavy baits, super shad raps, x-rap jointed and perhaps a few small bulldawgs (4 oz or so). I would also like to be able to use it for spinnerbaits and if it is even possible, F-18s. Questions:
1) What length should I pick?
2) Power?
3) Action?
I'm the type of guy that like to cast all day long, non-stop, so something that will help me increase my casting distance, but strong enough to fight those toothy critters. Any suggestions? Thanks

[jmcfish10101973]

i would think the best guy to ask is casey10

john

[omigosh]

I own seven shimano compre muskie rods. I use the calcutta 400 te on most of them. I have a curado 300 dsv on one of them and when the new Tranx comes out in March it is going on a 8' Extra Heavy Compre Muskie. I am obviously a fan of the Compre. I also have a g loomis muskie rod. My next muskie rod purchase will be a St. Croix. I've heard and read alot of rave reviews on the St. Croix and I really like the fact that it is made in the USA!
As far as what I would recommend? I don't think you can go wrong with either one of the choices. As far as configuration. In order to get the most versatility I would go with 7' or 7'6 heavy. It will give you the casting distance you need along with the ability to throw spinners and still have the backbone needed for the bulldogs. My favorite for casting spinners is the 8' heavy. That long rod will throw a country mile and also allow for a nice hookset without throwing yourself out of the boat.
Check with "Bacon" I seem to remember that he had a St. Croix that he was selling recently.
Good Luck going after ole Esox.

[bacon]

well...
all st croix rods are not made in the usa, they are located in park falls wi. its a neat place to see if your passing through. however, the newer, cheaper rods (the mojo, rage, eyecon, triumph, and a few other cheap one) are made in Mexico, but they are designed here, and many of it is made from US parts if i rememeber correctly. however, having used WI made rods like the avid, premier, legend, and also the mojos, they are just as nice in my opinion. and i do have an extra mojo musky, just saying

bacon

[casey10]

My 2 muskie rods are Shimano compres, 7', heavy action. I started with a 7' 6" spinning rod with an abu 6600 reel. Cant even remember the name of it, but I still have it . I also bought a used Rapala muskie rod,heavy action ,7' at the end of the season with a abu record 5600 reel for spinnerbaits but I havent used it much yet. I think shimano makes pretty good products. I would also like to get an abu torro winch if I win the loto,haha

[happyshad]

Os - I would go with the Medium Heavy St. Croix Mojo 7'2" MM72MHF. It might be just a little on the light end for the 4 ounce Bulldawg but will fit most of the other applications that you had mentioned. Tough to get a "One-size-fits-all" rod. When you are ready to add a second rod - then you could hook up with an 8' Heavy action!

The split handle should help you cast farther and the shorter length will allow you to get into tighter places, easier to transport and store, etc.

[ospreynn]

Thanks everyone.. I figured the one size fits all deal is tought to do... but I don't fish muskies more than 3-4 times per year. New Mexico only has two lakes with tiger muskies. They are now reaching the 45" mark!! The nearest lake is 4 hours from here, and with the gas prices that we have now, it is difficult to go there more often.
I don't really want to break the bank... I'm starting with a shimano cardiff... Then I was thinking on using sufix 832 in either 65 or 80 lbs. I figured it will be very hard, if not impossible to throw #5 spinnerbaits with 80lbs.. I also got some vmc fluoro leaders in 80lbs.
Also, I forgot to mention that some times I don't take my boat there because the lake is small and no gas engines are allowed in the lake (it is a little over a mile long)... so using a rod over 7'6" will be impossible to use.. I'm now inclined towards the heavy shimano compre 7'6" .. any thoughts. Thanks

[omigosh]

I used the Suffix 832 in 80lb. all summer on a curado 300dsv. Had no problems throwing any kind of baits. I don't know what your lake is like, but if you are throwing from shore you are probably more likely to encounter trees, branches and all kinds of snags in the water. The 80lb. might give you that added durability to pull out of a snag. Also if you are throwing spinners, go ahead and spend a little more to get ball bearing swivels. They really make a difference. If you are fishing from shore you won't have the option to let your line out behind the boat to take out line twist. Good luck!! My biggest tiger is 42" and it was loads of fun to catch.

[happyshad]

Omigosh - I still think that the Rod that previously suggested - the Medium Heavy St. Croix Mojo 7'2" MM72MHF - would be the near perfect fit for you - especially since reaching out to some of my hard core musky buddies to get their opinion.

It is 4 inches shorter than the 7'6" you were talking about - which doesn't seem like much - but will be a huge difference both on the bank/boat or in the car on the way there!

You could also get by with line in the 50 to 60 pound class - and might be able to chuck light tackle farther with the lighter line. From shore - short flips may be easier too.

Regardless of what you choose - best of luck with it!

[ospreynn]

Thanks guys..... very helpful information!! Any suggestion on ball bearing swivel brands? The lake where I fish is only 800 acres in surface... located in pinyon-ponderosa country at 7860 feet. I believe it is the sourthernmost body of water that has tiger muskies.... It also has a very healthy population of ranbow trouts..
Going back to the rod, I think I will go for the 7'2", and next year I will get a second rod... I just wished the rod was heavy, intead of medium-heavy.... but it is rated for 3/4 to 3 oz lures, which is about the weight of 95% of my musky lures..... I already ordered suffix 832 in 65lbs, ghost color.... has any body tried that color. There is just something about white braided lines that I don't like... but reviews are not that bad for this particular brand.