Musky/Pike Set Up

[TS30]

I have friend who is looking to get into Musky and pike fishing some. He has come to me looking to what type of a set up he should get in to. Being mostly a fly fisherman and never having fished for either species, I figured it is a better question for the pros than for me to answer. He is looking to get a spin rod and reel setup and is hoping to stay under $100. Can he get a quality set up for that price? If not, how much more would it be? What rig would be good for him?

Then, on a personal note, are trout set ups conducive to fishing for pike and muskies (aside from the line)? Or do you need a more heavy duty rod and reel to deal with these fish than you would trout? Thanks for educating the ignorant here on this one guys!
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[utwalleye]

you might want at least midium heavy rod with braid line.
I've used both, spinning and casting, they both worked fine. later chuck
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[Fishhound]

[#008000]Hey TS30,[/#008000]
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[#008000]In theory, you could use a heavier trout set up to catch Muskies, but, I think you would be better served if you looked into something a little more robust - in case you latch into a large fish. [/#008000]
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[#008000]I use a baitcasting set up with around 15 to 25 pound line on a 7 foot heavy rod that can handle up to a 2.5 ounce lure. I cast large lures - size 11 + cranks and jerk baits, large buck tails, size 4 + blue fox spinners, and 3 to 4 inch spoons. Also, the chances of catching a larger fish seems to be better by casting larger lures.[/#008000]
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[#008000]Although I could use a heavy duty spinning out fit to accomplish this, I seem to get better and more comfortable results with casting gear. If you choose to go with a spinning set up, choose something very robust that will also be comfortable to cast a lot.[/#008000]
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[#008000]I also think because of the nature of the species, it is better to not play Muskies on the rod too much because of having too light of gear. Muskies are not a species that deals well with too much handling - on the rod and/or after it is landed. My philosophy with them is to get them in quick and release them even faster with the minimum of interaction. [/#008000]
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[#008000]Most of the quality rod manufacturers build a specific rod for Muskies and those rods tend to be casting rods for a good reason. You can get a fairly inexpensive set up at Cabelas or Bass Pro - probably at Sportsmans Warehouse as well.[/#008000]
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[url "http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/templates/links/link.jsp?id=0056196123494a&type=product&cmCat=SEARCH&returnPage=search-results1.jsp&QueryText=musky+rod&N=4887&Ntk=Products&Ntx=mode+matchall&Nty=1&Ntt=musky+rod&noImage=0"][#000080]Musky combo at Cabelas LINK[/#000080][/url]


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[TS30]

Thanks guys, like I said, you are educating the ignorant on this one in a big way. Spin, bait casting......gold jacket, green jacket......I don't know the difference!

I've been fly fishing since I was 12 and before that was only tossing salmon eggs or powerbait. I have come back to some bait tossing here and there, but not too much.

Thanks for the info.
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[Bigguyone1]

His fishing experience/ability/style will all play a factor as will where he plans to target these fish. Is he planning on here in UT or in Canada?
Does he like light tackle?
I personally go with a medium rod that is about 7' with 20-30# braid - depending if I am in UT or Canada.
Also need to consider the lake due to the type of cover you will be moving these beasts from - when looking at rod type.
Baitcasting is almost always a better option but I do use spinning gear personally.
Does he want to fight the fish or just reel it in - that is why I go medium rod.
Tomorrow I will be at pineview with a 7' med-light rod and 20# test....to give you an idea of what I use.

[lunkerhunter2]

I assume he will be fishing pineview and the like.
Here is my opinion. Look at my past posts and take this info or leave it.
I started out using a 9' medium Ugly stick with a huge spinning reel and 30# fireline. I used it for a few years before i decided it was WAAAAY too much for what i was doing and my back and shoulders killed at the end of the day.
Next i bought a 7' Ugly Stick medium action and a Quantum Kinetic 30 spooled with 50# Power-Pro. This has been my go-to for over 7 years now. Only recently did i figure out the baitcaster thing and will never look back. My advice, is to tell him to get a 6' 6" or 7" Ugly Stick, buy the best reel he can afford to reach his max allowance and spool up with 30# to 50# braided line of choice. I recently started using Spiderwire Stealth in 50# and love it so far. I don't use steel leaders with this line. These combinations will handle any tiger, pike, or musky he can fish for. Hope some of this helps.[]
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[FishEater67]

I too use Spiderwire for the muskie and I love it. I use a steel leader though. I usually find that if something breaks, it is the leader and not the line. I have just always used the leader since I thought that muskies' sharp teeth would cut the line. Have you ever had one cut your line lunkerhunter2? I am just nervous how it would hold up without the leader to a big fish knawing on the line.
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[blackhab]

My wife and I have taken several float plane trips to canada for pike and have just used our trout gear. We usually change out line out for heavie, 10-15 pound and use steel leader. Just make sure your poles are in good condition and the drag is set accordingly. On a set up like this we have caught well over 40 inch pike and had no problems.
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[lunkerhunter2]

No problems and that is exactly why i use 50# braid. Only ever had 1 fish cut me off with this line and it was my fault. I was throwing a tiny lure and he swallowed it too far. I have had 4 tigers take a short buzzbait lately to the point i could not see it and they did NOT cut me off. No doubt the line was frayed, but still enough to hold the fish. The reason i don't use steel leader is on some buzzbaits the swivel on the leader tends to slide down 1 side and kills your bait.[]
I agree with you on the steel leaders breaking, they can sustain great force on slow bursts but they suck when it comes to abrupt jerks or quick strikes. [cool]
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[FishEater67]

Good to know LH2. I may have to try going without the leader. Leaders do restrict the action of lures. I also use #50 so if it holds up for you, it should for me too and I will get better action out of the lure. Thanks.
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