Musky reels

[jigginjim]

What size make and models reels are guys using? and weight line?

[gimruis]

Depends on what lures your throwing and whether your targeting pure strain muskies, tiger muskies, or pike.  If your going to fish on a lake with pure strains and throw mostly moving lures like buck tails, then go with a long rod of 8 feet or more in heavy action and then put a big bait casting reel on it with at least 65 pound braid.  The long rod helps you get leverage when casting big lures.  I have a Calcutta reel made by Shimano but they are very expensive so that may not be a reasonable choice for your first musky reel.  I've heard some good things about the Abu Garcia Beast which is basically a low profile bass reel on steroids.  For pike or tiger muskies, you can down size a little bit.  I sometimes just use a big bait casting bass setup when I'm targeting tiger muskies and pike.

[jigginjim]

thinking of guiding for muskies, I have 7plus ft rods thinking of going to the 8'6" to 9ft rods, but thinking of good quality reels that will not need a loan or arm and a leg for.

 

[Tom Sawyer]

 

[gimruis]

Just something to consider on the length of those musky rods - some boats have a max length for their rod holders.  For example, the max length rod I can store in my rod box is 8 feet.  Also, I occasionally haul gear in my truck and anything over 8 feet won't fit diagonally in the box.