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8:21 am
May 8, 2017
Offline
Hello,
I recently decided to try and get into musky fishing. What would be the must haves for getting started. I have an old Shimano Curado 201 but not sure that is sufficient? Going to get a rod this week and looking to spend a max of 150 on the rod but would prefer to keep it around 100. Any recommendations for a good all around rod? I could imagine I would be throwing large bucktails and platics the most. If my reel isnt sufficent I was thinking of picking up a Shimano Cardif.
I have always preferred mono when fishing. Any suggestions on poundage and leader material preferences.
I have bolt cutters, plyers and will get a large net. Any suggestions on nets? I am all about trying to put these fish back in good condition if I am lucky enough to catch one.
If u were going to start your box with ten baits or less what would they be?
Side note, If anyone with serious know how would be interested in meeting up at MC or another local body of water to fish for a day I would welcome the company to just learn from someone who really knows how to target, catch and realse these guys. I have two boats and in exchange for the kiddness would be happy to take the person out down the beach this summer on my center console flounder fishing out at the OC reef or in thr bay. I am by no means a flounder expert and really just go out there, drag bottom and pull the ocasional keeper over the side but would be happy to take someone.
Thanks
Ryan
11:35 am
March 22, 2004
Offline
Ryan,
Welcome to the most frustrating fishing you will ever experience! Seriously, there is nothing better than catching one through your own efforts and persistence. I stress the word persistence because you will need that to carry you through all of the fishless days.
As to the rod, I will let those more in-the-know give you pointers on that, the reel and the lures. As to your other gear, i.e., bolt cutters, net, etc., I would add a jaw spreader, long needlenose pliers and a crimp tool. We all prefer braided line in 65 to 100 lb. because there is no stretch to the line and it gives the solid hook set that you need with these fish. As to the leader material, use either steel leader, solid or stranded, or fluorocarbon depending upon what you are throwing. The pound test on the leader should match or exceed your line strength.
Anyway, that is just a few of the basics. As to the handling of the fish, try to unhook them in the water while in the net; never hold them vertically and if they are hooked anywhere other than the lip or the jaw, USE THE BOLT CUTTER to cut the hook(s). It is easier to replace hooks than it is the fish. We usually do not fish during the heat of the summer when water temps reach 80 degrees because it is too hard on the fish. That's all I have for now. Thanks and, again, welcome.
DL
DL
DL
12:59 pm
May 8, 2017
Offline
Great info. It's much appreciated. Persistence is something I got. I bow hunt for deer and it took me eight years to get my first archery buck. Tons of targt practice, research, asking questions and learning the sport not to mention a good 600 plus hours in the stand. I look at this as a similar endeavor. Pumped to give it a try. I have seen so many of them over the years while bass fishing that I can't believe I haven't given this a try already.
Thanks a bunch for the response!
2:01 pm
Moderators
February 19, 2004
Offline
Hi Ryan-
Best thing you can do, short of getting in on our 'Guide for a Day' program, is get to a monthly meeting. Get to know some people - good group of guys that will help you get off on the right foot - and, you will hear a few different points of view on all the items you are asking about. DL's recommendations above are on point.
If you can swing a Guide for a Day (or get out with someone in the club), it will drastically shorten your learning curve - and, will save you money in the long run as you will get to try others rods/reels/baits/tools before buying something you might regret later. I could make a suggestion on some gear - but, you might not like it in your own hands. I can't tell you how many rods/reels/baits I have that I wish I had that money back - lol The reel you mention might be OK for small baits - but casting and retrieving bigger baits will put a hurtin on those smaller plastic parts.
I can say get yourself a deep-bag musky net that has rubber coated netting (fin saver) I like my Stowmaster and have had it for 13 years - and still performs great. It also folds in half and takes up less space in the boat. Also, make sure you test those hook cutters out on heavy gauge hooks - last thing you want is to discover it won't cut while a bait is buried in fishie's throat. If it doesn't, get a pair of Knipex.
Glad you found us and that you are asking questions before setting out on your quest.
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