Beginner Musky Rig

Hey guys, I am new to musky fishing and am looking for a proper setup but there are just so many options and so many different opinions! I am from central PA and will spend most of my time on the Susquehanna and Juniata rivers as well as a few lakes. These aren’t necessarily musky hot spots but they do have some fish. I was fortunate to hook into and land a 32 inch musky while bass fishing with 8-pound test last year, and ever since then I have been wanting more.

I am a big fan of Mepps spinners for trout and bass and I want to use them for musky as well. I plan to fish the Mepps Musky Killer, the Musky Marabou, and maybe even try out a double blade. I would also like to be able to throw a bulldawg as I have read some great things about them. What kind of setup would you recommend?

I have been considering abu Revo Toro S or abu Winch for a reel. I really would like to stay in the 200-dollar range for a reel.

As far as a rod, I don’t really know where to start. A heavy or Extra Heavy power? Fast action? I believe a rod over 8 feet is preferred. Any advice and recommendations are appreciated! Again, anything around 200 or less would be perfect.

EDIT***
After reading through some previous forums, I found that the “best” lure (at least that everyone recommends) are bucktails, and everyone seems to mention the cowboy and doubled bladed size 10’s. I would like to find a rod and reel combo that will fish these lures the best and be durable. And maybe after I start having some success I could jump in and buy a combo that fishes swimbaits / glide baits / top water.

I would use an 8 foot rod. The long rod helps heave large lures far enough for adequate casting with better leverage. Some guys are using 9 or even 10 foot rods, but the problem with those tree trunks is that they won’t fit in most rod lockers in the boat.

Yeah I’m not even sure how long of a rod would fit in my truck / boat. I’d have to check on that

Heres my 2 cents, Abu Garcia 6500 and an 8 ft med heavy or heavy rod 80-pound braid, this is if your not throwing the real big baits. You can spend way more,if you like, the rod should have some tip action. DK.

Have you tried looking at Facebook Garage sale for CL? I have seen good starter set up on there for half of new and barely used. If you do buy something used make sure to look the reel over (no grinding or binding). Look at the rod lure rating and make sure the lures you plan on using fall in-between those numbers. Around 8’ rod is a good length. Most of my rods are 8’ to 9’-2” except my jerk bait rod. It is easy to get discourage when muskie fishing. Just keep at it and you will get another one. Best of luck.

catmando wrote:

Heres my 2 cents, Abu Garcia 6500 and an 8 ft med heavy or heavy rod 80-pound braid, this is if your not throwing the real big baits. You can spend way more,if you like, the rod should have some tip action. DK.

I was looking at the Garcia 6500 but I have only ever used low profile bait casters in the past. How different is using a round reel over a low profile?

A heavy action rod should work for the majority or lures. If you think you’ll mostly be casting smaller blade baits like the Mepps, I’d recommend a medium heavy action rod that will help with casting those lighter lures. I’ve been using an Okuma Citrix 354 reel this year and I really like it. It’s a low profile reel, but not overly expensive. It casts really well and reels smooth.

You shouldn’t have any problem with a 6500, now a 7000 takes some getting used to even with my paws. Go to a store and ask to handle one with a rod of your choice. DK

There is nothing wrong with the Garcia 6500 for lighter musky stuff. But I went through 2 of them my first year musky fishing. 6500 will work fine for a Mepps Musky Killer but not so well on double 10’s.

Looks like you already have some great suggestions for rods/reels. Another thing to consider is to also invest in a good Musky sized net. personally i use the drifter predator series net but there are plenty of other great options. Make sure to also get a good set of hook cutters and a very long pliers. Possibly a bump board as well or a similar measuring tool. Good luck out there!

+1 on the Okuma Citrix for a reel. Way more comfortable to fish with all day. It has 25lb max drag vs 15lbs. 31″ line retrieve per crank vs 26″ on the 6500 C3. It’s available with a power handle for musky sized baits. Pair that with an EVX-B Musky rod and you have yourself a really nice setup for around $250

Pat McSharry wrote:

+1 on the Okuma Citrix for a reel. Way more comfortable to fish with all day. It has 25lb max drag vs 15lbs. 31″ line retrieve per crank vs 26″ on the 6500 C3. It’s available with a power handle for musky sized baits. Pair that with an EVX-B Musky rod and you have yourself a really nice setup for around $250

Are you fishing the Okuma CI-364 with the power handle? Someone else mentioned the Citrix 354 but what I can find does not offer the power handle

The “P” in the model number is for power handle. I have a 354Pa and the power handle is really comfortable.

I personally would get the 364Pa. 6.4;1 gear ratio is a good all around utility reel.

I actually run the Okuma Komodo SS 364P which is a step above the Citrix. I have used the Citrix and was very impressed with it for the money. Would definitely much rather run one of those than a abu garcia 6500 C3.

I think there is only about a $40 difference in price between the Komodo SS and the Citrix. Both would suit your needs very well!