Scent Sheild

I run 2 Corvalus, and a Corsair, both below your Cardif. Both good reels but not as nice and my partners Calcuttas. I’m checking out a Gander reel this spring if its anything like my Abu it will end up as a spare.

I have some older Garcia’s that I use but I bought a Garcia Ambasadeur 6600C4 this fall and I love it. It also doubles as a cattin’ rig on the river. Good luck shopping.

I also fish with the 6400 c3 and c4,great reels.
But one thing that you need to do is reel maintenance,no matter what reel you buy.
Thowing those big lures and fighting muskie,the reels will need oiling and cleaning once in awhile.

I run Diawa Luna’s on St. Croix Rods. I have owned Abu’s and Calcutta’s and the Luna is engineered to perform and last. You get what you pay for in a reel.

Abu Garcia 6500 C3 or 7000 C3 Either one can’t be beat for Muskies or CATFISH

Wild Fan is right 6500’s are all you need but need to be cleaned. If you have the cash get at least one Calcutta and you wont regret it

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I run Diawa Luna’s on St. Croix Rods. I have owned Abu’s and Calcutta’s and the Luna is engineered to perform and last. You get what you pay for in a reel.

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I too have fished with a Luna and its a sweet reel for the price I like it much better than the Callcutta 300 TE reels that I’ve owned in the past This spring I’m gonna pick me up 2 of them. For $220 each thats a bargian compared to the $340 for the calcutta. If price is an issue however, since you’re just getting in to the sport there are alot of extra costs You could go with the Abu Garcia Record 60. I run 2 of these and they are great reels. They cast like a dream and they are ultra smooth on the retrieve and they’ll only set you back $150 each

Plunge I bought a Record 2 years ago and took it back after three days on mille lacs. The top part of the reel kept opening on the cast. It did cast like a dream and other wise was the best Abu I have seen. I know a lot of guys throw Abu’s but I have found the Calcutta’s and Luna’s to be much tighter reels. I guess it goes with the price.

I have had a couple of Calcutta 400B’s for more than a few years now. I got both second hand, but they have been great reels all around.

Pal

I run all Abu 6500 c-3 & c-4’s. They have been good to me for the price. Always have them cleaned, re-spooled and reworked each spring before the season. Have always been interested in the Calcutta, but really couldn’t see spending quite that much. Have been looking at a 7000 and now I am going to check out the Luna. Thanks guys for mentioning it. A couple of the guides across the street @ Rollie & Helen’s Musky Shop usually push the Calcutta for an upgrade.

Mark

I also run the Abu Garcia 6500 C3 and C4 and 6600 C3 along with a 7000 C3 and a Shimano Calcutta. Day in and day out the Calcutta and the 7000 C3 get the most use. The Calcutta is great for throwing bucktails and small crankbaits but the 7000 throws the bigger crankbaits, spinner baits and jerks.

I don’t have a favorite muskie reel yet because I can’t find one that won’t break. I guess the Abu 7000 is ok.
Welcome to IDA muskie Tim!!!

I still use Abu 6500’s as backup, use an Abu Record as a second backup, and Diawa Lunas as a first choice on my main rods. I have had problems with all three though. The plus side with Abu’s is they are really easy to fix, downside is once you try a Calcutta or Luna they are not very smooth. I, personally prefer the Luna because it’s smooooooooove as Butta!………But, have had anti-reverse problems with them while working gliders and walk the dog topwaters. I also waste two to three days a week fishing muskies so my equipment gets a bit more of a workout than some. All I can suggest is get a reel that relates to the pricepoint you’re looking for and one which will be reliable for how often you fish. If you are going to casually go for muskies here and there then an Abu 6500 will suit and definately exceed your needs. If you’re looking for something that will withstand heavy fishing on a regular basis you might as well fork over the dough and invest in a Luna or Calcutta. Hope this helps.

Abu 7000 would be my choice. I only went through one reel this yr and Abu had a new one to me within 7 days. I thought that was excellent customer serivice. First year since i started fishing muskies 4 years ago i havent gone thru atleast 3 reels. I probably could have fixed some, but prefer to get a new one under warranty rather than continue to fix em.

Not knocking Abus but we run 3 in the boat vers 7 Shimanos, All 3 are in the shop yearly the Shimanos are going strong yet after 4 seasons on some. None are more than 5 years old Abu or Shimanos

I’m with you Jeremy:) I’m gonna switch over to the Lunas due to the fact that they are so smooth. Compared to the Calcutta its a really nice reel. I’ll stick with my Abu’s as backups:)

Hey guys,
For anybody who does not know this there is a annual fall sale at Robinson Labs, in Cannon Falls, MN, makers of scent sheild products and scents sheild clothing. The tennative date is the weekend after labor day (I know wisconsin opener) but the deals are so good that a guy cant pass it up. I have a friend that works there and I used to my self and they dont have a date for sure yet. But it will happen and I think I got a brand new scent sheild suit for under 100 dollars last year being that the same suit sells for 200 to 300 in stores. As well as that they have phenominal deals on there scent sheild sprays (good time to stock up for the season). I believe I was paying like 2 dollars a bottle. Cheap if you compare it to stores. I will find out a for sure date and get anybody directions that needs em in the next few days.

Keep us informed BK. One of these days I will make it down for that. It won’t be this year though.

Shhh.. I got scent blocker pants for $40 and a scent blocker coat for $30 there 3 years ago.

I’ve been going to this since the first year they had it, but it’s gotten to the point where I won’t wade in line with all the people as the place is packed! Don’t get me wrong, there’s deals to be had, but a line forms about 4-6 hours before it opens. This is because the best deals go fast. For that reason, I’ve missed it for a year or two. For years it used to be kept more for locals as it remained unadvertised, but it’s really turned into a zoo.

Joel

I hear you there Joel, not worth waiting in line anymore. Not to discourage anyone but be prepared to wait and come early. There will be great deals to be had and its all good stuff. I will say this, if you are a smaller guy or looking for something for your wife or kids or you are a big guy you will probably be able to get some deals and not have to get there 5 hours early.

It is crazy down there but for the folks that do not want to spend the cash on full retail price on the more expensive items the wait can be rewarding. I usually do not go there until the sunday of it because of the crazyness. I just go to stock up on scent sheild for my season!!!!

Does anyone know the exact weekend it will be? Never been to it, but would like to check it out.

September 10th, 11th, and 12th.