Muskie/ Flathead combo

With some recent gift card acquisitions, and with the wife getting bit by the River Monster bug she wants to catch a huge Musky. She doesn’t admit to it yet but I am sure she would like to chase her first flathead like myself as well. What’s a good spinning combo for around $100-150. Pretty cheap budget but it won’t get used all that much. Ugly stick, cabelas whoopin stick, I’m lost as to what would be best for tossing those huge baits as far as length, power, etc. She is not a fan of bait casters, so preferably spin. I see guys bring in huge sturgs with spinning so hoping its not an issue.

I have used an Okuma Epixor 40 with bait feeder(essential for flatheads) with a “Catfish ” Ugly Stick for flathead and sturgeon. Rod is tough enough for flatheads, sensitive enough for sturgeon. Can’t say for muskies.
Michael

A 3000-4000 sized Spinning reel will work fine for smaller musky baits. They do not have enough power/speed to really handles casting double 10’s or big plastic. Not to mention opening the bail and casting an 8 ounce bait is not practical for any period of time. That being said if you have her focus on X Raps, 1/2-1.5 OZ Jig Heads with 6-7 inch minnow bodies and some in-line top water baits she would be fine.

You other challenge trying to get a rod that works for Cats and musky. You will comprimise on either end. The musky rod is going to be stouter with less parobolic bend ideally than then cat rod. A Custom Big Water Ugly Stick would work great for cats but would be so-so for musky… Off the top of my mind that is proably the best option in your price range.

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A 3000-4000 sized Spinning reel will work fine for smaller musky baits. They do not have enough power/speed to really handles casting double 10’s or big plastic. Not to mention opening the bail and casting an 8 ounce bait is not practical for any period of time. That being said if you have her focus on X Raps, 1/2-1.5 OZ Jig Heads with 6-7 inch minnow bodies and some in-line top water baits she would be fine.

You other challenge trying to get a rod that works for Cats and musky. You will comprimise on either end. The musky rod is going to be stouter with less parobolic bend ideally than then cat rod. A Custom Big Water Ugly Stick would work great for cats but would be so-so for musky… Off the top of my mind that is proably the best option in your price range.

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Great ideas. I would probably tip the pendulum to the musky side just for ease of use for her. What kind of lengths are good, I would think longer the better to whip the baits out with a softer tip.

Longer is better. St Crioix Makes some Mojo Inshore Spinning rods what would work. Might be on the high side of your price range but they are great rods… Here are the stats on the one that would best suite your needs.

MIS76HF 7’6″ C Fast 3/4 to 2 H 15 to 30 1 6.7 Regular Price: $139.99

Gives me something to shoot for, thanks.

All depends on how much you’ll be using the reel for musky fishing. I’ve got some great flathead/sturgeon combos, and my gear is tuned for the 40+ pound class of flathead/sturgeon, none of that wimpy stuff….But, i wouldn’t consider any of my reels to meet the requirements of the constant casting/reeling of musky fishing.

My flathead/sturgeon combos:
St Croix Triumph Surf TSRS100M2 Spinning
Big shimano spinning reel
(Really fun fighting fish with a 10′ rod, flexible tip also helps detect bites on windy days sturgeon fishing)

7’6″ IM7 Cabelas XH with a shakespear tidewater baitcaster.

You wouldn’t believe that a reel i paid $5 for 4 years ago has caught hundreds of sturgeon as well as two 50# flatheads and sturgeon of the same size as well as many smaller fish. I’ve got 2 of these reels (Bought from Berkley outlet store) and they have been absolutely fantastic and compare to my 7000ic3, just not as shiny

St Croix PM76MHF
Abu 7000i C3 baitcaster

I don’t think any of those reels would work for the abuse musky fishing does, but the rods would, except the surf rod. Each of those i can cast 8oz + HUGE live baits with ease, they all hold their weight with both drag and rod strength to land the large fish.

The Cabelas IM7 and St Croix PM76MHF, any sturgeon under 40″ gets lifted in the boat