Hello all, just joined today. My x-mas present arrived yesterday, a new muskie rod. Actually, my first muskie rod. I was expecting a casting rod, but this one is a spinning rod. 
A 7’0″ Shimano Compre. I don’t especially like casting a large spinning rod, especially with a big lure, so I’m thinking about exchanging it for the casting version. Am I totally off base? Since I like using braided line, I think the spinning rod is a bad idea. thoughts?
Yep! Trade it in for a casting model. Welcome to IDO!
I have a 7′ Compre spinning rod too. Lighter braided line will work fine. But it will handle baits of only 1oz or so max. This rod is good for pike fishing and for light muskie gear, like when you’re wading in a river and casting for example.
Overall you’ll get more use out of a bait caster for muskies (as Schrump said).
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I have a 7′ Compre spinning rod too. Lighter braided line will work fine. But it will handle baits of only 1oz or so max. This rod is good for pike fishing and for light muskie gear, like when you’re wading in a river and casting for example.
Overall you’ll get more use out of a bait caster for muskies (as Schrump said).
OK, thanks. Yeah, I’ll mostly be on bigger lakes in a boat for muskies, and I already have a big(ish) spinning rod that I’ve used northern and smaller. Opins on reels? I’m thinking about the abu garcia ambassador record, or the daiwa luna
Here’s some good info on reels.
Welcome to IDO Marvin! Yeah I would get a baitcaster rather than a spinning reel. I have the Abu 7000 big game that works pretty good for the big stuff. There are better reels out there, however, I don’t have the money to spend on them right now. I hear the calcutta’s are pretty nice. 
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Welcome to IDO Marvin! Yeah I would get a baitcaster rather than a spinning reel. I have the Abu 7000 big game that works pretty good for the big stuff. There are better reels out there, however, I don’t have the money to spend on them right now. I hear the calcutta’s are pretty nice.
Thanks. I returned the spinning rod and got a 7’6″ casting rod. The only one they had left in a comparable model. I looked at the AG record the other day, and I’m not sure what to think of it. They seem OK, but I keep reading more and more about how they need constant maintenance, and the drags start to fail quickly. My previous spinning reels have all been in the sub $100 range, and have given me no troubles. I’m hesitant to spend $150 on one that I’ve read gives many people problems. Now I’m thinking about the calcutta. Not the TE, I’m not rich enough for that, but maybe the 400B
The 400b is ok, but the Luna is a great choice 
I’ll be picking 2 up this spring 
We run a few Calcutta B’s great reels. Might also look into Okuma Indurons.
The Indurons are cheap and from my experience cheaply made. The two I’ve owned have crapped out right away. Maybe I’ve got duds. I did just find out they are more than willing to replace them free of cost. So…their customer service must be pretty good. I’ll find out how the new ones perform in about 4 months
I stopped at Dick’s Sporting Goods and they had a 400B marked as a 200B. I pretended 
that I had drove out there based on the price marked for the 200B, so he knocked the price down. I paid $185. Of course, now I want the Luna, but I think I should just drop it and be happy with this one. By most accounts it stands up well.
In spite of this thread being wrapped up, for anyone else considering which is better, I like them both. The spinning rods are great for throwing really light lures or smaller lures. The Compre mentioned in this thread is made too light for the purposes of the truly dedicated muskie chasers but the concept has it’s advantages. I’m currently having a custom made so I can combine the practicality of the spinning applications and the beef of the casting rods for hauling in the fish. The reels aren’t as solid as the casters BUT, some people flat cannot operate a casting reel. For those people, I’ll have something in my boat they can use and still have a good chance at controlling the beast.
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In spite of this thread being wrapped up, for anyone else considering which is better, I like them both. The spinning rods are great for throwing really light lures or smaller lures. The Compre mentioned in this thread is made too light for the purposes of the truly dedicated muskie chasers but the concept has it’s advantages. I’m currently having a custom made so I can combine the practicality of the spinning applications and the beef of the casting rods for hauling in the fish. The reels aren’t as solid as the casters BUT, some people flat cannot operate a casting reel. For those people, I’ll have something in my boat they can use and still have a good chance at controlling the beast.
It’s not completely wrapped up, since I haven’t truly made up my mind. I currently have the rod and calcutta reel now, but I wonder if the rod is too lightweight, especially if I want to toss some larger lures. What did you mean by “the concept has it’s advantages”? Just curious. My experience with Muskies is limited to one that I caught while fishing for northern. and it wasn’t really big enough to tax the equipment I was using.
In post cold front conditions and/or really hot, bluebird sky days, I’ve experienced success in downsizing my presentations. It’s also popular musky tradition to use smaller lures for early season results. The pros don’t necessarily endorse this as a primary early season requirement for success but it is popular in belief and practice.
Sure, you can use a smaller, lighter setup for this or simply adjust your reel settings, but a spinning set up will chuck those lures a little further for more water coverage. You can use a spinning rod just as accurately as a baitcaster if you put in your time with it. Also, if you’re ept to using both set ups, for me (which I’m more the exception than the rule) it means switching arms for throwing the lures. This helps me with fatigue issues, which is a nice perk to this sport.
The advantage is water coverage with lighter lures and the ease of casting them in all conditions with a lower risk of backlash. Disadvantage is that spinning reels don’t have the durability of heavy strain like the casters do. It doesn’t mean it can’t be done though. It just means you have to accept a reality of this setup. Also, the factory rods I’ve seen are indeed to wimpy in the power department. Heavy lures really aren’t an option. It’s lighter and/or smaller or nothing. This is why I’m having a custom done.
For now, I’d really stick with the casting outfit you’ve put together. It’s important to learn the techniques and skills with this stuff because overall, it is the better suited for your objective. But, for an option, I can let you know what I find with this custom over the coming season by reporting it here. It may be a challenge finding the right reel for size, strength, and weight balance as well.
I had a custom made spinning rod made for my wife and guests in my boat who don’t cast well. I love it for working jigs/ creatures. My wife and guests can throw anything I can (except double tens and pounder dogs).
However, be sure the spinning outfit is built with the rigors of muskie fishing in mind.
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