Rod For Muskie Questions

Hello!

I have a few questions about Muskie fishing. I currently am using a setup that is a 7’6” MH with a Shimano SLX reel for things like bucktails and showgirls and it’s been pretty good so far. I recently was given an older Muskie rod that is a 6’ custom rod that was made by the Thorne Bros and also has the word “buck tail” on it. (Meaning it was made for bucktails I’d assume). My question is, does anyone know if this 6’ rod is at all good? I feel like it’s way too short for moving baits or really anything Muskie related, but I’m also very new to this and wouldn’t know anyways.

If anyone that Muskie fishes a ton and knows a lot, please reach out because I have so many other questions that I’d love to have answered if possible.

Thanks again for any help at all!

Alex Weismann wrote:

I recently was given an older Muskie rod that is a 6’ custom rod that was made by the Thorne Bros and also has the word “buck tail” on it. (Meaning it was made for bucktails I’d assume). My question is, does anyone know if this 6’ rod is at all good?

Hi Alex,

Something to keep in mind is that Thorne Brothers has been making custom musky rods for a long time. I bring that up only because you mentioned the rod was very old and musky rods in the past were much shorter than the ones preferred by anglers today. Back in the day that rod might have been cutting edge. Thorne Brothers definitely has a reputation for making high quality rods. By today’s standards I’m sure the materials used and the engineering of the blank is very outdated.

Everyone fishes a little different so when it comes to gear selection there is no one right choice. Since you’ve fished the rod and found it too short, there’s your answer. If it doesn’t feel right or offer the control you’re looking for you’ll never be comfortable fishing it.

Would I want to use a 6-ft rod to fish bucktails? Absolutely not.

Totally understand. I had done some research about Thorne Brothers and found their website, but wasn’t able to find a 6 foot option when customizing a rod, so it makes sense that it’s very old. I also haven’t fished with it yet, but I’m going to assume that it won’t be something I’ll be using as a main setup or anything.

I guess my other question for you would be: Would the 7’6” setup be enough for smaller pike and Muskie? (up to 35inches). Or do I need to get something that is specifically for targeting those big fish? If so, what brands and models would you recommend?

Alex Weismann wrote:

Would the 7’6” setup be enough for smaller pike and Muskie? (up to 35inches). Or do I need to get something that is specifically for targeting those big fish?

I would think a 7’6″ MH with heavy braid would be more than enough rod for the size of fish you referenced.

My father has always fished with what we call his broom stick (6ft StCroix). Back in 1972 he caught a 51 3/4 inch musky with it. 2 years ago we talked him into trying a longer rod he went out and purchased a 7ft 6inch StCroix and at 85 years old still enjoys throwing the big baits.

That 6’ rod will make a great walk the dog style bait rod but a absolutely awful buck tail rod. With today’s technology and huge baits like cowgirls and supermodels buck tail rods start at 8’6”. My personal Muskie setups range from 8’6” to 9’8” the longer your rods the less you bend over figured 8ing making it far more enjoyable to fish long periods of time. Thorne bros is still king as far as custom Muskie rods go.

Thorne Brothers make some nice stuff. You can always call them and get a 6’ rod made for musky fishing still. Like James said, it is not the norm for today. Today longer rods are common in the musky world. The spot where you will find shorter musky rods would be for jerk baits. You don’t want to be working a lure and slapping the water on every pull. The longer rods help out big time with the figure 8s. (less bending over) As far as what would be best for you will depend on your budget, your height, and how far your casting deck and boat sit out of the water. I would not get rid of that 6’ Thorne Brothers rod. It will come in handy of you ever want to shore fish around trees or a shorty trolling rod. It also might be stiff enough to work some small jerk baits.

My buddy has a family heirloom Thorne Bros Musky Rod that is like 6’6″ and it works ok for a few applications. But most modern rods are far more accommodating, and I’d agree 8’6″ is my minimum preferred length. I’m in the market for a new Musky rod and if you are looking for a more affordable option Okuma, Scheels or St. Croix make some decent ones on the lower price range. Otherwise you can get cat fishing rods for cheaper that can do the job as well. If $ isn’t an option I’d get a Custom made one, probably by Thorne Bros. Also keep in mind throwing pounders or medusa’s may require a different strength than if you throw bucktails, glides or topwaters.

I have some older shorter muskie rods that I will use for trolling or dragging suckers. They work fine for both.

Which brands and models would you recommend then for a rod and reel?

Alex Weismann wrote:

Which brands and models would you recommend then for a rod and reel?

If you want one really nice Muskie rod that will cover pounders to cowgirl/supermodels and you’re willing to spend some money order a 9’8” XH predator from Thorne bros and pair it with a shimano tranx or Calcutta 400d. That is the absolute best combo money can buy.

If you want to save a few bucks look at the st Croix mojo series Muskie rods but still pair it with the tranx or Calcutta reel.

Depends on your budget. If I had to buy one and not make the rod I would go with a Thorne Brothers predator 9’-2” XH with a 500 Tranx. I have this set up and if I am not working a jerk bait it is my go to rod. There are cheaper options out there.

That’s absolutely awesome! Do you by chance remember what pound test he used for that catch? I only ask because if it’s something light, it just goes to show that you don’t always need the heaviest line available.

Okay, so it seems like Thorne Brothers would be the way to go for that then. Kind of a buy once cry once deal for that setup 😂

Do you know if an 8’6” Heavy Shimano Compre would be a solid budget option at all? Of course, still pair it with a Tranx 401, but I just wanted to see if the compre is good or not.

Would it be too small of a rod for bucktails and showgirls though?

Not sure where you are located but I have an 8’6″ heavy fast St.Croix Premier with Daiwa Lexa 400 for sale. Has not been used much at all. PM me if interested in it.

timschmitz wrote:

If you want to save a few bucks look at the st Croix mojo series Muskie rods but still pair it with the tranx or Calcutta reel.

I will second this option of a St Croix Muskie Mojo and a Calcutta reel.

A short stiff muskie rod works for slashing lures like a glider, suick, or jerk bait. Often times when I get a follow on my primary setup, I pull the short stick out with a lure that can be paused to try and entice the very same fish that followed.

You don’t need super heavy line to bring in a muskie. You need super heavy line to save the lure when you get a backlash. I use Cortland master braid 100 lb. I used to use 65 lb until I watch a $$$ lure go bye bye on a birds nest. I like how it is more round unlike spider wire that is flat. Nice fishing equipment is an investment. But if you take care of it you can have it for a long time. I bought my first Thorne Brothers musky rod over 15 years ago and still use it today. Look on Facebook garage sale and craigslist. Sometimes they come up for sale. From you Avatar, you look like a younger man. Another great investment for someone your age would be a life time fishing license.