FS Digest

So the lake a few minutes from my house has quite a bit of Muskie in it so wanted to get a rod and reel that I’d actually be able to catch them on, want to keep it around 150$ or so

Saw the Bass Pro Shop Graphite Musky Series and the Shimano Sojourn Musky rod was was just wondering what one would be better for throwing some bigger lures don’t want to get stuck throwing smaller lures

And then for reel I have no idea what to get let me know what you guys think

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by Static190E

Ron620DVS Loc: Guntersville Alabama

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"Muskie Fishing" On a Budget;

Simply put, "Musky Fishing" is too damn expensive!


I can't imagine the state of shock that new Musky Anglers experience when first exposed to the extreme prices of rods, reels and tackle.

When your average Bass Lure costs about as much as a cup of coffee, the price tag on most "Musky Lure"s has got to be hard pill to swallow.

Not knowing where to turn, confused novice anglers continually seek out advice from guides, magazines and other fishing professionals to answer questions such as, "what do I need to get started?"


While there are the some obvious places to turn for information, often it's like leading a lamb to slaughter.

The world of "Musky Fishing" that you know from television, magazines, and social media is a machine, constantly fueled by hype, pseudo-celebrity, and dollar signs.


The opinions given by many "Pros" are dictated solely by which lure or rod company is currently shelling out free gear.

These sponsorships are often short lived love affairs; you can bet once the freebies stop rolling in, all the "must have" testimonials and gushing Facebook posts will also cease to exist.

Not surprisingly, the catch rate on these "amazing lures" also drops dramatically when they aren't free.



So in an effort to skip the sales pitch, let's look at some budget-friendly rods, reels, release tools, and a selection of "Musky Lures" that will get you fishing, but won't break the bank.

All the items on this list I have personally used, tested, and paid for out of my own pocket.


*Disclaimer: There are definitely benefits to using some of the higher-end "Musky Gear".

I am guilty of throwing some $100 plus lures and using pricey rods, but the purpose of this article is to shine some light on budget friendly options available to new and novice "Musky Anglers".*



What is considered "affordable" varies from person to person, so I have tried to include multiple options where available and by no means is this the definitive list of affordable "Musky Fishing Tackle", but it's not a bad place to start.



Budget Muskie Rods;

When it comes to "Muskie Fishing", choosing a quality rod is one of the most critical components of your set-up.

Remember, the rod fights the fish, the reel just picks up the slack.

If your on a tight budget, this is where you should spend the majority of it.

You don't need a suitcase full of lures to target Muskies, but you definitely need a rod that can handle some abuse.



Tooth Tamer Muskie Rods $150-$220:

Tooth Tamer offers a variety of rods with multiple length and power options.

These rods have a build quality that out-performs rods costing hundreds more.

Tooth Tamer rods have the feel and sensitivity of a custom rod without the boutique price tag.

If you are limited to purchasing one rod "to do it all", I would recommend the 7'6" Heavy Fast.


Shimano Compre Musky Rod $99.99


It's not a Cadillac but the Ugly Stik GX2 will get it done.

With a price tag of $39.99, it's the least expensive rod I could find that has the backbone and durability to handle Muskie fishing.

Most modern "Musky Anglers" can't imagine using a 6'6" rod, but years ago these where the standard.

I was easily able to land a 48" Musky on the GX2, and it was no worse for wear, showing no signs of stress or damage.

For the bargain price tag, it performed exceptionally well.

If your just getting started or are on a college-kid budget this might be the only option for you.


*Pro Tip: After my little Wally World rod experiment, I started using this as a trolling rod, and it has handled the rigors of trolling large lures surprisingly well."


Budget Musky Reels;

What makes a "Musky Reel" different than the average reel collecting dust in your garage?

Well, these reels are specifically built to endure the strain of large fish.

The gear ratio, drag system, and spooling mechanics are designed for playing heavy fish on heavy line in all conditions.

The following reels are some budget models that will help you do just that.


Abu Garcia 5500 / 6500 $89 - $99


If the Winchester Model 1873 is the gun that won the west, then the Abu Garica is the reel that conquered the north.

I started using a left handed Abu Garcia round reel in 1988 and haven't stopped yet.

It isn't sexy or sleek, but this reel is a work horse.

Abu Garcia 5500 / 6500's were the industry standard for many years.

This wide availability means replacement parts are cheap and many modifications are available to super charge their performance.


These reels are battle tested and have proven their effectiveness for decades.

Paired with a great rod, Abu's are unstoppable, "Musky-Busting Reels" that will last for years.



Bass Pro Shops MegaCast Metal Round Baitcasting Reel $39.99


Bass Pro Mega Cast Budget Reel;


The Bass Pro Megacast is a budget friendly round reel that is capable of handling some toothy critters.

This reel is on par with other Chinese import reels on the market and has 8.8 lbs of drag.

This is a little on the low side, but it does have a built in bait clicker for trolling or "Sucker Fishing".

The overall construction is reflective of it's price tag, but it is sturdy enough to get you going.

If your on a Ramen Noodle budget this a viable option to start putting Muskies in your net.



Musky Net & Landing Tools;

You can't land a Musky without the proper tools, and these tools require shelling out your hard earned cash.

To keep you from breaking the bank, these are some effective tools at a reasonable price.


Frabill Pro-Formance Tear Drop Net $46.99


Please click on link for additional Information, Thank You.


https://www.tennesseemuskyfishing.com/post/muskie-fishing-on-a-budget



Ron620DVS🎣🐟🐠🐸🦞



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