Fisherpete

Very nice!

Here's a St. Croix Musky Mojo for sale on Kijiji - 8'6" XH http://www.kijiji.ca/v-fishing-camping-outdoor/markham-york-region/musky-rod-and-reel-for-sale/1045211606?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true

Abu Garcia Revo Toro Winch 60 = 10.8 oz Abu Garcia C3 6500 = 10.7 oz Shimano Calcutta B 400 = 11.7 oz Shimano Calcutta D 400 = 11.8 oz Shimano Calcutta TE 400 = 12.8 oz Shimano Tekota 500 (non line counter) = 15.3 oz Shimano Tekota 500 (line counter) = 16.3 oz Abu Garcia 7000i - 21.5 oz Shimano Tekota 600 (non line counter) = 16 oz Shimano Tekota 600 (line counter) = 16.9 oz

I do have a Tekota 500, non-line counter version, and yes in a pinch it can be used for casting - but it is pretty heavy and you also have to manually click over the lever to reel after casting, which can be a bit of a pain. It also has a very low gear ratio, 4:1 if I am not mistaken, so you won't be reeling back any baits quickly - which is often a key to triggering muskies. Not a great starter reel for casting - that being said, it's my favourite muskie trolling reel - I use it and also a Tekota 600 with the line counter. They are bulletproof as trolling reels. I've also heard plenty of bad things about the Cardiffs. Would put them in the same ballpark as an Abu C4. Lunatic - Black Maxx is one of Abu's lower end combos... not their 'good stuff'. You won't be disappointed in C3, and you will love a Revo Toro.

Here's my thoughts again... If buying new - Abu C3 6500 is the best in the $125-150 range. Add a power handle for sure. Is it a hardcore musky reel designed for day-in day out use? No. It gets the job done for the weekend warrior who might get out a half dozen times a year. Also doubles as a great other species reel - I like it for pike, cats and carp. The C4 is NOT a muskie reel. It looks like a C3, but has no cranking power due to the gearing. I found this out the hard way, bought one new when I was starting out with baitcasters and struggled with it. I also had an Abu 7000i (red one), and it indeed is big and powerful, but VERY heavy. I just couldn't handle the weight of it as a casting reel. I've seen them for pretty good prices, similar to the C3. Makes an excellent trolling reel. Suprisingly, there is very little available in the $150-250 range. Okuma released a few reels in the past few years including the Komodo - I think it is around $225, and has gotten some good reviews. I'm not sure what the gearing is like though, I seem to think that it is a only a high speed reel, not a cranking reel but I could be wrong. Daiwa has the Lexa line, which some other members can chime in on. A solid offering in this price range is Shimano's Calcutta B - which is a very good all around reel without breaking the bank. It's a round style reel, which some people are not used to. Once you jump to the $300 plateau you can pick up an Abu Garcia Revo Toro, there is a winch (4.6:1) and a high speed (6.4:1) model. The winch is one of the best reels out there for bringing in twin tens, and has a very powerful drag. It's also low profile, really light, and sits very nicely in your hand. I had one for two seasons. I still have the HS model, and use it for my jerkbait rod. The fast line pickup is perfect for this setup. Abu also recently released the NaCl line, which is similar to the Revo Toro line in features. Cross the $400 threshold and you get into my reels of choice - Shimano's Calcutta line and Tranx. The Calcutta TE 400, now discontinued, is my favourite muskie reel. Smooth as silk, round profile, available power handle and fairly light. I can and do throw bucktails - even twin 12 and 13's - all day with this reel. Drawbacks - not the strongest drag system (although a Carbontex drag upgrade is available - I have added this for 2015), and when using the power handle you have to be careful that the weight of it does not cause the bail to close mid-cast - I've done this a couple times and damaged my gears. Thankfully the boys at Shimano in Peterborough have fixed her up each time for me. The Calcutta TE was replaced by the Calcutta D, which is priced around $450. I have nothing bad to say about it at all. I have two of them, and they are my 'all around' reel. Quite capable of bringing in big blades, but with enough line pickup to throw big plastics, crankbaits or whatever you choose. When my TE finally dies (parts no longer available), I won't be too upset knowing that I have the D to fall back on. Get into silly country ($600) and you can have a Shimano Tranx. Available in low (4.6:1) and high (6.6:1) gearing, this thing is a monster designed specifically for muskie fishing. It's big, built like a tank, casts a country mile and cranks in whatever with ease. Tons of drag also. I picked one up over the winter, and will be battle testing it this season. All the features sound amazing on paper, but I'm curious to see if I can get used to the size of it. When new muskie anglers ask me what reel to start with, I often suggest the Abu C3 6500. It's affordable, holds it's value well, and gets the job done. Easy to service as well. A clicker for trolling and multi-species capability are also bonuses. If you can find a used Calcutta B, Abu Winch or similar, even better if you plan on throwing blades a lot. No sense dropping $500 on a reel yet until you figure out if muskie fishing is truly your thing. As for the lefty/righty thing - whatever floats your boat. Some people think it is more important to have your dominant arm on the rod, some prefer it on the reel. Just do whatever is comfortable... you will figure this out pretty fast throwing a twin ten inline! Sooooo... in conclusion, if your budget is $320, drop $100 on a rod and $220 on a reel... spool it up with 80-100lb braid, a quality leader... and giv'er!!! Looking forward to seeing some reports from all the budding muskie anglers on the board.

I'll have some pics posted in the next day or two - stay tuned folks. Mo is emailing them to me. It was certainly a fun time despite the lack of fish, but hey, fish are secondary on day like this. Elise was very grateful for the continued support from OFC, and didn't even know that we had done the auction - so when I presented her with the envelope containing $485 it was nice. It's great to see that Tyler continues to progress, his speech has come along even in the few years that I have been involved with the event. That's the whole point of this event - to help with the costly therapy to help Tyler to grow - so I would once again like to thank all the OFC members who attended, bid on the auctions or supported in other ways. I'm looking forward to getting out with Gallie and akaShag - these trips have been a blast and I'm sure these will be the same! Brian - next time charge your battery LOL - your Marcum might work better hahahahaha Pete

Popcorn in hand, beer in the other... What a great show the next 3 mins is gonna be!

I would see if you can find a used St. croix premier in the 8' range as others have mentioned. Heavy or Extra heavy, 2-6oz. If you get lucky you might find one in the $100-120 range. I would spend the extra $ on the reel. If buying new, an Abu c3 6500 is really the only one in your budget, but as Greg mentioned if you can try find an Abu Garcia Revo Toro winch (60 size). I've seen them as low as $225-250. Bump up your budget slightly and you will be able to pick up a pretty high end combo.

Budget is 160 rod 160 reel?

Yep I've never had a bite off with 130 and 150lb Seaguar. Tough as nails. I crimp my leaders, but may try tying a few this year. One brand, Stealth I think is the name, ties AND crimps them. I might try figuring that out...

Very generous of you Andrew - money has been added to the envelope for Elise. Cheers Pete

EMT's both accepted - I will get the cash to Elise tomorrow boys. 10:27pm - HOLY... I better go pack the gear! 4am is coming fast! Cheers Pete

Start sharpening those hooks

Now that is slick.

PM sent Doug with my info. Brian - see ya bright and early! Cheers Pete

Nicely done Doug! That was great. I'm actually sitting here grinning right now! Congratulations and a big thank you to our first two auction winners. Very generous bids fellas. Gallie for Kawartha muskies akaShag & 2 guests for Dunnville Channel Cats

Ready... Aim...

Yes we could make that work...

I had a low 30's pike bite clean through 50lb floro a few weeks ago... Watched it happen at the hole. Really suprised me. First time I've ever had a pike or musky bite thru floro.

I'm actually sitting on the couch watching this thread like a playoff game. This is cool. Thanks to everyone for the great bids... I will make sure the winners have a great day!

American Sniper has been out for a little while. Canadian Sniper release date : 8:59:59pm...

One hour left on the cat and muskie auctions boys and girls!

I should follow Simon's lead, bids are to be in minimum $10 increments.

Very nice report Andyman! You really are on a roll... Can't wait to see your pics after the March trip! Pete

Chris - absolutely!