Line for Muskie's

[Millhouse2020]

I was wondering what the muskie hunters opinions were on the minimum lb test of line they use when muskie fishing. I know fisherman these days generally use braids between 65-80lb test, maybe even 100. Does anyone use 50lb test line? I would think for casting especially the smaller diameter line would give you better casting distance? 50lb string is pretty tough to break as well, especially if you have a good leader on the business end.

[Raf]

80lb minimum is what I use, casting distance is not an issue with baits that weight 2oz+. A weak(er) lb test line is when the $20 lure suddenly stops mid-air on a 'professional overrun' and sails off into the distance after the 50lb line snaps.

Edited August 10, 2012 by Raf

[Handlebarz]

Yup Raf hit it I lost a couple lures with a high speed stop with 50lbs PP I now only use 100lbs on my casting gear with no fear of a repete

[Gregoire]

Most of my reels have 80-100#. I lost one og my favourite lures at LOTW when I hooked into a fish with 65#. The fish raked me across the rocks and broke me off. I'm not sure if stronger line would have made a difference, but I know the 65# feels significantly weaker than 80#+

[Dontcryformejanhrdina]

I wouldn't feel comfortable using less than 80lb.

[Rich Clemens]

I have 80# Power Pro on all my Musky Rods - been using that for years now. Never had a problem with it.

[backbay]

Another vote for 80 lb, happen to have PP on my reels.

I don't like losing muskie lures: they're expensive........

[Thrilla]

I use 65# As that is what the maximum my rod is rated for

[Djeep]

I currently have 50lb on and its not a good idea at all. Heres why.

 

After missing a beaut fish on a figure 8, my 65lb that was previously on the 300e, did a high speed stop and I lost my favorite bulldawg. Talk about heartbreaking. I obviously had to continue fishing that day and the shop at shore only had 50lb so i spooled it up. My buddy ended up boating a real nice one and i got a couple snots after we went back out so it was worth it.

 

I'm going back to 80lb asap!

[mistaredone]

My first spool on a musky reel was 50lb power pro, end up loosing $75 in lures that day. Re spooled with 80lb power pro and never lost anything since.

[Jigger]

Yup. 80# is the way to go.

[kickingfrog]

Sure you could use it (Smaller baits and a soft, long rod) but I don't think with the size and weight of baits (and cost) used it would be really worth it.

[Millhouse2020]

Thanks for the input guys. I guess I will have to get me some 80lb braid to go on the new Calcutta.

[Rizzo]

ditto. started with 80, thought I'd try one rod at 65...lost a lure on a backlash...back to the 80

[mercman]

80lb on my casting combo, 100 lb on my trolling combo.

 

 

[backbay]

80lb on my casting combo, 100 lb on my trolling combo.

 

 

 

Paul, that's interesting. I think the bigger stress occurs on casting the heavier lures. What's your thinking on the heavier test for trolling?

Thanks,

Chris

[mercman]

I think its more of a confidence thing with me.My only experience trolling Musky is on the St Lawerence.Fast current, lots of weed mats floating in the current,snags and zebra muscles.If i lose a lure casting, i will switch

 

 

[backbay]

I think its more of a confidence thing with me.My only experience trolling Musky is on the St Lawerence.Fast current, lots of weed mats floating in the current,snags and zebra muscles.If i lose a lure casting, i will switch

 

 

Thanks, All the Best!

I have to troll myself, it just seems more efficient, but don't happen to vary the pound test. I don't have to deal with any current to speak of, though.

[Gregoire]

If you are banging cranks off the bottom of the lake a heavier line makes sense.

[F_ast]

Another supporter of 80# or better.

 

I see a lot of you guys run powerpro. I however have a serious dislike for it. A little tougher to find, but I use P-Line Spectrex. Almost zero fade, zero fray, and zero line bleed. Plus it seems much quieter running through the guides.

[Lunker Larry]

80lb minimum. Think when you're trolling at 5mph and a muskie hits the bait at about 30. You need the shock strength. Same as if you snag up at those speeds.

Power Pro is excellent but don't overlook Tuff Line. A lot cheaper and I have never had any issues with it at all.

[cowanjo]

Thanks for the input guys. I guess I will have to get me some 80lb braid to go on the new Calcutta.

I am a real fan of 80 but Suffix 832 - switched a year ago and would never go back - I know PP has a good following as well but find it noisy in the guides

[Gregoire]

John I thought you liked the power pro super slick

[mike rousseau]

80-100 braid for casting

100 braid for trolling

50 mono for trolling