Millhouse2020 Posted August 10, 2012 Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raf Posted August 10, 2012 Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 (edited) 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Handlebarz Posted August 10, 2012 Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregoire Posted August 10, 2012 Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 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#+ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dontcryformejanhrdina Posted August 10, 2012 Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 I wouldn't feel comfortable using less than 80lb. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Clemens Posted August 10, 2012 Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 I have 80# Power Pro on all my Musky Rods - been using that for years now. Never had a problem with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
backbay Posted August 10, 2012 Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 Another vote for 80 lb, happen to have PP on my reels. I don't like losing muskie lures: they're expensive........ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thrilla Posted August 10, 2012 Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 I use 65# As that is what the maximum my rod is rated for Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Djeep Posted August 10, 2012 Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 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! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mistaredone Posted August 10, 2012 Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jigger Posted August 10, 2012 Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 Yup. 80# is the way to go. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kickingfrog Posted August 10, 2012 Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Millhouse2020 Posted August 10, 2012 Author Report Share Posted August 10, 2012 Thanks for the input guys. I guess I will have to get me some 80lb braid to go on the new Calcutta. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rizzo Posted August 11, 2012 Report Share Posted August 11, 2012 ditto. started with 80, thought I'd try one rod at 65...lost a lure on a backlash...back to the 80 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mercman Posted August 11, 2012 Report Share Posted August 11, 2012 80lb on my casting combo, 100 lb on my trolling combo. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
backbay Posted August 11, 2012 Report Share Posted August 11, 2012 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mercman Posted August 11, 2012 Report Share Posted August 11, 2012 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
backbay Posted August 11, 2012 Report Share Posted August 11, 2012 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregoire Posted August 11, 2012 Report Share Posted August 11, 2012 If you are banging cranks off the bottom of the lake a heavier line makes sense. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
F_ast Posted August 11, 2012 Report Share Posted August 11, 2012 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lunker Larry Posted August 11, 2012 Report Share Posted August 11, 2012 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cowanjo Posted August 11, 2012 Report Share Posted August 11, 2012 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregoire Posted August 11, 2012 Report Share Posted August 11, 2012 John I thought you liked the power pro super slick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike rousseau Posted August 12, 2012 Report Share Posted August 12, 2012 80-100 braid for casting 100 braid for trolling 50 mono for trolling Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now