My first reel was an Abu Garcia Ambassaduer S bait caster, it was perfect for just starting out. After a long day of
fishing though, your forearms were a little sore. Then I upgraded to a Shimano Corvalus bait caster, again I did
not break the bank buying these reels, both reels were around the $60-70 range. Eventually working my way up
to what I have today, an Abu Garcia Revo Winch. As for the rod, I started out using a Shimano Sojourn musky rod
that I ended up getting it for $35 on sale. It was perfect for the baits I was using and I used that rod up until just
last year when I upgraded to the rod I still use today, which is a Tackle Industries musky rod. It's kind of an all
around rod, can throw heavy rubber baits, but yet still use it to throw smaller bucktails. A nice long rod helps you
cast further, set the hooks better and make nice big figure eights boat side. Just something to keep in mind
when choosing a rod to start off with. So I had my first rod and reel setup for under $100. Not bad in the musky
world of fishing.
My lure selection at first was nothing spectacular. I owed six bucktails of different sizes and colors, one jerk bait
and one minnow bait. The tackle box was nothing more then a small plastic garbage can I had that I cut grooves
into the top lip so the hooks would stay in place. I could fit a dozen lures in there if I wanted to. It was the perfect
depth and size for starting out and also my bucktails could totally dry out after use. Now a days, my lure selection
has grown and the tackle boxes have doubled, one for casting baits and one for trolling baits. Not sure why I
need more lures because when I go out, I usually start off using my confidence bait which is one of my original
lures I bought when I started. The addiction of fishing I guess.
The one thing that kind of hurts the pocket book at first is the net. Luckily it should be the only one you'll ever
need. Don't skimp on buying a net, get a good quality coated mesh and one that is deep enough as well. Fish
need to be handled with care especially when they go into the net. The net I use is a Frabill Powercatch series,
this thing is a beast. Huge hoop for netting those big fish and plenty of room for the musky to be sitting in the
water while you are getting hooks out of the net or getting your camera ready.
Other tools one will need of course are long needle nose pliers and hook cutters. Along with a tape measure/bump board so you can brag how big your fish is. I also like to have a protective glove on my hand when
handling muskies , keeps my hand from getting cut up from inside the gill plates.
I hope this helps you in deciding if you wanna be a musky fisherman or not. It is a great trophy fish to go after
and the initial start up gear is affordable and is good enough to last you a few seasons. Then in time you can
upgrade to better equipment as needed. If you would have told me six years ago that I was going to be a musky
fisherman, I would have probably said you're crazy. But each year comes and goes and I find myself out on the
water grinding it out in despite weather conditions for that one fish that is going to get my heart pumping like
no other. Searching for that fish of a lifetime.