O.K. I have read all the prior posts on Muskie rods here and think I am ready to start but wanted to make sure I am on the right path here, so if you guys would double check me. This is my first muskie rod and I am out of my confert zone here so bare with me.

Blank: St Croix 2M70MHF2
Handle: carbon 14" lower, 5" uppper
guides: Alconite, I am a bit torn here, should I spiral wrap a 2pc? Not sure if it will affect things if so I would guess a DF 12,10,8 then single foot 6's up to the top?

This will be my "all around" muskie rod till I get things figured out. I will be using a round baitcaster (garcia 6600) with braided line (65lb or so)

Thanks for the help here guys!

Eric

For things I have been doing for heavy flipping rods for bass and using micro guides, when I doing the spiral portion, I am using 3 #6 double foot guides. You might be able to just use 3 # 8's and not bother with the other sizes.

I would recommend going with atleast a 7'6" rod, unless you are using mostly jerk baits. I think you will like the longer rod. Most guys are using either 8'6" or even 9' for muskies now.

The MHF is a good all around power. It really does a lot.

I'd spiral wrap any Muskie stick. 2 piece or not.

6's should be just fine. I'd probably go 12, 8, 6 and then single foot 6's.



I'll second Jason's comments. Longer is the trend. I'm actually extending a pair of 9' blanks right now to 9'6". 7' would be the bare minimum length I'd ever want for Muskie.



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Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

Eric, before you wrap on your guides, glue up your handle, mount your reel and tape on your guides. Then, run line through the guides and flex the rod deeply while gripping the foregrip. If the line is touching your hand on the foregrip while you are flexing the rod, you need a taller butt guide. If you have a big fish make a powerful run, that line will cut you like a razor.

jeremy

Thanks guys. I am no stranger to long rods! now I fish 13' spey and 13' centerpin as the norm so a 7' is new to me. I would be glad to go longer. It was my understanding that 7-7.5 was the norm but again I am starting from scratch here. I will look a little more for a longer 2pc to fit the bill.

Jeremy Sound advise! I read that in a search here it may have been you. This could casue a really bad day!

I am really looking forward to this as it is all new for me! In addition to my first muskie rod I am also going to do my first carbon sleeve grip as well.

After I play with the eva blocks and colored strips I got from MudHole I am thinking of getting into those foam grips Cork has toooo many holes to fil !!

Bill - willierods.com