Musky Fishing Tackle - Rods, Reels, Leaders, Baits, Fly Fishing, Tools || LINKS PROVIDED

[@MsPrincesspaulina]

A month ago you posted a video and I laughed because you had more snow there than I had here in Minnesota. Times have changed. In the past couple of weeks we've had 31.5 inches of snow with more on the way. Ugh. I really liked the fly rod handle with the muskie on it. Very nice. Funny how times change. I have a Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6000C I bought when I was around 11 years old in 1971. I still use it. That reel will outlive me. If you ever find one on Ebay, or wherever, buy it. It's old school but built tough. I throw heavy lures with it. Put a small plastic bead on your main line before tying on a swivel. That will prevent the swivel from busting the rod guide. Just a tip for your consideration. Great video and lots of good info.

[@wehrwolf8006]

Old school is "THE" school

[@timothythompson2678]

Thanks for the video. I'm just getting into muskie fishing myself. I think my next baitcaster will be left hand retrieve. I've always used left hand retrieve on my spinning reels. It just makes more sense to me to keep my dominant hand on the rod at all times. I need to get a few lures in my rods weight range first, so I'm making due with an old Ambassadeur I've had for years right now.

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

YES ! Go for a lefty !

[@timothythompson2678]

@@BlueRidgeMusky finally picked up a lefty baitcaster. Felt weird for about an hour. After 2 hours I can't imagine going back.

[@plur4e1]

Great intro for this video and thanks for the dedication to the sport.

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Thanks Bill 🤙🏻

[@GeekOnTheWater]

Thanks for the video Sam. Taught us all a ton all in one place!

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Hey man you are most Welcome! Thanks for watching 🤙🏻

[@deers9644]

What would you recommend for a heavy pulling bait reel (double 10 bucktails etc.)? Right now I’m looking at the Diawa lexa TW 400P-P, lexa HD 400PWR-P, the Okuma Komodo SS KDS-436P, shimano tranx 500, and the Diawa Prorex 400P-P. I would prefer a solid line pickup (in terms of spool size) and a gear ratio of 5.3:1 5.1:1 4.3:1 or 4.1:1

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

I would recommend the Tranx 400 or 500 with low gear ( low speed ) , or the Komodo 471

[@GooberTimeGuideService]

Thank you for this. Going to really help as I try to catch my first muskie on the James

[@fabreezy2518]

You have the most informative musky videos I've seen . keep em coming these videos are awsome

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Thanks Tyler 🤙🏻

[@TheRadivoje]

I use Shimano Cardiff 201 LH.It is round profile,but it sits good in hand and costs not so much.

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

That’s a great reel!

[@SellsZac]

Its refreshing to see someone else as unenthusiastic about abu as myself. I"ve got two Tranx 400 and a big quantum, they get it done.

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Zac Sells haha yea , Abus just dont hold up man , I wish someone had told me that before I bought 3 at one time ... 😫

[@SellsZac]

@@BlueRidgeMusky Thats musky fishing in a nutshell though. I think we all have $1,000+ in lures we don't throw and then one small box of confidence baits we toss constantly.

[@ticesine6589]

Nice vid , i was windering if you notice any difference with your l Yellow braid in regards to catching fish ? Im looking to start using the yellow

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Braid color has no effect on Muskies eating or not 👍🏻

[@ticesine6589]

@@BlueRidgeMusky i didnt think so , im going to switch to yellow maxcuatro ,

[@scottb4540]

Can you tell me which musky reel will cast the furthest? Reels I have tried so far Lexa daiwa Abu c4 I was told the lexa daiwa would outcast the c4 but it didn’t. Even with all breaks turned off. Is there a reel that will?

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Shimano Tranx is by far the best reel I’ve used and I’ve used them all.

[@jamiebryson3826]

After seeing this I ordered the 400hg can't wait to get out. I'll have to use a mojo for now until I can get more $ then I'll get the legend tournament

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Killer rod and reel! You will love them 🤙🏻

[@BravoBassin]

ya man Virginia weather is sucking so much moisture rain snow sleet ya hope we don't have as much rain this year as last year! I want to do a lot of river fishing this year but the rivers where so messy or so high most of the year it was hard to gt out and catch anything.

[@AcousticSoul1989]

Awesome video! What type of rod would you reccomend for a kayak fisherman using glides 3oz and under?

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

A good starter rod is the St. Croix Mojo Musky MH or H - that will throw up to 6oz - 8oz

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Being in a kayak I would suggest an 8ft rod

[@AcousticSoul1989]

@@BlueRidgeMusky That's actually the one I was looking at. MH is rated 3/4-3 oz but only 40-65 # line. Think 65 should should be fine? Thanks!

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Go ahead and put 80 on - it’s not too much for the rod and you will be better if with it when you get hung in a tree or your reel locks up mid cast 👍🏻

[@AcousticSoul1989]

@@BlueRidgeMusky thanks!

[@jamesruiz3112]

I use the Simano Tranx 500 grandaddy of all size baitcasting,years back when I first started baitcasting two abu Garcias went bad on me in less than a year..So it's been Shimano all the way $500.00 for the Tranx 500 pg or hg made in Japan,if it breaks send it to Shimano and they fix it or send you another one made released in 2013 never changed and have never failed me still have them today 2020.Now thats warranty,Daiwa is good 400 HD newer version around high end $299.00,the new baby Tranx are to small and problems with side plate coming unlocked some have said...Daiwa and Komodo hold more line than the baby Tranx 400 does.I fish and live on Gulf of mexico do heavy saltwater fishing

[@scottiesimms5373]

Great video dude ! Do you sell any of your used gear ? I'm a fellow Virginia dude myself . Definitely learning an new to the muskey fishing and I appreciate videos like this

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Hey Scottie , no I don’t sell any used gear . But if you have Facebook there’s some Musky groups where you can buy used gear !

[@thomasschubert9354]

Yes it looks great up to you you too you u I try

[@jeremydufour4138]

What is the size and weight of the St. Croix tournament? 8’6” heavy?

[@JONNIE_ROCKER]

Who makes that landing hook,?

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Not sure the manufacturer , can be found on amazon though 👍🏻

[@lukem7347]

What’s your fly leader setup??

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

12-18” of 80lb flouro , tied direct to my fly line . And I use a mustad Fastache clip for changing flies out quickly

[@brendanspencer2550]

Thoughts on the tranx 300 for downsizing for musky? Also- i currently have a bulldawg predator, do you think it's any good for gliders?

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

I own several tranx300s and love them when paired up with lighter rods for fishing small cranks or jerk baits 👌🏻 the bulldog predator is a great entry level rod , select a lighter action for glide baits like a 8’ - 8’6” MH

[@brendanspencer2550]

@@BlueRidgeMusky how well do you think the tranx 300 would work for glidebaits, at the biggest 9 inches. Id be using a st croix 8 foot, medium heavy with it. Spooled up with 65 lb braid.

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Brendan Spencer the 300 would be perfect for that application 👌🏻

[@brendanspencer2550]

@@BlueRidgeMusky What would be better for the leader to line connection, the FG or the uni to uni knot?

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

I personally use double Uni - But most guys buy pre made leaders with rings or swivels to tie your main line off on .

[@cotypihlaja576]

Great video. You should do some more fly toting tutorials.

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Thanks ! I plan to do a tying video with @nightmaremuskyflies Hot Core Brushes ! Stay tuned my Friend 🤙🏻

[@cotypihlaja576]

@@BlueRidgeMusky looking forward to it. Keep the great work coming.

[@stevethedude8740]

You talked about your leader but what do you use for your main lines?

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

80lb Power Pro Braid

[@ticesine6589]

Im in a jam !! I want to buy the tranx but i hear you cant really pull in big bucktails , im stuck between the tranx and the T3 ReVO TORO BEAST low gear (which i read throws everything!) any advice my bro ??

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Get the tranx , it will pull big bucktails just fine !

[@ticesine6589]

@@BlueRidgeMusky the hg one ? Thanks

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Yes HG ( Hugh Gears )

[@robertrobertson3754]

I've read the lexa 400 is much better than the okuma for starter

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

That may be others opinions , I have seen first hand way too many Lexas break . I had a client buy one brand new for his musky trip with me. He filled it with line the night before and within 20 minutes of using this new Lexa , it broke completly . Would not lock into gear .

[@fabreezy2518]

Can u tell me what's the best way to store my big musky lures? I haven't found any tackle boxes big enough. I saw guys make home made ones . what do u recommend to b the easiest way?

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Tyler Mullen Lakewood boxes are large enough and very popular as well as Just Encase has some nice boxes . A lot of guys will use a 5 Gal bucket . You can also take a milk crate and stack PVC Gutter Downspout to size in the crate .

[@MsPrincesspaulina]

Tyler: Sam gave you great advice but if you're on a budget this box is good. Be sure to shop for best price. www.muskyshop.com/tackle-boxes/plano-7915-musky-tackle-box/

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Yes , those Plano cases are another great option . Although I don’t know first hand how they do with some of the larger musky baits as you mentioned .

[@MsPrincesspaulina]

I can fit a 10 inch Jake or Believer in mine but those are about the max lure size limit.

[@fabreezy2518]

Ok Thank you I'll check that out

[@corymattson6350]

Appreciate the info

[@WAEofFishing]

Good rain vid Sam. I was gonna go today after the rain but it's blowing 40mph. River is raging downstream btw.😠😔

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Yea man river is blown out big time up here as well!

[@patrickfahie8671]

Live in pa, just got out on a small lake yesterday with some ice still on water. I will be fishing for musky and bass this year. Absolutely no action for couple hours so I was using 1/2 ounce red eye Shad lipless for bass and as I lifted it out of water, I saw a musky that had to be near 50 inches 2 ft from my lure and slowly turn away. Biggest fish I have ever seen in water, it was a monster (for Pa) (I know I should have been using figure 8 but unfortunately I was in bass mode.) Is there a lure you would use to throw back in for a potential strike? I quick grabbed an eel type bait about 9 inches long but no luck. Looking back, I think maybe I should have thrown 5 inch finesse worm maybe? I was in about 8-10 ft water. Any suggestions? The 120 acre lake has all tiger musky and this one was enormous, still heartbroken didn’t get a hit but appreciate just getting the follow. Also, my gear is set up for bass/musky so I don’t have lures heavier than 2 ounces. Also, do you use the 80 lb leaders for smallmouth? In my lake, any cast for largemouth could result in a musky bite. Thanks.

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Hey Patrick ! Maybe try throwing back the same small crank bait that initially got a follow from a Musky . Be sure to have a heavy leader in though or you will get bit off!

[@patrickfahie8671]

Blue Ridge Musky just picked up some 80lb Seaguar blue label leader. Do you use heavy 80 lb leaders on all of your setups, including bass, in river or just on your musky setups? Thanks.

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Just Musky for the 80lb - For Bass fishing in the river I use 12lb Flouro .

[@patrickfahie8671]

Blue Ridge Musky I’m basically fishing for either musky or largemouth at same time so I am going to start out using 80 lb flouro leader on all my setups and see if I can still catch the largemouth ( 4” swimbait, finesse worm, 1/2 ounce rattletrap). Otherwise I think I will just get bit off if I get a musky strike.

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Patrick Fahie I will tell you now , largemouth are going to be hard to catch with 80lb leader - that’s a big piece of glorious carbon - you won’t feel a bite from such a small fish and the leader will likely spook the fish from biting your bait . Soft plastic worms and other small bass baits just won’t work with three large of a leader .

[@cfcshogun2]

What type of flies do you throw?

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

10-15” Bucktail changers , triple Buford’s , mega jerks . Nightmare Musky flies offers some of the best available if you don’t want to tie your own .

[@jb501968]

nice video - thanks!

[@DeViLx3ToRKaSx3]

I'm a die-hard Florida fisherman, but off-shore fishing never did it for me. Lifting dead weight off the bottom or trolling for fish (no casting), meh... I'll take a monster snook over a monster grouper.

[@patrickfahie8671]

Any experience with trans 300?

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

Yes , not exactly musky sized reel but could be used for some applications . Problem is you can’t fit a ton of 80lb braid on that small spool.

[@patrickfahie8671]

Blue Ridge Musky what would be minimum yds of spooled 80 lb braid would you be comfortable using?

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

75min for the rivers I fish . 100-125 would be better .

[@patrickfahie8671]

Blue Ridge Musky have you ever done a video of using knot sense when dealing with leader? I usually use the fg knot to tie braid to flouro, but I’ve never heard of knot sense.

[@patrickfahie8671]

Really appreciate your videos, very informative and helpful, especially with musky handling.

[@MrGaetano100]

That boys so big he can barely reel lmao

[@RiverWolfoutfitters]

What’s a muskie?

[@TrampConnoisseur]

Bruh I’m broke I don’t think I can afford any of this

[@BlueRidgeMusky]

I feel ya ! This sport definitely ain’t cheap .