Muskie / Pike combo questions

[MJB]

I wanted to ask the experts, I am thinking about a new Pike/Muskie combo and wanted to ask your thoughts, see if anyone uses the following.

But first a little information: I Muskie fish between 5-10 times a year, the majority of which is on Shabbona, the bulk of my catches are from Leech lake. On Leech, we catch pike all day between 5-10 lbs. (Truly the majority of my catches on Leech are Pike.)

When fishing, I mainly cast spoons (on Leech) and cast misc baits (Like Super Shad wraps) on Shab. ( And just to add, when trolling I use a St Croix Muskie rod.)

With all that said what do you think of this combo? I was thinking of the 6:4:1 gear ratio, 7' MH.

http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/store ... _SEARCH_GO

(Just in case the link fails, page 128 of the Bass Pro, 2011 Master Catalog. 2nd combo down from the top)

[ToddM]

I am guessing it is the orva combo? Of those, get the 7'6" rod. You want a longer rod for figure eights, fighting fish and casting. It is also a heavy action. Good for small musky baits. Not heavy enough for a super shad rap though. Some bucktails and spinnerbaits will be a big "drag" with the high gear ratio too if you choose to use them.

[Yak Man]

Under sized, IMO.

The reel is only rated for 30# braid. You dont necessarily need 70, or 80# braid for the fish itself... but you do for throwing some of those big baits all day. Definitely go with a Heavy action rod too. Unless you plan on throwing mostly, bass-sized lures. MH is just too light.