Beefy spinning combo input

[Skunk City]

Looking for some input on a spinning rod/reel combo. What I am looking for is a stout spinning setup that I can use to throw 2oz-3oz shads in the tidal waters for Stripers AND for throwing big plugs and bucktails for Muskie a couple times a year.

Like I said, it must be spinning setup with a 7'6" or 8' rod for longer casts from shore and to figure 8 a plug boatside. Less than $200 total. I've looked at St Croix, Penn, Cabelas brand, Tsunami, etc and just cant pull the trigger. Input?

[Jigman13]

BG 4000/5000 and a st croix mojo? Might be over $200 though.

[JDTuna]

I'd go with St. Croix mojo and a penn battle 3 to 4k

[FASTEDDIE29]

Ok we need a Musky angler to chime in here. I personally have Musky lures that weigh almost 1lb. You need to have something big enough to control the lure and handle the fish. I burnt out a 3500 Stradic on a Flathead Catfish. I’ve burnt out Shimano OD baitrunners on Stripers. Always add the weight of the fish that can possibly be on the end of your line. I’ve been known to use less than sufficient gear because I’m nuts. I’d PM Modoski or UglyStik Jim or another Musky Sharpie from the site. Very sensitive subject here in NJ! Most Musky anglers are using casting reels that hold 60-80 lb braid. You want to winch the fish in as fast as you can certain times of the year rather than letting it rip drag. Catching and releasing the fish quickly is a must around these parts. I hope you find what your looking for brother. I’d phone a friend! He’ll steer you in the right direction for sure.

[bassnblues]

Went out with a Muskie guide on greenwood lake a few years ago. While we used heavy conventional rods all day, he had a couple of 7’ hf st croix premiers that he said were fine for throwing buck tails (big spinners in musky jargon) and smaller plugs. It’s the same rod I used for stripers for years. Very versatile rod.

[catfishonthelake]

Give me a jingle Skunk.

[Chrisper4694]

don't get a tsunami! things are junk. I've had to replace the tip and glue a guide insert back in using it for one season tossing shads and plugs for stripers. shimano and st. croix make some of the best rods outside of a custom imo.

[Lard Almighty]

Originally Posted by Chrisper4694

don't get a tsunami! things are junk. I've had to replace the tip and glue a guide insert back in using it for one season tossing shads and plugs for stripers. shimano and st. croix make some of the best rods outside of a custom imo.

I don't have much experience with heavy spinning rods, but I agree about the Tsunamis. The tip on my surf rod snapped almost on day 1. Also got a Tsunami casting rod (medium), and the action was a lot softer than other brands (also the hook-keeper broke off). St. Croix is great. A cheaper option would be a Berkley Lightning Rod, I have several in different actions and they have all worked great so far.

[bassnblues]

As far as general brands go, it’s hard to beat st. Croix IMO. I have several premiers and a couple of tidemasters all great and they come in a huge variety of lengths and actions.

[reason162]

Originally Posted by Chrisper4694

don't get a tsunami! things are junk. I've had to replace the tip and glue a guide insert back in using it for one season tossing shads and plugs for stripers. shimano and st. croix make some of the best rods outside of a custom imo.

Can't agree more...and so many shills for Tsunami these days on social media. Their "slow pitch" rods are barely a step up from ugly sticks imo, but sell like hotcakes!

I'm a big fan of the TC4/C4S shimano blank material, esp in a heavy spinning outfit. Check out the Teramar NE, there's a 7' rated 1-4 that might fit the bill. The Teramar West Coast spinning are all 8'+ 1pc rods if you want the length.