Sherlock 60

Okuma makes some fine muskie rods for about $100. Take a look at their EVX Graphite Series. Abu Garcia's C3 and C4 are classic muskie reels in the lower price range. The Shimano Corvalus is a good entry price reel, too. Check out Rollie and Helen's Musky Shop or Thorne Brothers online. They are both premier muskie outfitters. Muskie Hunter Magazine has a forum on their website as does Muskies First. Its a different world than bass fishing. Have fun.

Veritas breakage is a myth based on problems when they first came out.

I have three reels with power handles and they have never engaged during the cast. Non-issue.

Love my older Symetres. I have 3 FH models. Absolutely adore my two Stradic FJs. Save up and get the Stradic. Never had a problem with any of them.

I've been happy with Bass Pro Fast-lock (Duo Lock style) ball bearing snap swivels. Been using them for years and have never had a problem. I use swivels for soft plastics to reduce line twist.

Pretty sure the only major difference between the two is the size. The 60 Toro reels are too big for my tastes so I have two of the original models in size 50. Love 'em for muskies and large swimbaits. My 50's have both the features you asked about.

Kinda funny how something is suddenly "hot" and is a "new" bait on the market. Arkie has had the "U-Bolt" jig available for several years and it's the same concept. Finesse: http://www.arkiejigs.com/ARKIE-U-BOLT-FINESSE-BASS-JIG-HEAD-p/usky.htm. Football: http://www.arkiejigs.com/ARKIE-FOOTBALL-U-BOLT-JIG-HEADS-p/fuh.htm.

Tried 'em. Didn't like them. Just weren't as easy to use as I expected.

It's 70 degrees and sunny in Indiana, the ice is pretty well gone, and I CAN'T GO FISHING TONIGHT!!!

There's lots of chatter about hollow body frogs on this forum. But what is your best advice regarding soft body plastic toads such as the Stanley Ribbit, etc? Your suggestions about techniques, rod, reel, line, hooks and so forth, please.

Can't say what brand is "best," but I really like Seaguar Invizx, myself. Very easy to manage and no knot problems. Bass Pro XPS isn't bad.

15# is my favorite. Rips right through pads and weeds. 6# on my ultra light set up.

Squarebills and medium divers: green gizzard shad. Deep divers: Helsinki Shad and root beer (bass seem to like blues and browns when they're deep).

What line? Mono, braid or fluoro?

I bought a pack of 6" in Aaron's Magic and 4 1/2" in Green Weenie. And I just found (in the dark recesses of an old tackle bag) an unopened pack of 4 1/2" Aaron's Magic R&B Flake.

That's what I thought, but wanted to be sure. Favorite Roboworm colors?

Just got some Roboworms for dropshotting. Never used them before so I have a silly question: flat side up or down?

Her vice is quilting and buying tons of fabric. Mine is fishing gear and tackle. We have an "understanding."

The lakes I fish have about 10' visibility and I use braid with no leader all the time. I've tried using a fluro leader and it seemed to make no difference. Except that I had breakoffs for the first time ever!! Go with straight braid. Generally I use 15 lb PowerPro or SpiderWire Stealth for spinning and 50 lb for baitcasting gear for frogs and jigs.

I have 5 Veritas rods I picked up the first year they were out. No problems at all

I recently found an Okeechobee Rig in a box in the closet. Bought it probably 5+ years ago but it has never been wet. Anybody have experience using this punchin' rig? I thought I'd give it a go in the lily pads this summer.

An empty spot in a Plano 3700.

I THOUGHT I had a lot of stuff, but some of you guys really put me to shame. Time to head to "Tackle Town" at the Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show this weekend to stock up.

I'm in. This is probably the only way I'd ever get a Loomis rod. Just can't bring myself to spend that much. BUT...if I win I'll have to do some serious reel shopping.

This article pretty much describes musky gear. Lots of great gear choices for larger lures if you check out the musky tackle suppliers. Many of the most popular musky lures are simply big swimbaits.