Hey It is cool to see a musky fisherman on here. I have caught a few but my biggest was 43 inches. Wich is no monster but a trophy will be a 50+" fish. Caught a few 20"s and plenty in the 30's. I am no expert but have fished seriously for them the last couple summers. There is a trick to it.
My buddy is hardcore and fishes them 3-5 days a week. I tag along from time to time. As for the thousand cast it is just a generalization. After my 2nd time of musky fishing I caught my biggest one. My buddy was pissed, he had been fishing for 2 years hardcore, with few muskys to show for it and none over 40". But since then he has learned from others and even won a musky inc tournament.
If you are really serious get a hellen and rolly's musky catolog. Thorne bros has a small store that is filled with musky lures. Some are over 25" long. I don't think they have a catolog but have an online store. Every musky thing I get i get it from the above.
As far as tackle, Abu garcia makes great reels. But I prefer Shimano calcutta. They are like $2-300, but well worth it if you are serious. The Corsair model is about $80 and a good starter reel. I wouldn't advise spinning reels but bait cast. They are designed for heavier tackle. I have had bad experiences with other bait cast reels that were not as expensive. After throwing big lures it plays hell on the gears. A good rod is hard to find without paying big bucks. But everything I buy is top of the line. I haven't spent less than $150 on a rod in like 3 years. But for a beginner combo go to bass pro shops and get the Pete Maina combo. It is a good price an quality. Around $80 for rod and I think $150 for the whole combo. My buddy has one and prefers it over st. Croix, Shimano and berkley rods.
As for lures bigger seems to be better. My favorite lure is the big Jake 13", firetiger. It has worked weel, as a jerk bait or steady retrieve. My other favorite is Musky innovations, invader crankbait. It looks goofy with the plastic tail but it is deadly as a jerk bait. Most of my bigger muskies are on that.
As for line get some spider wire stealth. It in my experience is great. No stretch and great hooksets. Or any braided super line. You will need a leader also. Terminator leaders are made of titanium and will snap back if you bend them.
Trolling seems to be most productive for me. But I can not stand casting 3-5 ounce lures all day long. It can take all day of casting and not see a thing. But when a huge fish follows your lure to the boat it is all worth the wait.
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