Best Musky Rods Under $250

The best musky rods are found in many price ranges. The trick is finding the right rod for you. The best rod is one that works for how you fish. You need to consider all aspects of a rod along with the price. The price is the last thing to consider.

The different lengths and actions all affect how the rod performs. Rods have to be powerful enough for the lures and fish also. Choosing the wrong rod relates to poor performance and losing fish. This includes anglers choosing the wrong length more than any other mistake.

In the old days, musky rods were like pool cues but not today. Modern musky rods are longer, lighter, and have excellent performance qualities. The length of the rods is a major leap in performance. A rod 8 1/2 to 9 feet will cast farther and have more flex when fighting fish. The flex helps prevent hooks from pulling out or being thrown out of the fish’s mouth.

Some anglers may want a rod a little shorter but do not go below 7 feet. There are rods in the 7 1/2 to 8 1/2 range available as 2-piece rods. Although not considered ideal from a strength perspective they allow anglers with a small vehicle to carry a long rod. The two-piece rods are good for catching musky without problems if set up correctly.

Choosing Musky Rods

The length has been mentioned so power and action need to be addressed in the choice of a rod. There are many combinations of power and action in rods. The right choice will make fishing enjoyable and productive, in other words, don’t buy a rod based on price only. The best rod for you may cost a few more bucks but it will be worth the money spent.

The power or backbone is the strength of a rod. This relates to how big or small of a lure can be used. A rod of the correct power will load better providing longer, accurate casting. Rods with too much power will not load and underpowered rods are inaccurate casting. Give this factor serious thought because it will affect what lures will work. In other words, match the rod’s lure rating to the lure weight you use.

The action determines how fast the rod loads under pressure. The faster the action the quicker it will load and so slower actions take longer. It does affect casting yet the hookset is the important factor to consider with the action. The fast action will apply force faster making it the better choice in most applications.

The only exception may be topwater where a medium action will slow the hookset preventing pulling the lure out of the musky’s mouth. Everyone has set the hook on topwater lures before the strike.

Price and Quality

The lower price range limits the available choices. The majority of musky rods run about the $300 and higher range. A musky rod needs to be built for this purpose. Although other rods have the power and action. The blanks on other rods may not be designed for muskies. A catfish rod is not the same as a musky rod since they are usually fiberglass.

The following choices are musky rods with options for the various lures, line strengths, and anglers’ preferences. The first two rods are a step above the rest and do cost more. If you can swing the extra cash they are your best choices. You do not need to break the bank for great rods. Some of the lower-priced rods are high quality with very good performance.

St. Croix Premier Series

The premier series is a great musky rod for many anglers. Its quality and price make it one of the most popular musky rods. Add in the 1 or 2-piece options, anyone can use the rod. There are a few rods made in 2 pieces for musky. The premier series comes with a 10+tip number of guides to control the line during a cast. The tip guide is silicon carbide the best material available for line guides. This prevents line issues and increases durability.

• Premium-quality SCII graphite.
• Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings and black frames.
• Kigan Master Hand 3D top with SiC ring on musky models.
• Fuji® ECS, TCS, or PSS reel seat with frosted silver hood.
• Premium-grade cork handle.
• Kigan hook-keeper.
• 5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service.

The premier comes with fuji graphite reel seats, Kigan guides, and a cork handle. A graphite reel seat improves sensitivity in a rod so you can feel what is happening at the other end of the line. Sensitivity is important since a fish will sometimes only “mouth” the lure or bait. You need to feel the difference between a fish mouthing and weeds.

St Croix is one of a few rods made in America. In the event, that something would go wrong and the rod needs to be repaired. It does not have to be sent far away. St. Croix rods also have a 5-year warranty. This company is the best at backing up its warranty. You will find that many rods only have 1, 2, or 3-year warranties at lower prices.

Price at Bass Pro

Price on Amazon

Daiwa Prorex Muskie Casting Rod

A new addition to musky fishing is the Daiwa Prorex. The rod is built for throwing the larger lures. The lure rating is up to 15-18 ounces on the models. This is a big fish rod with more power to cast big baits and reel in larger fish. The rod is designed for catching big muskies.

• Target muskie with long, accurate casts using big baits
• Tough Fuji Concept-O ring guides
• Natural cork handles with Fuji palming reel seat
• Designed for large lures

The drawback is lighter lures do not cast well on the rod. The rod is well built with Fiji Concept-O guides, a Fuji reel seat, and cork handles. It is a comfortable rod for anglers seeking a rod with a big lure and fish potential.

Price on Amazon

St. Croix Mojo Musky Casting Rod

An affordable St Croix rod for anglers seeking to spend less. The Mojo has the same guides as the premier but fewer. This rod comes in 14 models from 6’10 to 9 feet in length with powers and actions suited to any angler. Aluminum oxide guides hold up using braided lines and the SiC tip is of a better grade.

• Premium, high-modulus SCIII carbon.
• Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings and black frames.
• Kigan Master Hand 3D top with SiC ring.
• Fuji TCS or PSSLD Deluxe reel seat with a black hood.
• Custom Winn split-grip handle.
• Kigan hook-keeper.
• 5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service.

Fuji reel seats are a standard in the rod-making industry. The quality of the reel seat reduces weight and improves sensitivity. The Winn split-grip handle is new for 2020 and an improvement over previous handles. These handles are durable and comfortable in the hands. All the features are backed up by St. Croix’s 5-year warranty.

Price at Bass Pro

Price on Amazon

Bass Pro Predator Musky Casting Rods

Starting with a quality blank Bass Pro’s Predator is a good rod with a lower price. The rod has cork handles for comfort and added durability needed when musky fishing. The other end of the rod comes with Fuji guides. The line will not cut the material.

The trolling model has X-wrap grips. This allows the rod to fit and slide into rod holders with ease.

• Built to handle big, hard-fighting fish
• Fast-action RT3 Graphite blank
• Fuji stainless steel guides
• Graphite reel seat
• Cork grips on Casting models
• X-Wrap EVA grips on Trolling model

The Fuji graphite reel seat holds the reel under the pressure of a big musky. Stainless steel double-footed guides with aluminum oxide inserts spread out the pressure along with the blank. Also, the guides create smooth long casts. A rod is only as good as the components used and the Predator has quality components from the tip to the handle butt.

Price at Bass Pro

Abu Garcia Veritas Toro Series Casting Rods

Abu Garcia is better known for its reels but does make some good fishing rods. The 3 models of the Veritas do limit some anglers but cover the medium-heavy to extra-heavy powers at an affordable price. There are trade-offs in lower price tackle and fewer models with good components are one. The Veritas has many of the quality components found on higher-priced rods.

• 30-ton graphite for a lightweight balanced design
• Sublayer Armor™ with high-strength fibers for exceptional durability and hoop strength
• Fuji® reel seat for greater comfort
• High-density EVA handle gives greater sensitivity and durability
• Stainless steel guides with zirconium inserts
• Limited 3-year warranty

A high-strength graphite blank is the foundation of the rod. Coupled with a Fuji reel seat the rod is lightweight and balances well with the Toro reel. Stainless steel guide frames with zirconium inserts improve casting and durability. Zirconium is an aluminum oxide alloyed with carbide materials to reduce friction and improve wear.

An Eva handle is durable with fair sensitivity but a better handle would make this a top-level rod. The handle is better than a low-quality cork handle often found at the price This makes the Veritas a worthwhile choice for a musky angler on a budget.

Price at Bass Pro

St. Croix Triumph Musky Casting Rods

St. Croix has 3 rods on the list since they see the need for a musky tackle affordable to all. The rod is available in 3 casting models. This limits the rod to one-piece construction. The 7-7 1/2 feet length is long enough and the medium-heavy or extra-heavy powers cover all lure sizes.

• Premium-quality SCII graphite.
• Hard aluminum-oxide guides with black frames.
• Fuji® ECS or TCS reel seat with a frosted silver hood on casting models.
• Premium-grade cork handle.
• 5-year warranty backed by St. Croix Superstar Service.

The extra-heavy models handle 3-8 ounce lures and anything over 4 ounces is going to wear you out casting. A Triumph’s medium-heavy models are designed for 3/4 to 3 ounce lures making the majority of casting lures usable with the rod. The cork handle is a St. Croix standard on their rods.

Aluminum oxide guides are expected in the lower-priced rods and do work well with braided lines. St Croix puts more guides on their rods also. This improves casting and spreading out the load through the blank. The Fuji reel seats are lightweight and designed for fighting large fish with comfort. You do not want a bulky reel seat adding weight to a rod. This rod is covered by a 5-year warranty also.

Price at Bass Pro

Price on Amazon

Okuma EVX Musky Rod

An Okuma EVX offers great value. These rods are low-cost with high performance. The company does slightly go a little high with lure ratings. The heavy models are rated for up to 8 ounces. A heavy rod works well with up to 5-6 ounces. Select a rod with more power for heavier lures.

• Responsive and durable 24-ton carbon rod blanks
• Unidirectional Fiber Reinforced rod tip technology
• Double foot deep press stainless steel Sea Guide frames
• Specialized RS tip insert for unmatched hardness and durability
• Telescopic T: Easy storage and longer casting distance
• Stainless steel hook keepers to accommodate large baits

Using the rod throwing bucktails is above average. The heavy power models. You can zing the lures out there. When casting the rod loads very well and puts the energy into the lure being cast. This is an exceptional rod for beginner or experienced anglers.

The Okuma Evx has a lot of powers and lengths. There are options for the lighter lures or you can opt for a model to throw 8-16 ounce lures. The heavier powers with high lure ratings are not well suited for bucktails or other lures under 2 to 2 1/2 ounces. But are good for Bull Dawgs and other large soft plastics.

Okuma EVX is a telescoping butt rod. The option is not an issue for performance. It is nice for storage and transport. The rod collapses down a foot or so. You can get a longer rod without concern about carrying it.

Price on Amazon

Bass Pro Shops Graphite Series Musky Casting Rod

Anglers seeking a rod for the occasional musky fishing trip will find the Bass Pro graphite series one that fits the budget. This is a rod for beginners or anglers only fishing a few times a year for musky. The five models cover the medium-heavy to extra-heavy powers giving anglers options. The 7′ 6″ heavy model is designed for lures weighing 2-10 ounces making it a versatile rod.

• RT1 Graphite blank
• Stainless steel guides
• Aluminum oxide inserts
• Graphite reel seat
• Full cork grips

Anglers needing something a little lighter can opt for the 7 feet medium-heavy that handles 1/2 to 2-ounce lures. At the price, two of the rods are affordable making it possible to use any size lures or presentations. A cork handle delivers comfort while the graphite reel seat is lightweight. Stainless steel guide frames with aluminum oxide inserts are strong and spread out the stress when fighting a big fish.

Price at Bass Pro

Summary

Musky rods come at all prices. An Angler fishing hard is better served with a rod close to $200 and fishing less you can save money. Do not expect a lower-cost rod to outperform the higher-priced options. Look at how often you fish, what lures, and budget since there is a rod that fits your needs. Do not forget about a good reel for musky. Having a balanced rod and reel combo helps reduce fatigue.

John McIntyre