Reels for musky fishing need to fit your budget and ability. The reels come in low cost to higher quality and cost models. People do have options in both areas. A baitcaster does take a little more skill. Yet, is the best type to use. Although, a few spinning reels are suitable for live bait or smaller lure use.
The reel needs adequate drag and good line capacity. Consider the amount of time fishing and the lures. Fishing less often or throwing lighter lures can use a less expensive reel. If you plan to fish hard for muskies, then a higher cost is associated with the reel you need. In other words, not everyone needs an expensive reel.
You will see, that few reels will fit the requirements needed for musky fishing. A good bass reel will handle reeling in a musky a few times but not the casting or line capacity. An angler fishing for musky must buy the right tackle. In other words, the wrong reel will be torn up and ruined by the lures, repetitive casts, and the fights from a musky.
Best Musky Reels
There are five quality reels that fit the criteria for musky reels. Every angler wishes there were a few more quality options and some at lower prices. The best is for the avid musky hunter and the rest will work for someone fishing sometimes. Also, spinning reels although not recommended will work, but have to be large. Saltwater models of a 4000-5000 size at the least.
A few anglers do have difficulties with the baitcasting models. Spinning reels allow them to enjoy the sport regardless of limitations. Cost should not prevent someone from enjoying the sport. So a few lower-priced models made the list. They are budget-priced and spinning reels with the quality needed for musky fishing. The drags, line capacity, and other features make them good for musky also.
The Best Reels
The top reels fall into a similar price range. Anglers debate the reels on forums and social media. The simple truth is all are exceptional reels for large freshwater fish. Guides use all the models and claim durability and performance as second to none. The musky anglers that own one have no complaints except the price. You have to look at one of these reels as an investment in enjoyment, performance, and durability.
The Lexa and Calcutta B 400s come at a little less price-wise but do give up a little in some areas. The Calcutta is a round reel and not the sleek low profile models anglers often desire. The Lexa is a low-profile reel considered to not perform quite as well, I question these claims. It is definitely good enough for musky fishing. You will not go wrong with any of the top five reels; it is a matter of personal choice.
Abu Garcia Revo Winch Baitcast Reel
The reel is available in right-hand models. It is one of Abu Garcia’s highest-quality reels. The gear ratio is ideal for larger lures. The reel has plenty of line capacity and is one of the highest drags on a musky reel. A reel holding 180 yards of 30-pound braid is more than you need. Few anglers cast over 40-50 yards and a hundred yards is competitive length casting.
- The ultimate low-profile crankin’ reel
- Specifically designed to handle big baits
- Maximum efficiency and crankin’ power
- Overbuilt gearing, lower gear ratio 5.4:1, extended handle
- Corrosion-resistant X2-Cräftic alloy frame
- C6 carbon palm-side sideplate
- Gull Wing sideplate design for easy brake access
- Ti-coated line guide
- Duragear brass gear
The 8+1 stainless steel bearings will hold up against the water and stress. A 24-pound drag can keep any musky under control when set correctly. The dual braking system will reduce the dreaded backlashes common on cheaper reels. As a result, this reel keeps you fishing and not contending with backlashes.
The reel is good for all-around lure use.
The Best Musky Reel Shimano Tranx
Shimano musky reels come in two ratios, but the low ratio limits it to the right-hand 400 models. A 7.6:1 ratio is ideal for bucktails and this reel can burn double tens with ease. The lower ratio will do the rest. Line capacity is comparable to the Abu. Although stated lower, it is due to the heavier line specified in the rating. The reel does hold enough line for all purposes an angler needs in a reel.
- 5+1 system with S-ARB stainless steel bearings
- Cross Carbon drag with up to 22 lbs. of drag power
- Gear Ratio; 7.6:1 or 5.8:1
- Single handle with CI4+ handle knob or double handles
- Variable Braking System
- Advanced Coreprotect sealing system
The variable braking is easily adjustable. All the pins can be on for beginners or experienced anglers can use one or two pins. The drag ranges from 18 to 22 pounds with the high ratio version having a lower drag, but it is not an issue. The high ratio models have the power handle compared to the lower ratio with a double handle. The power handle is great at reducing fatigue. Musky fishing is casting and reeling. In other words, the wrong handle will create fatigue.
The ratios work well for specific lures. The high ratio is for jerkbaits, glides, or dive and rise types. The slow ratio for big rubber and other heavy baits.
Daiwa Lexa
The Lexa has all the features of the previous two reels except for pins in the braking system. It relies on the Daiwa Mag force braking. It is an improvement on standard magnetic brakes but still not quite as effective as pins. An experienced angler will not have a problem. Beginners to baitcasters will likely suffer a few bird nests learning the reel.
- 6+1 bearing system
- Max drag 22lbs on the 300 or 25lbs on the 400
- Mag Force Braking System
- Gear ratio; 7.1:1
- Double paddle handle 300 model
- Power handle 400 model
As a lower-priced reel, the Lexa does lack a few features. The single ratio tends to limit the reel to faster presentations. Otherwise, the line capacity and drag match the previous reels. If you need to save some money on the reel it is a good option. Daiwa reels use the Mag-Force braking system. It does a good job at controlling the spool. This system is magnetic and easily adjustable.
The models in the 7 to 1 ratios are good for the all-around use of lures.
Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast
The Toro Beast comes in several sizes. You need to find the 60 size of the reel. The smaller sizes lack the needed line capacity. You have the choice of two ratios with the reel. A 4.9:1 or a 6.2:1 ratio the faster is good for spinners and fast-moving lures. The lower ratio is heavier and slower lures.
- 5 stainless steel HPCR™ bearings + 1 roller bearing provides increased corrosion protection
- X2-Cräftic™ alloy frame and sideplate for increased corrosion resistance
- Power Stack Carbon Matrix Drag System™ provides extreme drag pressures combined with unparalleled smoothness
- Duragear™ heavy duty provides increased fighting power and extended gear life
- DuraClutch design provides improved engagement and durability
- Extended bent handle for increased cranking power
- Infini™ brake system allows almost limitless adjustability to handle any fishing situation
- Infini II™ spool design for extended castability and extreme loads
The reel comes with a 25 lb drag, enough for any fishing. You get ample power, line capacity, and very good braking with the reel. The frame is solid giving the needed support for large lures and fish. An extended paddle handle is a nice option also. The reel is a good value for a musky angler. It will provide years of use with proper maintenance.
The Toro does not have the name recognition of other reels in the price range. But it has the performance and quality. It is a durable reel with a good warranty and Abu offers good customer service.
Shimano Calcutta B
The Calcutta CT400B model is more than adequate for a musky reel and at a modest price. The other round reel models are too big or not enough drag. This one hits the sweet spot with 18 pounds of drag and plenty of line capacity. It is a round reel not as compact as the low-profile reels but will cast well. Since the reel comes with a variable braking system using pins.
- Cold-forged aluminum frame, side plates, and spool
- A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings) 3BB+1RB
- Max drag 18 lbs.
- Gear ratio; 5.0:1
- Right hand only
The one-piece frame is sturdy. As a result, the reel will work for trolling or casting and take the stress. The lower ratio is offset by a larger spool diameter and picks up 24 inches per crank. The 200 model does have a 6.0:1 ratio making it more versatile but only 11 pounds of drag, a little low. The 200 is additionally around two hundred dollars making it a budget offering. I recommend going with the higher drag since an 11-pound drag is in the range for bass fishing tackle.
A good reel for big soft plastics and sucker fishing.
Best Budget and Spinning Musky Reels
Saving money on a musky reel means sacrificing performance. The following reels are good for musky fishing but lack the sturdiness or ratios of the better reels. Reels in this range of price are the budget offerings as anything less will not hold up. The strength, drag, and line capacity of larger reels increase the cost. You will not get a reel for musky under a hundred dollars.
Musky fishing takes thousands of casts. The reel needs to be able to handle the use. Then the pressure the fish inflicts on the drag and other components are higher. A cheap reel will cost you fish, spending hours to hook one and lose it due to an inferior reel will break your heart. The drags can hang, bearings wear out faster, and quality is lower on cheap reels.
Piscifun Alijoz
The reel is ideal for anglers on a tight budget or fishing less frequent. It is a low profile with a cost of about 1/3 the cost of the higher cost offerings. The drag is rated at 33 lbs. exceeding many other reels. You have a choice of a 5.9:1 or 8.1:1 gear ratio. The higher ratio works with spinners and for topwater lures. The lower ratio handles the heavier and slower retrieve lures.
Piscifun Alijos 300 baitcasting reel comes with a super easy-to-access thumb bar engagement button on the gear side plate. This feature helps you bump back the thumb bar without cranking the handle. The spool design eliminates using mono as backing. Double shafts support the line guide system increasing the stability and durability. The braking system is easy to adjust and provides good spool control. It greatly exceeded expectations when testing.
The frame is aluminum along with the gear side plate. The gears are brass giving it a smooth operation. The reel contains 8 shielded bearings with an anti-reverse bearing also.
The reel is for lures. The high ratio for topwater and other lures that need speed. The low ratio for cranking big baits.
Abu Garcia C3 6500
The Abu Garcia C3 comes in various models but the striper special has a power handle. The handle will make a difference in cranking big lures and fish. A C3 6500’s quality is well known, this is not the cheap SX model sold in box stores. This reel is built with higher quality for serious anglers.
- 3 stainless steel bearings + 1 roller bearing
- 6-pin centrifugal brake
- Synchronized levelwind system
- Gear ratio; 5.3:1
- Max drag of 15 pounds
A higher gear ratio than the Calcutta although a little less drag makes it a worthwhile reel. Abu Garcia’s centrifugal braking system works consistently at reducing backlashes. The level-wind system keeps the line spooled even. This is something to consider since not all reels are synchronized level-wind reels. You will not find a better reel for musky and big pike at the low price.
Another reel for suckers or slow-moving steady retrieve lures
Spinning Reels for Musky
Spinning reels are thought to be inferior to use for musky. A reel large enough of good quality will do the job. The reel needs the drag, line capacity, and gear ratios the same as a baitcasting reel. As a result, the spinning reels recommended are 5000 size or larger reels. Smaller reels have insufficient drags and line capacity for bigger fish.
Penn Clash Spinning Reel
Line retrieval at 36 inches per crank makes bucktails possible. A twenty-pound drag coupled with 300 yards of 30-pound braid makes fighting a fish easy. The CLA5000 by Penn has what you need for big fish. Reels in this class are designed for saltwater so they can handle a big musky.
- 8 sealed stainless steel ball bearings
- Sealed Instant Anti-Reverse bearing
- Braid-ready spool requires no backing
- Leveline Oscillation System
- HT-100 carbon fiber drag 20 lbs. max
- Gear ratio: 5.6:1
- Full Metal Body
Plenty of bearing for smoothness and durability inside a full metal body. A braid-ready spool that prevents line slipping. Plus an oscillation system to keep the line on the reel right is a nice feature. Besides, the 5.6:1 gear ratio will keep up with a charging fish. This reel is a gem for someone seeking a spinning reel for musky.
A good option for throwing lighter musky lures. Spinners and small lures under 3 ounces.
Shimano Baitrunner OC Spinning Reel
Some anglers choose to use live bait instead of throwing lures. Shimano baitrunner reels make a good choice. The 6000 size has a drag and a line capacity compared with the other spinning reels. The 245 yards of 30-pound braid is more than enough for live bait fishing.
- XT-7 graphite frame and rotor
- Baitrunner feature for live-bait use
- Oversized power roller on bail
- Cold-forged aluminum spool
- Bearings 3BB+1RB
- Max drag 20 lbs.
The dual drag system allows the fish to run and you to set the hook when it is time. One drag lets the reel free spool with a closed bail. The graphite frame and rotor reduce weight. An aluminum spool and 20 pounds of drag can handle the pressure from a musky. The bearing although fewer will last on a live bait set-up. Plus the oversized roller aids in the smooth retrieving of a big fish. A nice reel in the budget class for live bait musky anglers.
Conclusion
These are a few of the best, budget, and easier-to-use musky reels available for anglers. Every angler has preferences and a budget. So take the time to think through which reel suits your needs best. The top 3-4 are for serious musky fishing and are built for a lot of use. The other fit other needs an angler may have in search of a reel for musky. Choose the one you feel comfortable with and that fits your fishing habits. Don’t forget to leave money in the budget for a musky fishing rod.
John McIntyre