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Musky. The title alone elicits quite a lot of reactions from anglers, some good, and a few painful. Nevertheless you are feeling about musky, there’s no denying their attraction as a top-tier freshwater sportfish that places deal with, particularly musky reels, to the check. The work to land these freshwater beasts usually has anglers screaming in agony greater than pleasure, and even with the correct gear, fishing for musky is a difficult sufficient pursuit by itself. The very last thing you want is to hook into the fish of your desires and discover your reel isn’t as much as the duty. That will help you keep away from that destiny, I’ve used my musky fishing expertise in addition to enter from trusted guides to compile an inventory of one of the best musky reels.
The right way to Select the Greatest Musky Reel
To make your musky reel choice ask your self two questions:
- How usually will I be fishing for musky?
- How will I fish the reel and with what kind of lures?
There’s no denying musky gear can get costly shortly, so there’s no have to spend a ton of cash in the event you’re solely going to fish for them a couple of occasions a yr. You’ll in all probability be superb with one of many much less sturdy however nonetheless extraordinarily succesful reel choices. However, if musky are your new favourite species then it’s worthwhile to spend money on one of the best musky reel you possibly can afford.
In the event you’re throwing bigger lures and casting all day, one thing lighter and smoother might be the only option. If you’re trolling and never casting as a lot, weight and castability are much less of an element.
Greatest Musky Reels: Evaluations & Suggestions
Key Options (400)
- Max Drag: 18 kilos
- Weight: 12 ounces
- Briad Capability: 65/170
- Gear Ratio: 7:6:1 and 5:8:1
Execs
- Prime tier high quality
- Sturdiness
- Number of sizes and choices for a lot of lure types
Cons
In the event you’re a critical musky angler who throws quite a lot of lures and spends a variety of effort and time chasing these fish, that is the reel for you. Whereas dear, it’s a step above all others in high quality and performance and properly value it for the devoted musky angler.
The Shimano TranX line has been round for over a decade, and when it first appeared, it instantly made an announcement concerning the potential of low-profile baitcasters. Whereas that they had beforehand been within the realm of bass fishing, the TranX helped pioneer the brand new era of purpose-built low-profile reels able to dealing with huge gamefish.
The 300 and 400 fashions are perfect for throwing smaller finesse glide baits and spinners, in addition to able to dealing with among the finest musky lures like bigger swimbaits and plugs which can be infamous for making musky fishing so painful. The five hundred is a reel designed to deal with huge saltwater gamefish. Nonetheless, its indestructible design and strong body make it ideally suited for heaving the heaviest musky baits available on the market whereas nonetheless permitting for a {smooth} retrieve and delicate contact in the course of the struggle.
The one draw back to the TranX collection is the drag for the 300 and 400 sizes. Whereas the reels are considerably lighter and simpler to make use of than the five hundred (round 12 ounces), they vary from 18 to 22 kilos of drag, which is lower than some competing reels within the class. The five hundred tops out at 25 kilos of drag, which is strong however nonetheless not sufficient to focus on something that swims. The TranX can also be an important reel for throwing the finest swimbaits for bass.
Key Options
- Max Drag: 25 kilos
- Weight: 17.1 ounces
- Braid Capability: 200/65
- Gear Ratios: 5.1:1, 6.3:1, 7.1:1 and eight.1:1
Execs
- Designed for heavy-duty use
- Versatile vary of ratios
- Energy deal with geared up
Cons
Truthfully, it was a toss-up between the Daiwa Lexa HD and the Shimano Tranx for finest total. Many anglers and guides are cut up on which they like, with the slight edge going to the Shimano. With a confirmed design and high-end functionality, the Daiwa Lexa HD is not any slouch.
Being constructed for each recent and saltwater use, the Lexa HD can face up to a variety of abuse and carry on cranking. The sunshine aluminum body and facet plate are complemented by chrome steel gearing, which helps keep power and improve sturdiness. It comes inventory with a counterbalanced energy deal with and EVA foam grip, which each improve consolation and assist with cranking potential.
Most spectacular, the 400 dimension alone is available in 5 totally different fashions and kit ratios, permitting the Lexa HD to be tailor-made to any process the angler wants.
Information Austin Conrad of Virginia Trophy Guides prefers the 400 dimension Lexa HD within the 7.1:1 and eight.1:1 ratios. “I’ll throw something from jerks to glides to heavy rubber on them,” he says. Conrad can also be a fan of the Lexa HD’s sturdiness. “The {hardware} is extra bombproof than different fashions as a result of its designed to be used in salt,” he says. Conrad has a full lineup of Lexa HD reels which have held up nice by way of the years.
No matter the place and the way you’ll be musky fishing, the Daiwa Lexa HD seemingly is available in a mannequin that will probably be an distinctive possibility.
Key Options
- Max Drag: 12 kilos
- Weight: 8.1 ounces
- Braid Capability: 120/50
- Gear Ratio: 7.1 and eight.5
Execs
- Light-weight
- Excessive line capability and retrieve fee for dimension (32 and 37 inches for every ratio respectively)
- Digital management permits for simplified casting of extensive number of lures
Cons
- No energy deal with possibility
- Restricted drag
Whereas musky fishing is often a sport of “larger is healthier,” that’s not at all times the case. Generally the fish are keyed in on smaller shows or exceptionally spooky. The Shimano Curado DC 200 is the right reel for this state of affairs, constructed particularly for heavy obligation use whereas sustaining its light-weight, purposeful design.
The spool of the Curado DC holds 120 yards of 50-pound braid, which is spectacular for a 200-size reel. Moreover, the Digital Management permits anglers to throw a bigger number of shows and sizes with much less concern of backlash. Information Sam Scott of Blue Ridge Musky makes use of the Curado DC particularly for smaller lures together with his purchasers. Smaller, lighter lures are infamous for inflicting backlash, and the Digital Management helps eradicate that fear for purchasers who will not be as acquainted with baitcasters.
Whereas it definitely isn’t as sturdy as different reels on this listing, the Curado DC 200 is greater than able to dealing with the pains of fishing for and combating musky. Its light-weight dimension and flexibility needs to be interesting to any musky angler trying to develop their arsenal with one thing totally different.
Learn Subsequent: Shimano Curado DC Evaluation
Key Options
- Max Drag: 24 kilos
- Weight: 9.2 ounces
- Braid Capability: 150/65
- Gear Ratio: 7.2.1, and 6:5:1
Execs
- Inexpensive
- Spectacular drag and parts for the worth
- Comfy to fish
Cons
The Lew’s SuperDuty 300 is a purposeful reel in an inexpensive package deal. It provides most of the identical nice options as higher-end fashions and would function a strong possibility for many informal musky anglers. It’s ideally suited for throwing smaller to mid-size musky lures however will not be fitted to throwing bigger lures on a constant foundation.
Any reel that falls squarely into the musky class is often going to be on the costlier facet. That mentioned, the Lew’s SuperDuty 300 is about as shut as you may get to a fairly priced possibility that also has all of the operate and spine required to deal with these lengthy, arduous days of musky fishing. Just like the Lexa, the SuperDuty 300 has a strong number of types and choices to select from (although not as many). These embrace the counterbalanced Energy Knob deal with for higher cranking energy and torque, which is an actual profit when throwing huge lures for giant fish. Additionally, just like the Lexa, the SuperDuty collection contains customized Winn grips on the handles, which drastically enhance consolation throughout use. Maybe most impressively, the reel tops out at beneath 10 ounces, making it a lot lighter than any baitcaster on one of the best musky reel listing.
There’s no denying that weight issues on the subject of casting heavy gear all day lengthy, and even a couple of ounces trimmed off may help alleviate among the soreness inherent to the pursuit. Sadly, it’s arduous to not discover that a few of that weight could also be as a consequence of a scarcity of structure-enhancing parts. Whereas the reel I examined has held up and carried out its job for a yr of constant use, some points with the gearing and body have led to slippage and warping. Significantly when utilizing heavier lures or combating larger fish, the cranking potential appears to waver because the reel is beneath stress. This causes the reel to lose a variety of its smoothness and may result in a jerkier struggle that’s lower than ideally suited for musky.
Greatest Funds Spinning Reel: Daiwa Exceler LT
Daiwa
Key Options (3000 dimension)
- MSRP: $100
- Weight: 7.2 ounces
- Six bearings
- Carbon fiber body
- Line Capability: 250 yards of 15-pound braid
- Drag: 22 kilos
Execs
- Extraordinarily light-weight
- Sturdy drag
- Excessive line capability
- Easy
Cons
Kevin Hughes
Of all of the spinning reels I’ve examined beneath $100, the Exceler LT by Daiwa was far and away the nicest to fish. It’s the one reel on this worth vary that legitimately feels prefer it needs to be far costlier than it’s. This reel was excellent for all the pieces from river smallmouth bass fishing with jerkbaits to deep-water reservoir fishing with jigs.
With a brilliant mild carbon fiber body and Daiwas AirDrive rotor and bail, the Exceler has most of the options of Daiwas higher-end reels at a fraction of the price. It has a formidable 22-pounds, the silky-smooth drag held up extremely properly to fish that had been far exterior the scope of its supposed use. It landed a number of musky and striped bass throughout testing, dealing with all of them with relative ease. As well as, its light-weight carbon body and machined aluminum deal with had been as comfy to fish as any reel on the market, no matter worth.
It casts like a dream, with feathery line launch from the spool and a pleasant even line-lay on the retrieve. General, regardless of being on the prime fringe of the worth vary, the Daiwa Exceler LT is an distinctive reel and properly value the price.
Key Options (4000)
- Max Drag: 24 kilos
- Weight: 9.2 ounces
- Braid Capability: 180/30
- Gear Ratio: 6.0.1, 6.2:1, and 6:4:1
Execs
- Sealed, sturdy body
- Excessive line capability
- Sturdy drag
Cons
- Not ideally suited for giant lures
- Not made for cranking
Look, let’s get it out of the way in which proper now; spinning reels usually don’t belong within the musky fishing class. This has at all times bothered me as a saltwater angler who targets fish significantly bigger and stronger than musky with spinning gear. Nevertheless, the explanation for the shortage of musky-oriented spinning gear is straightforward: it’s the dimensions of the lures, not the dimensions of the fish. When most individuals consider musky, they typically consider lures which can be 1 to 2 ounces on the lightest and as much as 12 ounces on the heaviest.
The complexity of a spinning reel and the physics of the way it works are usually not designed to deal with casting lures of this dimension. The bail and internal mechanics of spinning gear are designed for finesse, placing all of the soiled work and heavy lifting on the rod. However, a baitcaster is actually a glorified winch with mechanics that enable for a considerably larger workload. That mentioned, trendy spinning reels have come a good distance, and most of the points seen as inherent deal breakers for musky fishing have been alleviated or outright eradicated. Moreover, there are lots of anglers who’re extra comfy fishing spinning gear or need one thing that’s extra properly rounded than the standard heavy-duty musky baitcaster. For these causes, I believe it’s vital to incorporate a spinning possibility on this listing.
All that being mentioned, the Shimano Stradic FL, particularly within the 5000 dimension, is a superb possibility for these trying so as to add a spinning reel to the arsenal. I’ve used the Stadic FL for tackling each recent and saltwater giants and located it to be sturdy, well-sealed, and {smooth}. I’ve fought tarpon on mine so it’s greater than able to dealing with a musky on the road. With a formidable drag max of 24 kilos and 40 inches per retrieve, this reel is a formidable machine when paired with the precise rod. Whereas no spinning reel will probably be ideally suited for working the ultra-heavy swimbaits and plugs usually used for musky, they could be a nice alternative for most of the lighter finesse musky lures, resembling glide baits and smaller jerkbaits.
Learn the total Stradic Fl evaluate.
Key Options (9/10)
- Weight: 10.8 ounces
- Backing capability: 275 yards
- Drag: 30 kilos
Execs
- Quick line retrieve
- Excessive line capability
- Heavy-duty drag
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Barely heavy
- Not sealed
Whereas spinning gear could also be misplaced within the musky world, fly fishing gear definitely shouldn’t be. Lately it’s turn into so standard that many musky guides at all times have a minimum of one fly setup rigged and prepared on the boat. The Redington Behemoth is the right fly reel for these trying to goal musky. Because the title suggests, it’s a reel designed for tackling giant fish in recent or saltwater. The 7/8 or 9/10 sizes are what most anglers choose for musky, and the big arbor means that you can use a dimension heavier rod and line than the reel dimension. So, the 7/8 will work properly on 9 weight and the 9/10 will work on an 11 or 12 weight.
The big arbor design permits for quick line retrieve, and the spectacular carbon drag system boasts a 30 pound max, providing you with critical stopping energy with a fish on the road. The worth can also be remarkably inexpensive in comparison with many different reels within the class. Lastly, the distinctive V-shaped spool design holds an unbelievable quantity of backing, making for a formidable line capability.
Key Options (400)
- Max Drag: 28.7 kilos
- Weight: 12.2 ounces
- Braid Capability: 235/50
- Gear Ratio: 5:3:1, 7.1:1, and eight.1:1
Execs
- Excessive line capability
- Mild for its dimension
- Easy casting
- Excessive line retrieve fee (37.6 inches for 7.1:1 and 42.9 inches for 8.1:1 ratio fashions)
Cons
- Restricted dimension vary
- Lack of versatility
Musky fishing will be extremely specialised, so having a reel devoted particularly to the duty could be a good transfer for anglers keen to develop their arsenal. The Daiwa Prorex TWS was designed with this dedication in thoughts, because it’s the one reel on this listing designed and offered solely to focus on musky. Much more to the purpose, this reel is constructed to be the best software for casting giant lures all day lengthy with minimal trouble and most effectiveness.
The Prorex has a number of options that make it properly fitted to concentrating on these big, toothy fish. First, it’s exceptionally mild for its dimension, coming in at solely 12.2 ounces regardless of being a 400-class reel. Being constructed of an aluminum body with an aluminum facet plate helps hold the load down whereas preserving the power intact. It is a helpful trait, particularly when you think about the dimensions and weight of many musky lures. Something to assist ease the pressure on an angler’s arms and shoulders after a day of casting is a win.
This reel additionally comes geared up with an adjustable size energy deal with out of the field. The adjustability is what separates the Prorex from different reels with energy handles, because the size adjustability is each easy and extremely useful for adapting to totally different lures and anglers on the fly.
Whereas it could be the only characteristic, Daiwa’s T-Wing line information system is probably probably the most helpful. The road information has a novel “T” form (therefore the title) that permits for heavy line to be forged extra cleanly and helps forestall friction and backlash.
It might be a disadvantage to some anglers who worth versatility, however the single-purpose design of the Daiwa Prorex TWS makes it an distinctive software for the devoted musky angler.
Key Options
- Max Drag: 25 kilos
- Weight: 13.8 ounces
- Braid Capability: 200/50
- Gear Ratio: 4:9:1 and 6:2:1
Execs
- Light-weight
- Highly effective drag
- Superior gear system for prolonged life and fewer upkeep
Cons
- No energy deal with possibility
- Costly
- Restricted dimension vary
The Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast is an distinctive reel with an apparent goal: to deal with huge fish. This will probably be a good selection in the event you’re searching for one reel to focus on musky particularly. However in the event you’re making an attempt to outfit a complete lineup, the shortage of versatility might not be just right for you. The title could also be a mouthful, however it’s definitely an correct reel description. Because it implies, this reel is greater than able to wrangling beasts, notably musky.
The Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast is one other reel that pushes the boundaries of what a low-profile baitcaster is able to, and it packs a ton of punch right into a compact design. Weighing solely 13.8 ounces, the reel boasts a formidable max drag of 25 kilos with a carbon fiber drag system. The distinctive drag and gearing system mixed with a plenty of line capability provides this reel a ton of torque and flexibility in a surprisingly smooth package deal.
One of many few downsides to the Revo Toro Beast is the restricted vary of sizes. Whereas it does are available in an everyday and high-speed mannequin (gear ratios 4.9:1 and 6.2:1, respectively), it doesn’t have a variety of sizes for dealing with a wider array of fishing types. When musky is the goal, it’s usually higher to be overpowered than beneath, and the Toro Beast greater than matches the invoice.
FAQs
Under no circumstances. Whereas the outdated adage “you get what you pay for” is true in some ways, there are many high quality choices available on the market for somebody trying to goal musky on a funds.
Whereas baitcasters are ideally suited and most popular, there’s nothing improper with branching out into spinning or fly gear in the precise conditions.
Whereas having a robust drag is definitely useful for stopping huge fish, the extra vital issue is the standard of the drag. A very good drag system permits for a smoother struggle and will increase your probability of touchdown the fish.
Remaining Ideas on the Greatest Musky Reels
Musky fishing is among the most daunting freshwater fishing pursuits in North America. There are lots of methods to focus on these fish, and most of them require critical dedication. The right gear is crucial to assist make sure you take advantage of each alternative on the water, as musky don’t provide many. It’s vital to have one of the best musky reel for the duty to make sure you keep away from heartbreak and hoist a trophy after an extended day of musky fishing.