What is the Best Musky Baitcasting Reels?

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Written By Russ Egan

Russ is a professional fisherman with over 20 years of experience. He has fished all over the world for more than two decades, primarily for saltwater game fish but also for local trophy fish. Russ comprehensively tests and reviews all his fishing gear to help others achieve their own fishing goals. There is nothing he prefers than heading down to his local tackle store, buying the latest fishing reel, and taking it to the water to test.

REVIEWED BY FINN MATTHEWS

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The best musky baitcasting reel should have a low gear ratio of 5.4:1 for more torque, enough line capacity to hold 80 lb mono line, and 20 pounds of drag.

The Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast is my top choice because of its superior performance and powerful specifications. It features 25 lb of drag with an extended bent handle for increased cranking power. It is ideal for anglers who want a powerful reel that won't fail at the first sight of a big muskellunge.

I have compiled a list of some of the best musky reels you can get on the market, along with a buyer’s guide that will help you identify what exactly you’ll be looking for when you’re next reeling in your favorite fish.

These reels are primarily baitcasting reels, however, you can use other styles if you prefer.

Best Musky Reel
Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast Baitcast Reel

Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast Baitcast Reel

  • Exceptionally smooth drag
  • Magnetic braking system
  • This is a premium reel with high-end performance
Best Combo
Abu Garcia Jordan Lee Low Profile Baitcast Reel

Abu Garcia Jordan Lee Low Profile Baitcast Reel

  • Comfortable polymer handler
  • Cast your line out further
  • Plenty of Line Capacity
Most Versatile
Abu Garcia C3 Ambassadeur Round Reel

Abu Garcia C3 Ambassadeur Round Reel

  • Extremely Versatile Overhead Reel
  • Gear Ratio of 5.3:1
  • Max Drag of 15 Pounds
  • 310 Yards of 30 Pound Braid Capacity
musky fishing

1. Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast

This first reel is one of the best for catching challenging fish, coming with stainless steel bearings and a roller that will guarantee a seamless retrieval. This comes with plenty of reel power that will help you yank this fish out of the water without breaking that much of a sweat – introducing the Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast Baitcast Low Profile Fishing Reel.

This comes with a comfortable handle that will enable you to keep your hand fixed to the reel for as long as possible, which is perfect for keeping you out on the water’s edge for longer. This comes with EVA knobs on the side, allowing you much more controlled experience when out on the water.

Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast

Pros:

  • This comes with a dual braking system, perfect for when you are out on the water. This brake is very adjustable.
  • This will give you plenty of torque, perfect for when you are out on the water. This comes in 2 sizes with 2 different gear ratios.
  • This reel can be used by both left- and right-handed people, giving you plenty of control over your fishing experience.
  • This comes with a smooth casting system, which is perfect for casting your line further.

Cons:

  • This is one of the more expensive reels on the market, which might not be great for newbie fishers struggling to stay on their budget.
Abu Garcia Revo Toro Baitcast Reel
  • High 25 Pound Max Drag
  • Extremely Tough Design
  • High-Power Model Available
  • Oversized EVA Grip Handle

2. Abu Garcia Jordan Lee Low Profile Baitcast Reel

This next combination rod is amazing if you want to hit the waters during the spring seasons, coming with an aluminum spool that you can use to give you plenty of capacity on your fishing line. This will retrieve your fish very smoothly and with great efficiency, which is what every fishing person craves – introducing the Abu Garcia Jordan Lee Low Profile Baitcast Reel and Fishing Rod Combo.

This comes with a polymer handle perfect for keeping your grip comfortable during the harder fishing experience. You should be careful about retrieving your fish, as they could cause injury. However, this will prioritize your comfort and keep you out on the water for much longer.

Pros:

  • This combination comes with a reel and a rod, giving you everything you need for a perfect cast, allowing you to snare fish further away from your boat.
  • This has a very snug and comfortable polymer handler, which will be perfect for helping you out on the water.
  • This will enable you to cast your line out further, which is perfect if you want to get a school of fish far away from your boat.
  • These fish tend to thrash around a lot, so ensure you have plenty of line capacity, allowing you to reel it in as soon as you’ve caught it.

Cons:

  • This rod combo might not be suitable for anglers with shorter frames.
Abu Garcia Jordan Lee Low Profile Baitcast Reel
  • Comfortable polymer handler
  • Cast your line out further
  • Plenty of Line Capacity

3. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Baitcast

This next model is another by Abu Garcia and comes with all the smoothness and precision you might expect from a top-notch reel. This will not grind when you retrieve your line, so ensure you have everything you need for a smooth retrieval – introducing the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Baitcast Round Fishing Reel.

This will allow you to retrieve even the most stubborn fish without pulling on your muscles or causing you any injury. It comes with a precision-engineered brake that you can use to apply consistent pressure to your fish and give you everything that you need to reel in one of these heavy beasts.

abu garcia ambassadeur c3 overhead reel on the ground without line

Pros:

  • This has some amazing spool capacities, allowing you to cast out your line much farther without experiencing any damage.
  • These fishing reels are suited to both left and right-handed fishers, which makes them much more applicable to every kind of fishing enthusiast.
  • You can fit these reels with mono or braided line, making them perfect for casting out the line much farther and wider than others on this list.
  • This comes with a centrifuge in the center that is precision engineered.

Cons:

  • Some of the different models of this reel come with very different qualities, so make sure that your model has all the right specifications for your style of fishing.
Abu Garcia C3 Ambassadeur Round Reel
  • Extremely Versatile Overhead Reel I Have Used For Dozens of Species
  • Gear Ratio of 5.3:1
  • Max Drag of 15 Pounds
  • 310 Yards of 30 Pound Braid Capacity

4. KastKing Rover Round

This next reel is perfect for beginners not used to bait casting. It is strong and durable enough to catch muskie fish, with a centrifugal brake with comfortable EVA grips and a 2-pin centrifugal brake. This versatile reel is good for fishing in saltwater and freshwater – introducing the KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel.

This comes with a maximum drag ratio of around 30 pounds, which is great if you are hauling in your bigger fish during the summer. As you might be aware, these fish are used to thrashing around, luckily, you’ll be able to fit a braided or mono line. This is also one of the cheaper reels, perfect for anyone who enjoys muskellunge fishing.

Kastking rover round baitcaster reel

Pros:

  • This is a great reel for beginners, not only is it durable enough to reel in plenty of fish, but it is a very cheap unit that won’t break the bank.
  • This reel is one of the best for dragging in some of the toughest musky fish lurking on the water’s surface.
  • This comes with a 30-pound maximum drag weight, another great asset for hauling those larger fish.
  • This is one of the most affordable reels that are suitable for musky.

Cons:

  • It doesn’t have all the features and technologies of the more expensive reels.
KastKing Rover Round Reel
  • Anodized Aluminum Side Plates
  • CNC Machined Aluminum Spool
  • Carbon Fiber Drag System
  • Precision Cut Brass Gears

5. Okuma Komodo SS Large Capacity Low Profile Baitcaster

This stainless steel reel is one of the toughest and most resilient that you can get. It is very solid and can hold against the thrashing of the biggest and most aggressive fish. This comes with a multi-disc carbonite drag that will be sure to alleviate some of the stress on the reel when you are hauling in a fish – introducing the Okuma Komodo SS Large Capacity Low Profile Baitcaster.

This reel is perfect for storing when the musky fish are not in season. The stainless steel element will not rust; it comes with CRC protection. There are 2 sizes for this reel, which give you both left and right-hand retrieval. This comes with a fast retrieval ratio, allowing you to haul in your fish quicker and easier.

Pros:

  • This comes with a dual reverse, meaning you can reel the fish from any direction.
  • This is resistant to rust and corrosion, meaning you can take it out onto the harsher waters without worrying about it being splashed numerous times.
  • This comes with a carbonite substance, which is amazingly durable and resilient against the elements during a storm.
  • This comes with left and right-hand retrieval, which is ideal if you like to switch up your hand positions on the lake or the rough water.

Cons:

  • This does not come with a cranking handle, which might be very off putting to intermediate or expert fishers who want the ability to snare their fish with as much power as they can handle.
Okuma Komodo SS Large Capacity Low Profile Baitcaster
  • Dual Reverse Feature
  • Corrosion-Resistant Coating
  • Heavy duty stainless steel drive and spool shafts

6. Shimano Tranx 500 Fishing Reel

This next reel will allow you to snare some of the toughest fish in the water, giving you everything you need to snare larger fish with more substantial baits. If you fancy yourself as a big fish catcher, you can’t go far wrong with this next fishing reel – introducing the Shimano Tranx 500 Fishing Reel.

This wonderful drag system can catch up to 25-pounds in fish weight. This comes with some harsher conditions that you can be sure will give you everything that you need for hauling in the bigger monsters. This comes with a magnetic baiting system, which will help you drag in some real beasts.

Pros:

  • This is probably one of our best casting systems on this list, so if you want a wider cast, look no further.
  • Full of Shimano’s latest technologies to give superior performance.

Cons:

  • This is one of the most expensive reels you can find, so it won’t be suitable for anyone who wants to save on their budget.
Shimano Tranx 500 Fishing Reel
  • HAGANE Body
  • Super Free Spool
  • Variable Brake System
  • Cross Carbon Drag

7. Okuma Coldwater 350 Low Profile Linecounter Reel

Our final reel comes with a die-cast aluminum handle, with a side plate and an aluminum frame. This is great for anyone just looking to cast out their reel when they are out on the water, coming with a carbonite drag system that you can be sure will give you everything that you need on the water – introducing the Okuma Coldwater 350 Low Profile Linecounter Reel.

Pros:

  • Whether you are a lefty or a righty, this fishing reel will really work for you.
  • This comes with an aluminum handle with ergonomic grips that you can be sure will help you snare in some large fish.

Cons:

  • This comes with a drag system that is really lacking when you are out on the water. You might want to pick a more robust sturdier reel if you target large fish.
Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel
  • Multi-Disc Drag System
  • Lightweight Design
  • Anti-Reverse Roller Bearing

Musky Reel Buyer’s Guide

If you are looking for a musky reel for your fishing needs, we recommend that you pick something suitable for your style of fishing and musky fishing in general, which is a lot more difficult.

SpecificationRecommended Specs for Musky Fishing
Reel TypeBaitcasting Reel
Gear Ratio5.4:1 to 6.4:1
Line CapacityAt least 100 yards of 80-pound test monofilament
Drag SystemSmooth and strong drag system with at least 20-25 pounds of maximum drag
Ball BearingsAt least 4-6 high-quality ball bearings
Frame MaterialStrong, durable, and corrosion-resistant material such as aluminum or graphite
Anti-ReverseInstant anti-reverse system for quick hooksets and control over the fish
Weight10-16 ounces
holding a musky caught at st lawrence

Type of Reel

Baitcasting reels are generally considered the best option for musky fishing due to their ability to handle heavy lines, lures, and the larger size of musky. Baitcasting reels also provide better accuracy and control, which can be important when targeting musky in areas with heavy cover. It’s important to choose a high-quality reel with a strong drag system and a high gear ratio to handle the power and speed of musky.

You can often using a catfish baitcasting reel effectively with musky as well.

Gear Ratio

Generally speaking, a gear ratio between 5.4:1 and 6.4:1 is a good choice for musky fishing.

A lower gear ratio, such as 5.4:1, can provide more power and torque, ideal for pulling in bigger fish or fishing in heavy cover. On the other hand, a higher gear ratio, such as 6.4:1, can retrieve lures more quickly, making it easier to cover more water and locate active fish.

Max Drag

Musky fishing reels should have a minimum of 20 to 25 pounds of drag, and some anglers prefer to use reels with even higher drag ratings. This is because musky are large, powerful fish that can put up a strong fight when hooked. A high drag setting can help tire out the fish more quickly and prevent it from breaking the fishing line.

Line Capacity

Typically, a musky fishing reel should have a line capacity of at least 100 yards of 80-pound test monofilament or braided line. This should give sufficient line capacity, especially if you decide to choose a thinner fishing line.

Braided line is preferred by many musky anglers because of its thin diameter, sensitivity, and lack of stretch, which allows for better hooksets and more control over the fish. Some anglers also choose to use a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader of 80-100 lb test, which provides additional abrasion resistance and helps prevent the musky’s sharp teeth from cutting the line.

How We Rate Products

Russ Egan and Donny Karr have over 40 years of combined fishing experience. We know the difference between a high-quality reel and a poor alternative.

I thoroughly review all products to measure their performance, durability, and value for money. I conduct bench and field testing to check how the product performs. Each reel is tested for at least 8 hours, with a full test taking 2 weeks. This testing results in an overall score that I give to all products. All metrics are scored out of 5.

Performance

The performance score is how well this product fulfills its primary purpose. Does it have all the features and optional extras you need to catch the target species? I also interview expert anglers on their experience to build a more comprehensive view of the performance under multiple conditions.

I take all reels down to my local freshwater lake for bass, or inshore fishing off the beach for redfish.

  • Test 1: I confirm that the max drag meets the manufacturer’s specifications using a calibrated scale.
  • Test 2: I test the maximum casting distance using a 1.0-ounce lure.
  • Test 3: I test the accuracy by casting 10 times into a 3 ft diameter circle at 30 yards.
  • Test 4: I check the versatility and the ability to handle multiple uses by field testing with 3 different lures and baits, by actually going fishing.

Durability

Durability refers to how long the product will continue functioning. I twist, bend, and break all the products to check their longevity. This score is for the construction materials, the workmanship quality, and the servicing requirements. There are also bonus points for manufacturers’ warranty.

For products I can’t test for long enough, I also consult experts who have been using them for decades to judge their longevity.

  • Test 5: I pull it apart to check the grease and oil levels, how difficult it is to maintain, and whether sand or salt has deposited after use in saltwater.

Value for Money

The final aspect of the scoring system is the price or, more specifically, the value for money. Value for money is a comparison against the closest alternative products, both by the same manufacturer and other brands.

Overall Score

Finally, I average the three scores of performance, durability, and value for money to give the overall score of each product reviewed.

To see more details, please read the complete guide on how I test and evaluate fishing products.

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