10 Reviews: Best Reels for Musky Fishing (Apr 2024)

The Lew’s SuperDuty 300 Baitcast Reel is the ultimate reel for big bait, heavy rope, and big fish situations across the country and worldwide. Additionally, these reels are super bulky versions of the original SuperDuty, with increased line capacity and overall brute strength. Moreover, the quest for reels that can hold the world’s most difficult-to-fight freshwater fish has ended.

Furthermore, it features an adjustable dual cast Multi-Setting Brake (MSB) control system and is crafted with a rugged carbon fiber drag system that delivers an astounding max of 24 lbs of drag. Also, it features a heavy-duty 100mm aluminum handle that bends with a Winn Dri-Tac knob for superior control.

"Just got it last night, went to the lake this morning did some casting with 50lb braid and a half ounce weight for heavy cover. Very smooth and fast retrieval. It had allot of power."

by Ken123

The Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast Baitcast features a unique platform designed for hard-to-draw species. It comes with high drinkability and line capacity giving anglers an edge in a wide range of freshwater and saltwater species. Thus, this reel delivers impressive durability in a very compact package.

Moreover, weighing only 13.8 ounces, this reel offers an impressive maximum drag of 25 pounds with its carbon fiber drag system. Additionally, an excellent drag and gearing system combined with multiple line capacities gives this reel a ton of torque and versatility in a very slim package.

"This reel is awesome I haven’t caught anything yet but it came in the box it wasn’t sealed but it had the cranking handle and it is very quiet no scratches and has a amazing free spool this is a great reel for the money."

by callenmills

The KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel is built with a superior carbon fiber drag system. With the newly designed “Cymbal Washer” System, KastKing Rover now offers a smooth drag of up to 30LB. Also, these KastKing reels feature premium MaxiDur double-coated stainless steel ball bearings (6 + 1 BB at Sizes 40-60, 4 + 1 BB at 70 – 90) for smooth operation.

In addition, KastKing Rover’s conventional reels are built with functionality and quality and built to last. Hence, it delivers fantastic design, power, and performance at an affordable price. Therefore, if you’re looking for the best reels for musky fishing, this one is well worth a try!

"I’ve used several abu Garcias and other reels at the same price and no quite compare. Very smooth, feels very durable. I reeled a 25lb blue catfish on it with ease."

by jacob

OKUMA Coldwater 350 Linecounter Reel comes with a low-profile design. It is modern, sleek, elegant, and has a roll shape that fits perfectly in hand. On the other hand, it’s centered within a die-cast aluminum frame. Also, the machined aluminum spool holds over 150 yards of 65-pound braiding line, more than any salmon on earth would need.

In addition, this reel is equipped with a rubber Ergo Grip power handle. The Cold Water 350 line counter takes every salmon fishing technique from the ocean to the Great Lakes and every river that flows into it. Likewise, a thumb rod spool release is available immediately for easy casting or drifting.

"It's the nicest line counter reel I've ever used. It's low profile and I really like the thumb bar line release is much more than the side lever release."

by B K

The CORVALUS CVL 300 is built with a one-piece die-cast aluminum frame that will stand up in battle with the toughest fish. This reel offers a cast aluminum frame and aluminum side plates for smoother life and increased casting efficiency. Consequently, it also features Shimano’s Variable Brake System (aka VBS), so you can virtually eliminate line backlash.

Furthermore, this item uses a super stopper and assists the stopper in eliminating back play, providing anglers with instant hook setting power. Then, the variable brake system offers a more manageable and much more consistent spool speed and takes advantage of the reel’s maximum casting distance.

"Bought this as a gift and my dad was estactic. He could not stop talking about how great the quality was and how well it works. Highly recommend!! Especially if you don’t know anything about fishing but have people in your life that love fishing."

by Lauren Harris

The Abu Garcia Revo Toro Rocker delivers powerful performance and incredible speed that allows you to lure large musky baits at incredible speed and can defend against the biggest musky. In addition, it comes with 5 HPCR bearings and one roller bearing.

On the other hand, the Instant Anti-Reverse provides smooth operation for any fishing experience, protecting against losing tension once your hook is set. What’s more, these reels deliver 25lbs of drag and are incredibly smooth when catching big fish. Up next, it has side plates and a lightweight yet rigid X-Craftic alloy frame that ensures years of durability.

"smooth and fast nice reel."

by William cordts

The Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast Baitcast is engineered for brute strength and unrelenting performance. The Reva Toro Beast low-profile bait reel features a unique platform designed for hard-to-draw species. On top of that, it comes with five stainless steel HPCR bearings + 1 roller bearing providing increased corrosion protection. Also, the Duraclutch design provides increased engagement and durability.

On the other hand, this reel offers ease of use combined with the raw power of the aptly named Toro Beast. Hence, if you are looking for the best musky rolls for bucktails, the Revo Toro Beast is what you want.

"I am using this reel for musky fishing. I have only used it one time out, but it is fantastic. Smooth casting and retrieve. Great price!"

by Libraries rock!

The SHIMANO Calcutta D comes with an instant classic design for both freshwater and saltwater anglers. This reel is available in sizes 300 and 400 to offer the serious crank reel angler the strength, rigidity, and durability for season after season. However, one of the main reasons why this muskie reel feels so sturdy is that it lacks a non-handle side plate.

Furthermore, it is made with the new beveled design of the roll, making the non-handle side about 15% smaller in diameter. Then, with X-Ship to give anglers a better freespool, this reel provides greater comfort in the hand. Hence, if you are looking for the best closed-face fishing reel, this is great for you.

"One of the best and smoothest reels I have ever owned. Coincidentally it is also the most expensive real I have ever owned."

by Jason

The SHIMANO TRANX 300-400 comes with premium features and cutting-edge technology such as HAGANE Technology, X-Ship, and HEG. This reel delivers great cranking with every spin of a smooth grip. Up next, it’s redesigned and scaled down for freshwater anglers, now one of the most attractive musky big bass reels and low profiles on the market.

Moreover, Shimano Tranx Casting Reel boasts CoreProtect technology, which ensures long-lasting performance in the harshest environments. Thus, this reel provides bulletproof performance that sets raw power and performance standards.

"Reel arrived on time and was everything that I could want. Thank you amazon for on time delivery and a great reel. Completely satisfied with the experience."

by Gary Raye

The new Tempo Baitcasting Reel New Vertix LP comes with a smooth and powerful carbon fiber drag system. This works to provide a maximum pull of 20 pounds and will help you control the larger fish when they decide to run. It has a compact size, so you can easily hold the reel for maximum comfort while fishing. In addition, the non-slip rubber grip knob is designed to repel water.

Furthermore, the externally adjustable magnetic braking system is easy to adjust and provides maximum casting distance while avoiding backlash. Also, it has nine high-quality stainless steel ball bearings and one instant anti-reverse bearing for maximum smoothness during pick-up.

"I buy this for my spare rod, is good fix and very smooth. Lightweight and metal effect. I can’t wait for next summer to use it."

by JEFF LEE