The Rundown
Best Overall: Goture Ares-Max
“With a class-leading line capacity, a super-robust drag system, and 11 premium ball bearings, the Goture Ares-Max is what every musky fishing lover would want to have to upgrade their passion to the next level. “
Best Budget Reel: KastKing Royale Legend
“This reel features 5 + 1 Double Shielded Stainless Steel ball bearings, nickel-plated brass worm shaft, brass pinion gear, brass main shaft, stainless steel hardware, and a Hamai precision cut brass 37 mm main gear all at an affordable price!”
Most Powerful: KastKing Rover Round
“This reel offers a first in class 30-pound centrifugal drag system, specialty spool, and a 2-pin centrifugal brake system making it one of the best reels with unparalleled fighting power for catching trophy-class fish.”
Musky are among the most ferocious of freshwater fish species and present a fight that anglers do not soon forget.
In order to catch these behemoths, an angler must have nothing but the best gear at their disposal, including a reel of significant strength.
Premium musky reels are designed with power and durability in mind which typically feature robust drag systems, precision ball bearing arrangements, and heavy duty internal components that are specifically designed to take a beating.




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Table of Contents
Best Musky Reels in 2020
Goture Ares-Max
Best Overall: A reel that is designed to be a musky’s worst nightmare
KEY FEATURES
- 11 ball bearings for noticeably smooth operation
- High line capacity for enhanced trolling and casting capabilities
- 22-pound drag system for abundant fighting power
If you spend every waking moment thinking about musky fishing and are looking for a fishing reel that is capable of taking your passion to the next level, then the Goture Ares-Max is likely to be exactly what you have been searching for. This musky fishing reel features a class-leading line capacity, a super-robust drag system, and 11 premium ball bearings. When it comes to musky fishing, the Goture Ares-Max means business.
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KastKing Royale Legend
Best Budget Reel: Comfort to keep you fishing longer
KEY FEATURES
- Cross-Fire magnetic drag system for enhanced line control
- Synthetic soft-grip handles for all day comfort
- Lightweight 7.2-ounce construction for minimization of hand and arm fatigue
The KastKing Royale Legend GT should be the perfect reel for those who spend every available moment chasing the fish of their dreams, as this reel is engineered to provide a significant degree of angler comfort. The Royale Legend GT weighs only 7.2 ounces and features synthetic soft-grip handles, which allow an angler to fish relentlessly without becoming fatigued or uncomfortable.
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KastKing Rover Round
Most Powerful: Enough power to make quick work out of even the most sizable musky
KEY FEATURES
- 30 lb. drag system for unparalleled fighting power
- High-quality internal components for extreme durability
- 2-pin centrifugal brake for greater casting efficiency
If you fish solely for musky and make a habit out of catching trophy-class fish, then the KastKing Rover Round baitcasting reel should be exactly what you are looking for. This fishing reel features a first in class 30-pound centrifugal drag system, which should make it easier than ever to match wits with even the largest of musky. The KastKing Rover Round also features a specialty spool, which holds a significant amount of line. This is a feature that should be appreciated by anglers who regularly troll.
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OKUMA Coldwater 350 Low Profile
Best Trolling Reel: Specifically designed to provide unparalleled trolling efficiency
KEY FEATURES
- Line counter for accurate easy depth replication
- Multi-disc carbonite drag system for enhanced power
- Oversized drive and pinion gears for improved durability
If you prefer to troll while in search of musky, rather than casting at a structure, then you should find immense favor in the Okuma Coldwater 350 Low Profile . The Coldwater 350 is of a line counter design, making it simple to replicate line depth from one cast to the next. This ensures that your bait is placed within the strike zone at all times.
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SHIMANO TRANX
Smoothest Operation: Silky smooth operation that keeps you fishing at your best
KEY FEATURES
- X-Ship technology for a higher degree of gear mesh and smooth operation
- Hagane body for tremendous durability
- CoreProtect Technology for enhanced corrosion resistance
If you are a fan of throwing and retrieving plugs when searching for predatory musky, then the Shimano Tranx should be the perfect reel to meet your needs. This reel is designed to provide ultra-smooth performance, both when casting and retrieving. The Tranx features Shimano’s proprietary X-Ship technology for pronounced gear engagement.
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SHIMANO Calcutta
Best High End Reel: A premium reel with limitless top-tier features
KEY FEATURES
- VBS brake system for enhanced line metering
- Dartainium Drag system for ultimate stopping power
- Sure Stopper anti-reverse bearing for improved hook sets
If you are currently looking to upgrade your musky fishing reel to a model that is robust, yet extremely advanced in every regard, then the Shimano Calcutta is likely your best choice. This fishing reel features a variable brake system, Super Stopper anti-reverse bearing, Dartainium Drag system, and three anti-rust bearings.
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Okuma Komodo SS Large Capacity
Most Durable: Nearly indestructible in every sense of the word
KEY FEATURES
- Stainless steel gear and drive components for unparalleled durability
- 30-pound Carbonite drag system for substantial fighting power
- Micro-click drag adjustment for ample drag control
The Okuma Komodo SS should be the perfect option for those that have been forced to deal with untimely reel failures in the past. This reel is designed with durability in mind and looks to be capable of handling anything that can be thrown its way. The Okuma Komodo SS features a Stainless Steel Main Gear, Precision Cut Machine Cut Stainless Steel Pinion Gear, and Heavy Duty Stainless Steel Drive and Spool Shafts.
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Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast
Best Casting: A reel that can be cast with laser precision
KEY FEATURES
- Infini Spool for enhanced castability
- Power Stack Carbon Matrix Drag System for improved fighting power
- Duragear internal component design for increased strength and durability
If you love nothing more than to watch as a musky smashes a topwater plug, then the Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast should be deserving of your attention. This reel features Abu Garcia’s proprietary Infini Spool, which provides the enhanced casting capabilities you need when attempting to reach reclusive mature musky.
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What Should I Look For When Buying The Best Musky Reel For The Money
Musky Reel Types
Musky reels come in many different forms. Baitcasting reels are by far, the most popular type of reel among musky fishermen, largely because of their sheer fighting power and performance capabilities. However, some anglers, especially those that prefer to troll for musky, make use of line counter reels. Reels of this type allow anglers to easily calculate the length of line that is extended from the rear of their boat.
Spinning reels are also used for musky fishing, although much less frequently than other reel types. These fishing reels are primarily used in precision casting scenarios, where baitcasters often fall short in precision accuracy.
Baitcasting Reels
Baitcasting reels are immensely popular among musky anglers, due in large part to their powerful drag systems, and robust internal gearing. These are attributes of significant value when musky fishing, as musky present a ferocious fight whenever hooked, a must often be fought for lengthy periods of time, until tiring.
Baitcasting reels are also prized by musky anglers for their fast rate of retrieve. Because musky are somewhat more scarce on many bodies of water than other species of fish, they are often labeled as “the fish of a thousand casts.” Anglers are able to cover a significant amount of water in rapid succession, when using high speed baitcasters, therefore increasing their odds at enticing a strike.
Spinning Reels
Spinning reels are rather obscure in the world of musky fishing, though they are used on occasion. Reels of this design are often looked over, due to the perceived notion that they are of inadequate size and strength for battling musky. In many cases, a spinning reel’s drag system tends to be less robust than that of a baitcasting reel, and can therefore lead to difficulty when attempting to land a fish of epic size.
If an angler were to use a spinning reel when musky fishing, it would be vital to have the reel’s drag set in an optimal fashion. On the fly adjustments would likely be necessary in the heat of a fight to counteract repeated runs. However, if experienced in spinning reel use, and armed with plenty of line, an angler can find musky fishing success with a reel of this type.
Line Capacity
When musky fishing, it is immensely important to take a reel’s line capacity in count. Musky fight with a level of intensity that few fish can match, and are fully capable of rapidly stripping line from a reel. If your reel’s line capacity is not sufficient to withstand these runs, you will lose the fish of a lifetime, before you ever realize what happened.
Additionally, many anglers prefer to troll for musky, in order to cover a substantial amount of ground as quickly as possible. In these situations, significant line length is a must. Without plenty of line at your disposal, you will be forced to begin a fight with a nearly empty reel.
Left or Right-Handed
When speaking of baitcasters used for musky fishing, confusion is common regarding which hand is to be used for reeling, and which is to be used for casting. Right handed baitcasting reels feature a handle that is on the right side of the reel, while left handed baitcasting reels have a handle on their left side. For right handed individuals, this means that a right handed reel will be cast with the right hand, and switched to the left after the cast.
Alternatively, a left handed reel can be purchased, allowing for both casting and holding to be done with the right hand, though reeling would then be done with an angler’s left hand. The decision of which style reel to use is largely a matter of personal preference, and comes down to what makes an angler feel the most comfortable.
Speed
The speed at which a musky reel operates comes as a direct reflection of the unit’s gear ratio. The higher the ratio, the faster a lure, or fish, can be retrieved. While it might seem as if a high gear ratio would be the most obvious choice, a lower gear ratio also has its merit. It can often be difficult to retrieve a lure in a slow, methodical fashion when using a reel with a high gear ratio. This places importance on planning ahead, and having an understanding of how you intend to fish.
Reels with a higher gear ratio are perfect for burning up top water baits, or quickly winding a swimbait. However, lower gear ratios are of significant value when crawling a spinnerbait through vegetation, or working a soft plastic bait. One must also keep in mind that a lower gear ratio provides additional torque when fighting fish.
Durability
In the world of musky fishing, if your reel is not designed with durability in mind, it simply will not last. Musky are among the hardest fighting of all freshwater fish species, and can absolutely destroy lesser reels, in no time at all. Therefore a musky angler is wise to choose their reel carefully. A poor selection can leave an angler shaking their head in aggravation.
In order to be durable, a musky reel must feature a robust drag system, a premium grade bearing assembly, and ultra-durable gear train components. Most reels of this nature are also constructed to offer superior corrosion resistance.
Line Weight
When purchasing a musky reel, it is important to select a model which is capable of using your preferred weight of line. This information will usually be stamped or printed on a reel’s frame, and is critical to efficient use. While most musky-specific reels are capable of using heavy line, exact sizing options typically vary.
For musky fishing applications, most anglers prefer the use of line that ranges from 60-120 pounds in operational capacity. Because of this wide range in line size, one must often make a decision as to which end of the spectrum they favor, when selecting their reel.
Gear Ratio
Selecting the right gear ratio for musky fishing can be somewhat of a balancing act. While an angler might wish for the use of a higher gear ratio to entice reactionary strikes from musky, they also need the pure torque that only a lower geared reel can provide. In the world of musky fishing, a compromise must take place that often favors fighting power.
Most musky anglers prefer the use of reels with gear ratios in the 5.1:1 to 5.7:1 range. However, when in need of additional cranking power, reels of a 3.1:1 to 4.1:1 range can be selected. These designations simply denote the number of rotations a reel’s spool makes, for every revolution of the reel’s handle.
Gear Materials
The gears within a musky reel generally come in two different compositions, stainless steel and brass. Of these two types, stainless steel is significantly more durable, though it is also heavier. Stainless steel gears are not as susceptible to wear or damage from shock loading, as those of a brass construction. Because of this, most high-end musky reels currently employ the use of stainless steel internal components.
However, brass gears still remain popular with a number of manufacturers due to the ease of machining related to its use. Brass can be easily machined for precise fitment, allowing manufacturers to mass produce brass gear sets to a high degree of quality.
Bearing Materials
Most musky reels feature stainless steel ball bearings. Stainless steel is naturally durable, due to its rugged characteristics. This is of immense importance, as bearings are continuously moving as a reel’s handle is actuated. Bearings of a lesser construction would quickly erode away, leaving an excessive amount of free-play as a result. This free play would then lead to rapid wear of adjoining points and eventual mechanical failure. Occasionally, ceramic bearings are also used in the construction of musky reels, though this is far less common.
It is also important that all bearings contained within a reel be of the highest degree of uniformity. Unevenly matched bearings are unable to operate in a smooth fashion, and are prone to binding when under a significant load. Misshapen bearings also have a tendency to wear at an accelerated rate, due to uneven distribution of force.
Reel Housing, Frames, and Spools
Musky reels are composed from a number of different materials, and differ from one model to the next. Some of the most popular reel housing, frame, and spool materials include graphite and aluminum. Each of these materials have their own merit, and are of unique value in specific situations.
Most musky reel housings are made primarily of graphite, due to its anti-corrosive nature. However, aluminum housings are known to be a somewhat stronger and more durable alternative.
Likewise, musky reels are offered with both graphite and aluminum frames. Graphite is often used in this situation, due to its cost effectiveness. However, an aluminum frame will always be the significantly stronger choice.
Virtually every musky reel employs the use of an aluminum spool, due to the material’s lightweight nature. Aluminum spools come in both forged and die-cast forms, with forged spools being the most rugged.
Warranty
Musky are not docile fish. When at the end of a line, musky fight tenaciously and are more than capable of finding any reel’s weak points. This is one of the many reasons that a serious warranty can be of immense value. After all, no one wishes to be left with an unusable reel, if the fight at hand proves too strong.
Reel warranties can vary significantly in their length and scope. In the majority of cases, 1-year is the standard warranty which all reels feature. However, many manufactures have begun offering much longer warranties, a number of which are up to 3 years in length. A few select manufacturers now back their reels with lifetime warranties, to compliment their reels.
Price
Musky reels can vary significantly in price. One can pay $50 for a musky reel, or $500 for a reel of this nature. As one would expect, a consumer often gets what they pay for. However, one can often find an excellent musky reel for approximately $100. At this price point, consumers can expect to find reels that operate in a seamless fashion, and are every bit as powerful as more expensive alternatives.
Prior to purchasing a musky reel, an angler must figure out what their budget is. Once this has been determined, it is best to purchase the best reel that you can, while still operating inside of your budget.
Where to Buy
Musky reels of nearly any type can be purchased from nearly any fishing retailer. However, for ease and simplicity, many anglers have begun purchasing their musky reels on the internet. With today’s rapid shipping times, anglers can typically receive their new reel faster than they would have, if they had been required to visit multiple store front locations.
Purchasing a musky reel over the internet also allows you to browse through an endless array of options, without ever leaving the comfort of your house. This can be a game changer, especially in today’s increasingly busy world. There is no longer a need to fight traffic, or waste the gas in your tank to venture into 5 different stores, when you can view a much larger number of reels from the comfort of your couch.
Questions & Answers

What is the best musky reel?
The Goture Ares-Max is the best reel for musky fishing. This reel features a 22-pound drag system for abundant fighting power, an extended line capacity for enhanced trolling and casting capabilities, and 11 premium ball bearings for ultra-smooth operation.

What is the best line for musky fishing?
Musky are ferocious fighters, and are more than capable of pushing any line to its breaking point. When fishing for musky, there is no substitute for the use of braided line, as it is simply tougher by diameter than any other line on the market. Most avid musky anglers prefer line in the 60-80 pound weight range.

What are the best musky lures?
Musky are predatory by nature, and will therefore strike most any lure that gives off the appearance of a baitfish. Some of the most potent musky lures include spinnerbaits, swimbaits, spoons, buzzbaits, and topwater plugs. Sizable soft-plastic baits can also be highly productive during most any point of the year.

How long should a musky rod be?
Most musky rods range between 7-9 feet in length. This range tends to offer excellent casting capabilities, while also maintaining enough backbone to fight sizable musky from the depths below. When trolling, a number of anglers tend to prefer rods that are toward the lower end of this range.