Do you want to catch the biggest and most powerful freshwater fish in North America? If so, then you need to use the best reel for muskie fishing. No matter what fishing style you use, having the right reel for muskie fishing is essential. So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at some of the top-rated reels for muskie fishing.
Best Reel For Muskie Fishing Reviews
In this blog post, we will recommend some of the top-rated reels for muskie fishing. We will also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right reel for your needs. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, read on to find out more about the best reels for muskie fishing!
1# Cabela’s DepthMaster Metal Line Counter Trolling Reel
Cabela’s DepthMaster Metal Line Counter Trolling Reel is a top-of-the-line trolling reel that’s built to last. It features a rugged, corrosion-resistant aluminium frame and spool, reinforced with stainless steel side plate rings. The titanium-coated stainless steel level wind ensures smooth operation, while the carbonite drag system provides powerful fish stopping power. The line counter measures in feet for accurate trolling depths, and the XL brass gearing ensures smooth retrieves. This reel also features a 2+1 system with stainless steel ball bearings plus anti-reverse for optimal performance. The soft-touch knob provides comfortable handling, while the aluminium handle delivers strength and durability.
2# Shimano Antares A Baitcast Reel
The Shimano Antares A is a baitcasting reel that’s perfect for freshwater use. It features a magnesium Hagane body that’s super-lightweight, and it has an MGL III spool for smooth, consistent casting. The Silent Tune vibration reduction system ensures a quiet performance, and the X-Ship pinion support system provides superior gear alignment. Plus, the premium SVS Infinity Brake delivers up to 11 lbs. of drag power.
3# Daiwa Steez SV TWS Baitcast Reel
The Daiwa Steez SV TWS Baitcast Reel is light and responsive, with an ergonomic design that’s almost impossible to backlash. It’s perfect for casting lightweight lures with precision and accuracy, and the 12-bearing system ensures smooth trouble-free performance. The Air Brake cast control system helps you achieve maximum distance and pinpoint accuracy, while the UTD carbon drag provides fish-stopping power when needed. And for anglers who demand the best, there’s the innovative T-Wing line guide aperture that delivers unmatched casting performance.
4# Daiwa Zillion TW HD Baitcast Reel
The Daiwa Zillion TW HD baitcasting reel is the perfect choice for anglers who demand high performance and precision. This reel is extremely smooth, yet designed to handle heavy-duty work. Featuring a lightweight aluminium frame and Zaion gear side plate, it’s also incredibly durable. With its T-Wing System-level wind for smooth line flow, G1 Duralumin Deep Spool, Magforce-Z braking system, and Zero Adjuster, this reel delivers premium performance every time you use it. Plus, with its 11-bearing system and magnesium alloy spool, it provides incredible torque and power when fighting fish.
5# Shimano Calcutta B Round Baitcast Reel
Shimano Calcutta B Round Baitcast Reel – Professional grade baitcasting reel designed for bass fisherman. Features a durable cold-forged aluminium frame and side plates, as well as a spool and bearings that are resistant to rust. Boasts a wide range of drag settings to handle any fish imaginable, as well as Shimano’s Super Stopper one-way roller bearing system for smooth, accurate casting. The CT 200GTB also features the Lo-Mass Drilled Spool System which reduces the overall weight of the reel without sacrificing strength or performance.
6# PENN Fathom Baitcast Reel
The Penn Fathom baitcasting reel is built for professional anglers who demand the highest quality and performance. The full-metal body and crank side plate protect internal components, while the smooth 6+1 stainless steel bearing system ensures a smooth drag at all settings. The brass main gear and bearing-supported bronze pinion gear provide durability and power, while the HT-100 carbon-fibre drag washers deliver consistent pressure fishing after fishing. And with line-capacity rings that tell you to line status at a glance, the TiN coated level wind system laying line straight and even, and dual-action casting brake dialling in control, you’ll be able to fish like a pro with the Penn Fathom baitcasting reel.
7# Shimano TranX 300/400 Baitcast Reel
The Shimano TranX baitcasting reel is one of the most powerful and durable reels on the market. The Hagane body ensures a long life, while the oversized HEG gearing provides more power and torque than ever before. The X-Ship internal reinforcement system keeps everything in perfect alignment, while the Advanced Coreprotect sealing system protects your gears from the harshest environments. The precision aluminium S3D spool holds more line than ever before, and the QuickFire II clutch bar ensures smooth and easy operation. Plus, with 5+1 bearings and a variable braking system, this reel is ready for any fishing challenge you might encounter.
8# Lew’s Custom Lite SLP Baitcast Reel
The Lew’s Custom Lite SLP baitcasting reel is perfect for anglers who demand quality performance without sacrificing weight. Featuring a Tanso Tech frame, C45 carbon side plates, and 3 drain ports, this reel weighs in at only 4.9 oz., making it one of the lightest baitcasters on the market today. With its titanium-anodized aircraft-grade Duralumin 30mm U-spool, aluminium alloy Speed Gears®, bearing-supported P2 Super Pinion system, and externally adjustable 6-pin 27-position ACB braking system, this reel can handle any fishing situation you might encounter.
9# Daiwa Tatula 300 Baitcast Reel
The Daiwa Tatula 300 baitcast reel is the big brother of the popular Tatula CT reel. Designed for fishing bigger bass baits, this reel sports a beefy frame and massive gearing that provides super-smooth long-cast performance. The T-Wing level wind system ensures accurate casts time after time, while the external Magforce cast control allows for easy adjustments. When it comes to serious bass fishing, the Tatula 300 baitcast reel delivers.
10# Okuma Komodo SS Casting Reels
Looking to make the most of your time on the water? Look no further than Okuma’s Komodo SS Casting Reels. Constructed with die-cast aluminium frames and side plates, as well as heavy-duty stainless steel gearing and shafts, these reels are built to last.
The corrosion-resistant coating ensures smooth operation in harsh freshwater or saltwater environments. Multidisc Carbonite drag system with a micro click star adjustment creates precise drag settings and puts perfect pressure on running fish. Machined anodised-aluminium spool reduces overall weight without sacrificing strength.
11# Shimano Curado DC Baitcast Reel
The Shimano Curado DC Baitcast Reel is the computerized version of the performance favourite, making it even easier to cast with precision and accuracy. The unique “Cast Smart” Digital Control technology system measures spool speed every 1,000th of a second, and the microcomputer adjusts brake pressure accordingly to prevent backlashes and maximize casting distance.
The reel’s rigid, durable Hagane body is made of lightweight CI4+ carbon alloy construction for ultimate strength and durability. X-Ship pinion support bearing and MicroModule gearing ensure smooth operation, while the 6+1 bearing system with S-ARB shielded stainless steel anti-rust ball bearings provide dependable performance.
12# Lew’s Custom Inshore SLP Casting Reel
The Lew’s Custom Inshore SLP Casting Reel is a top-of-the-line choice for serious anglers who demand the best performance and durability. This reel features a one-piece aluminium frame for added strength, along with an aircraft-grade aluminium spool that provides ample capacity for longer runs.
The multi-setting brake dual cast control ensures smooth, precise casting, while the sealed 10-bearing system keeps everything running smoothly. The corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings provide unmatched durability and performance, while the carbon-fibre drag system offers up to 20 lbs. of drag power. The bowed aluminium handle with Winn Dri-Tac knobs provides a comfortable grip, and the bowed aluminium drag star ensures reliable operation.
13# PENN Squall Baitcast Reel
The Lew’s Custom Inshore SLP Casting Reel is a top-of-the-line choice for serious anglers who demand the best performance and durability. This reel features a one-piece aluminium frame for added strength, along with an aircraft-grade aluminium spool that provides ample capacity for longer runs.
The multi-setting brake dual cast control ensures smooth, precise casting, while the sealed 10-bearing system keeps everything running smoothly. The corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings provide unmatched durability and performance, while the carbon-fibre drag system offers up to 20 lbs. of drag power. The bowed aluminium handle with Winn Dri-Tac knobs provides a comfortable grip, and the bowed aluminium drag star ensures reliable operation.
14# Lew’s Pro SP Baitcast Reel
You demand the best when you’re casting for bass, and that’s what you’ll get with Lew’s® Pro SP Baitcast Reel. Its Super Low Profile design ensures a smaller profile on the water, while the shallow Duralumin spool provides ample space for line and bait. The included QuietCast ACB 6-pin brake system gives you precise control over your casts, while the external adjustments make it easy to customize your skipping zone. You’ll love fishing with this reel thanks to its 8+1 bearing system and 95mm aluminium handle with EVA knobs.
FAQ
Conclusion
Best Reel For Muskie Fishing Buyer’s Guide. A full-length article answering common questions with product reviews and useful tips about Best Reel For Muskie Fishing – TOP-Rated Reels For Muskie Fishing This is a buyer’s guide to help you find the best reel for muskie fishing by reviewing all of your options, including both spinning reels and baitcasting models. We also provide some practical advice on how to choose the right one based on what you plan to fish for most often. From our research, we recommend that beginners start with a decent reel but nothing too expensive in order to get accustomed to using it before investing in something more expensive later down the line as their skills improve.
I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.
Affiliate Disclosure: FishReeler.com sometimes gets paid for listings, through sponsors or affiliate programs like Amazon, Ebay, Cabelas, Bass Pro Shop, Shimano, Daiwa, Rapala, Renn, Okuma, KastKing, etс. Clicking a link helps keep FishReeler.com free, at no extra cost to you!
About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.
Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!
