Last updated on March 7th, 2023 at 06:50 am

If you are new to muskie fishing and shopping for musky gear, you may have some questions about what is the best equipment to buy. You may also have sticker shock at the prices of some of the top selling muskie tackle, especially musky reels. The good news is that, as a beginner, you don’t need to spend $300-$400 on a muskie reel. As you will see in the following KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel review, you can get a decent starter reel for under $75.

The best thing about the KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel is that it features all of the needed tools for muskie fishermen to go after big fish. Regardless if you are trolling with bucktails or casting with BullDawgs, the  KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel is the ideal choice for newcomers to musky fishing.

KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel Key Features

While doing our KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel Review, we found that it offers the following features:

• shielded stainless steel bearings (Rover 40, 50 & 60 have 6, plus 1 instant-stop, anti reverse roller bearing – Rover 70-90 contain 4 +1 Ball bearings)
• stainless steel parts that matter
• precision brass gears
• up to 30 lb. of carbon fiber, smooth performance drag
• nonslip, over-sized right or left hand handles
• line out audible alarm
• superb levelwind
• line out release bar that is ergonomic for your thumb
• sturdy construction
• quality, classic look of a round baitcasting muskie reel.

KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel Construction

​The KastKing Rover has a spool made of high-grade aluminum, finely tuned brass shaft, appealing anodized red side plates, and stainless steel internal and internal components. Combined, these provide it with excellent corrosion resistance, even if fishing in saltwater.

The KastKing Rover has a 3.6:1 gear ratio, an nonslip oversized T handle grip providing superb control, and a light-weight, fatigue reducing design,.

The carbon fiber star drag of the KastKing Rover supplies excellent power that is on par with much more expensive round baitcasting or trolling reels sold by  more popular brands. You will have a pretty solid combination if you pair the Rover with any high quality braided fishing line, but KastKing also offers their own braided line.

The KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel has a fairly large line capacity and can easily handle enough monofilament or braided fishing line for any muskie fishing situation.

If you are new to musky fishing, or only fish a couple times per season, and are searching for an affordable musky reel, then the KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel is our top recommendation. It’s price to quality and performance ratio make it pretty much an unbeatable choice for beginners, especially for under $75.

KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel Review On YouTube

Here’s an excellent KastKing Rover Round Baitcasting Reel review on YouTube, describing how this is a good choice for a beginner’s reel. In the review he mentions that this reel is difficult to birds nest, or rats next as some would say.

Last updated on March 7th, 2023 at 10:49 pm

Engineered to handle basically any large baits that muskie anglers can attach to the Daiwa Lexa 300 WN & 400 Type-WN reels, they would be a welcome addition to any musky hunter’s collection. These heavyweight reels are designed to cast, reel, and crank the heaviest and largest of muskie baits. Combining their ergonomically crafted Winn Grip knobs and impressive new styling, the Daiwa Lexa Type-WN 300 & 400 reels are a great choice for a low profile, high capacity reel for most diehard musky fishermen. Continue reading for our full Daiwa Lexa 300 WN Review.

Daiwa Lexa 300 Type-WN Review: A Musky Reel Heavyweight Contender

Daiwa first presented the new Type-WN 300 & 400 at the recent ICAST event. Daiwa’s Lexa series was originally designed to be a super powerful baitcaster reel, and the Lexa Type-WN caries on this tradition. Among the improvements we saw when reviewing the Lexa WN were the Winn Grip handles which offer better control and comfort, an appealing matte black finish, and a better range of retrieval speeds. No doubt this fishing reel has been designed for a wide array of fish and applications.

Pros:

+ Excellent value for a reel of this caliber.

+ Superior for casting large baits.

+ Suited for both salt & freshwater fishing.

+ Outstanding power and drag for large fish.

Cons:

–  Not suited for smaller baits.

–  Slightly heavier than other muskie reels.

The Lexa 300 & 400 Type-WN comes in a wide assortment of retrieve ratios including 5.5:1, 6.3:1, and 7.1:1. We’ve put together the following tables for our Daiw Lexa 400 & 300 review.

Lexa 300 Type-WN

Model	Gear Ratio	Line Per Handle Turn	Line Capacity (Lb. Test / Yards)	Drag Max	Check Price & Availability
LEXA WN300H	6.3:1	28.8”	MONO: 12/240, 14/190 BRAID: 40/240, 55/180	22
LEXA WN300HS	7.1:1	32.4”	MONO: 12/240, 14/190 BRAID: 40/240, 55/180	22
LEXA WN300HSL	7.1:1	32.4”	MONO: 12/240, 14/190 BRAID: 40/240, 55/180	22
LEXA WN300HS-P	7.1:1	32.4”	MONO: 12/240, 14/190 BRAID: 40/240, 55/180	22
LEXA WN300HSL-P	7.1:1	32.4”	MONO: 12/240, 14/190 BRAID: 40/240, 55/180	22

Lexa 400 Type-WN

Model	Gear Ratio	Line Per Handle Turn	Line Capacity (Lb. Test / Yards)	Drag Max	Check Price & Availability
LEXA WN400H	6.3:1	33.4”	MONO: 17/245, 20/190 BRAID: 55/300, 80/200	25
LEXA WN400HL	6.3:1	33.4”	MONO: 17/245, 20/190 BRAID: 55/300, 80/200	25
LEXA WN400HS-P	7.1:1	37.7”	MONO: 17/245, 20/190 BRAID: 55/300, 80/200	25
LEXA WN400HSL-P	7.1:1	37.7”	MONO: 17/245, 20/190 BRAID: 55/300, 80/200	25
LEXA WN400PWR-P	5.1:1	27.1”	MONO: 17/245, 20/190 BRAID: 55/300, 80/200	25

As you can see, they each have adequate line capacity, and various retrieve options ranging from 5.5:1 up to 7.1:1. No matter your musky bait of choice, there is a model of Lexa WN for you.

While some other Lexa fishing reels are popular among saltwater anglers, the new Lexa Type-WN reels appear to be designed more specifically for freshwater fishermen, and especially for big lure fans. Recently, several reel manufacturers have introduced new fishing reels with black finishes, as this seems to be the latest trend. By adding some nickel colored parts and unique blue highlights, Daiwa’s Lexa Type-WN takes on an even sportier and more aggressive look than some of the competition.

The Lexa Type-WN reels come in two different handle configurations: the single knob power handle is featured on the 400PWR-P, 400HS-P, and 400HSL-P, while the 400H and 400HL models feature a more traditional double paddle handle. Some other manufacturers, such as Abu Garcia, sometimes bundle both handle options together, Daiwa chose to only include one option with each Type WN reel. So, it’s best to make sure that you select the proper reel that best suits you, prior to making a purchase.

If you are going to use either the Lexa 300 Type WN or 400 Type WN, you’re for sure going to need a big fishing rod. As this reel is rather substantial in size, a smaller rod simply will not be ideal. In particular, the 400 size was built for the biggest baits and freshwater fish that you’re likely to encounter. When paired up with a beefier rod, like one of the St. Croix’s, it simply feels great. When tossing heavy baits and using heavy line, you feel extremely confident that you’ll be able to handle even the largest muskies with ease.

Daiwa Lexa 400 WN Review: Tremendous Power For Large Baits

Casting & Performance: For sure, this heavyweight reel was not created with finesses in mind. That being said, for such a large muskie reel, the Lexa 400H handles large baits with surprising precision. And while it was designed primarily for heavy baits, it can still be rigged with baits as little as 1/2oz. Although, we recommend that you stick with baits over 2 ounces, for best performance. More specifically, lures in the 3-8 ounce range seem to perform the best on the Lexa 400 WN.

Thanks to the built in MagForce magnetic cast control, a feature unique to Daiwa reels, the 400 Type-WN can cast similar to it’s smaller counterparts. When it comes to cast control, Daiwa is still among the best. The large dial makes for easy adjustments on the go. Most anglers will find this feature very handy on a baitcaster, as it allows for fishing of a variety of bait sizes and weights with a simple adjustment for each.

Handling & Retrieve: Despite it’s large size, the Lexa Type-WN features a surprisingly smooth retrieve. There is also plenty of torque to be had, thanks to it’s enormous brass main gear. When you’re hung up on some weeds, or reeling in a 40-pounder, you will have all the cranking power you could possibly need.

Being that this reel was built for durability, it should require only the bare minimum of maintenance of it’s lifetime. We have seen reports of this reel being used for months on end with the internals looking just as good as new and no oiling or grease required. This reel truly is a powerhouse and built like a tank.

Engineering & Ergonomics: There is no hiding the fact that the Daiwa Lexa 400 is a relatively big reel, and a heavyweight one as well, coming in at 15.3 ounces. However, thanks to Daiwa’s engineering, it an ergonomic masterpiece. It has a similar feel and look of other traditional low profile baitcasting reels. Daiwa was able to push the spool position very low in the reel’s frame so that the Type-WN sits low on reel seats. This allows you to wrap your hand around the muskie reel and finger the fishing line relatively comfortably. Additionally, the Lexa’s edges feel natural and smooth in the palm.

Initially, some felt that the Winn grips were a bit too bold when they were first appeared on the rod grips. As have become more common, they have also become more accepted. For out Daiwa Lexa 400 WN review, we found Daiwa’s implementation of them to be quite seamless. In fact, we really loved the styling of the Winn knobs on the Lexa 400 WN, and we really appreciated how the reel felt our hands. Not only that, we felt that it was really easy to wrap our whole palm around the reel’s grip and apply significant leverage into each turn of the handle.

Power & Drag: Inherited from it’s saltwater cousins, the Lexa Type-WN reels utilize Daiwa’s UTD, or Ultimate Tournament Drag. In addition, they implement a huge drag stack of varying steel and carbon discs behind and around the main large brass gearing. The benefits of this system are not only massively powerful drag, but also an ample range of adjustments. The Daiwa WN-300 has drag rated to deliver 22lbs., while the WN-400 has a drag rated at 25lbs. Beastly, for sure!

Price & Value: The Daiwa Lexa Type-WN reel is made with corrosion resistant ball bearings which can take abuse from the elements. It’s outstanding drag capability gives this fishing reel the ability to handle the largest predators with ease, including tiger muskies and northern pike. The Daiwa Lexa Type-WN 300 & 400 is a heck of a reel that is built like a brick house, and yet it is blissful to fish with when you use appropriate bait.

Perhaps the main downside of the Daiwa Lexa Type-WN is it’s weight. It’s a heavyweight indeed, but Diawa did a fantastic job of ensuring that the reel doesn’t feel too big. This negative can be turned into a positive by pairing it with a large enough rod.

The reel’s Winn Grips are also helpful in making the Daiwa feel comfortable, natural, and dang fun to muskie fish with. We think you will come to appreciate just how good the Lexa 400H is at helping you throw big baits, especially compared to it’s competitors.

The Daiwa Lexa 400H was designed to handle the largest of freshwater baits and fish, and it does so with ease. Typically, it’s hard to find this level of precision with in this price range (around $250). The Abu Garcia Revo Toro compares more closely to the Lexa WN300, and while the Shimano Tranx is close, it lacks the same abundant line capacity. If you are looking for a low profile reel with the extra line capacity of a traditional round reel, then the Daiwa Lexa 400 Type-WN should be at the top of your list of considerations.

Daiwa Lexa 300 & 400 WN Review Conclusion

If you are in search of a casting reel that you can attach any bait to, then this is definitely not it. The Daiwa Lexa Type-WN is just too heavy and big to be your main casting reel, especially if fishing with smaller, lighter baits. However, if you are planning to load up big heavy swimbaits, then you would for sure find tremendous value in this reel. When casting large lures, this musky reel takes a great deal of the strain and pressure off of the angler.

We find that one of the best features of the new Type-WN is the Winn Grip Knobs. They provide the reel with great aesthetics and better ergonomics.

Casting and reeling with the Lexa Type-WN will provide you with a tremendous sense of confidence that you are up to the challenge of hauling in even the largest muskies.

Last updated on March 7th, 2023 at 10:44 pm

Compared to it’s competitors, Shimano hasn’t been well known for it’s larger-sized power reels. While still a favorite choice with big bait muskie fishermen, the Shimano Curado 300 is beginning to show it’s age. This has led to many musky anglers to utilize the Abu Revo Toro and the Daiwa Lexa 400, as both are excellent and affordable muskie reels. Shimano saw the need for a new big baitcasting reel for their brand, so they leveraged the proven power from their saltwater Tranx series to develop a brand new reel that could handle fresh and saltwater alike. Read on for our Shimano Tranx review for musky fishermen.

Shimano Tranx Review For Musky: Ultra Powerful Ergonomic Masterpiece

For those who just want the highlights without the in-depth analysis, we’ll start with some of the pro’s and con’s of the Shimano Tranx baitcaster reel.

Shimano Tranx 400 Review and Overall Impressions

While traditional round muskie reels are great, people tend to not like the bulkiness that comes with them. This has led to further the demand for larger, low profile baitcasting reels, as they offer similar power for heavy applications while offering improved ergonomics. The Curado 300 was a great start for Shimano, but muskie fishermen craved more line capacity and more power. The Shimano Tranx 400 was designed to meet those demands, by offering a sleeker design combined with the newest X-Ship and HEG technologies that offer a better fishing experience to big game anglers.

The all new Shimano Tranx were engineered for casting heavy baits and catching large fish. Available in four different models, the Tranx Series is sure to please any fisherman. The new models are as follows:

Tranx 300 and Tranx 400 (301 & 401 for lefties) – featuring 5.8:1 gear ratios, and a double handle with rubber knobs capable of retrieving 30 inches of fishing line

Tranx 300HG and Tranx 400HG (301HG & 401HG – left-hand retrieve) – offering faster 7.6:1 gear ratios, and a single handle, CI4+ knob capable of retrieving 40 inches of line with each crank

These muskie reels were designed to deliver a combo of both line capacity and power in order to perform well with large baits and heavy fish. Both the 300 and 400 have ample capacity to target big muskies. The Shimano Tranx 300 reel can accommodate up to 190 yards of 50-pound test PowerPro line, while the Shimano Tranx 400 reel can accommodate up to 170-yards of 65-pound PowerPro.

Elegant yet conservative styling on the new Shimano Tranx reels give them a far more modern look than their predecessors. Blue anodized drag stars and handles give the new Tranx a subtle splash of color and great visual styling. The reels also feature a neutral silver protective coating giving it excellent corrosion resistance. This reel looks great on just about any muskie rod.

The Shimano Tranx 400 and 300 can be used for inshore fishing, however, the primary focus of this review is on freshwater musky fishing applications. Folks have tested the Tranx reel with both braided and mono fishing lines, throwing everything from large bulldawgs to topwater bucktails.

Casting with Ease: Casting with the Shimano Tranx 400 is very smooth and easygoing thanks to the reliable VBS centrifugal casting control system. The Shimano Tranx 400 fishes as if it were a much smaller reel, however it casts just like a larger baitcasting reel. It has no problem and requires little to no extra effort to throw large sized lures. The Tranx is made for larger baits, to be sure, so smaller finesse baits would not be ideal with this reel.

Drag & Stopping Power: Not only does the Shimano Tranx 400 offer ample cranking power, it also delivers fantastic stopping power. The nine drag washers of the main gear supply plenty of stopping surfaces. When doing our research for our Shimano Tanx review for musky, we found that the use of both carbon and metal washers and gears delivers impressive stopping pressure.

Retrieve with Power: It could be argued that the retrieve on the Tranx is not quite as smooth as some other big muskie reels, like the Toro Beast, it was still perfectly adequate with getting the job done. The 5+1 bearings likely have a role in this, as do the knobs which utilize bushings.

The Tranx 400 provides major torque, reeling in heavy baits and big fish is rather easy. The moderate sized teeth of the main gear are designed for durability. The rigid aluminum frame of the Tranx secures everything in place.

As previously mentioned in this Shimano Tranx review for musky, the reel can be used to cast a lot of different baits, including big baits, deep divers, and even topwaters. While deep cranking or fishing with larger baits showcases the Tranx’s power, the slow 5.8:1 retrieve gear ratio can sometimes make it mildly exhausting to throw topwater lures or when fishing banks or rock walls.

The Shimano Tranx 400 is a monster of a musky reel, and this is best illustrated when there is a big fish on the other end. Heavy swimbaits are also no match for this muskie reel’s winding power. You’ll be amazed at the ease with which you haul in your next 50-incher with this reel.

The Shimano Tranx 400 completely dominates muskies with the combo of it’s oversized gearing and the Shimano X-Ship engineering that adds a bearing supported pinion gear. This new design also reduces friction between the spool shaft and the pinion gear, thus improving freespool. This is something that large lure fishermen will appreciate once they are trying to cover a large area of water.

There’s no doubt that the Tranx 400’s most impressive quality is it’s strength. While not the smoothest musky reel, it provides plenty of pulling strength to land those big muskies. Don’t worry, though, the reel doesn’t remove any of the fun fighting a giant muskie.

Ergonomics & Design: As mentioned earlier in our Shimano Tranx review for musky, the reel is ergonomically well designed. It is neither too long, nor too wide, yet still supplies plenty of capacity and power.

Weighing 12oz., the Tranx 400 is no lightweight, but about what you should expect for a musky reel of this class. It is a bit heftier than the Curado, which is sort of replaced. Despite it’s large size, the Tranx 400 feels nice in the palm and also feels natural and comfortable in hand thanks to it’s compact profile.

Shimano Tranx Ergonomic Design

The Shimano Tranx 400HG (High Gear) reel come with a single “Power Handle”, while the standard 400A model comes with the traditional double paddle handle. Which one is right for you is simply a matter of preference. If you tend to use high speed baits, you may prefer the double paddle handle. For example, with topwater lures, the higher speed fishing reels are the better option. However, if you tend to cast heavier baits and want a little more leverage, you might opt for the single handle. Since the handles are not interchangeable, you’ll have to commit to either the standard 400 or the HG model.

If you think you’ll pull double duty with your reel in both fresh and saltwater, you’ll be happy to know that you shouldn’t have any problems. The Tranx is treated with Shimano’s “CoreProtect” that uses a coating on both the internal fittings and the exterior to protect against saltwater damage. Many ocean charters are already implementing the Tranx reels with great success.

Price & Competition: The Shimano Tranx Series without a doubt cranks up performance in almost every regard, and it still will not break your bank to buy one. The 400A model retails for around $280, which is a very solid value for this caliber of muskie reel.

When it comes to competition the Daiwa Lexa 300 musky reels are only slightly less costly at around $200, but they are not as nicely refined. At the higher end, the Abu Garcia REVO Toro musky reel is a bit smoother and more refined, and they also come with both a casting handle and a power handle, but they sell for around $400. It could easily be argued that the Shimano Tranx 400 offers the best value for your money.

Shimano Tranx Review For Musky Conclusion

The Shimano Tranx is Sleek, Elegant, and Powerful! It delivers in all of the relevant areas, making it a very good big baitcasting reel. The reel is commanding enough to handle the biggest of baits and muskies, yet sleek and feels like a much lighter reel. Without a doubt, the Tranx 400A is a very effective musky reel, especially at it’s price point.

The Tranx is a fishing reel built with purpose, which is to deliver amazing power in an ergonomically pleasing form. Mission accomplished.

We hope you found our Shimano Tranx review for musky helpful. Be sure to check out our other musky reel reviews.

Last updated on March 7th, 2023 at 11:11 pm

Monster muskie anglers are always on the prowl for a fishing reel with three primary characteristics: slow, big, and strength. You want a slow gear ratio, a big line capacity for 80 pound test fishing line, and strength when it comes to a rigid frame, drag, and power. Like so many things in life, it’s often easy to find 2 out 3 desired traits, but to find something that excels at all 3 is quite rare. As you’ll see in our Abu Garcia Revo Toro Review, such rarities do exist.

We should start off by mentioning that there are some solid competitors in this reel category, such as the Daiwa Lexa 300 and the Okuma Komodo SS, so before making a final decision on which musky reel to get, it’s important to read the reviews and compare each of them.

Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast Review: The Perfect Low Profile Musky Reel?

The Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast low profile baitcaster was first introduced in 2015 at ICAST 2015. There are two sizes available, 50 and 60, and both come in either right or left handed varieties.

Craftsmanship: As we already mentioned, the Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast comes in two sizes, 50 and  60. Each of the sizes are offered in two different gear ratios, 4.9:1 and 6.2:1. This muskie reel comes with an all black finish: the frame is matte black while the sideplates are a very nice glossy black. Several areas of the reel, such as the handle base, control cap, and a few other areas have an anodized blue highlight. The handle is rather long, measuring 110mm in length.

Added Features: The Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast comes from the factory with 2 extra power handles. With nearly every other muskie reel, these would need to be purchased from an aftermarket source, if they were available at all. With only a single knob, the power handles are great for those hunting the biggest of muskies. What’s more, the Revo Toro Beast  features a levelwind that is non-disengaging, which means that when the drag is engaged the fishing line guide moves back and forth when the line is extracted from the reel.

Extra Power Handles Included

Performance: In our testing with some 80 pound braided fishing line and mounted to a St. Croix musky rod, we were extremely impressed with the overall performance of this reel.

Reel Power: This beast of a reel has ample power to spare. Thanks to it’s large fishing line capacity, slower gear ratio, and longer handle, this musky reel is able to pull musky lures like large Bull Dawgs nearly effortlessly. Because of this, most muskie fishermen will find this to be a wonderful musky reel to throw their biggest, heaviest baits with ease!

Bait Retrieve: Your baits will have a somewhat slow pace to them upon retrieve. This is due to the reel’s 4.9:1 gear ratio on the size 50 variant of the Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast. The reel’s main gear is made of brass, which aids in the the smoothness of the retrieve. This system is known as Duragear Heavy Duty. The aluminum alloy sideplate and frame provides sturdiness with no flex.

Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast Models

MODEL	GEAR RATIO	Reel Handle Position	RETRIEVE RATE	PRICE & AVAILABILITY
REVO T2 BST50	4.9:1	Right	24" | 61cm
REVO T2 BST51	4.9:1	Left	24" | 61cm
REVO T2 BST50-HS	6.2:1	Right	31" | 79cm
REVO T2 BST51-HS	6.2:1	Left	31" | 79cm
REVO T2 BST60	4.9:1	Right	24" | 61cm
REVO T2 BST61	4.9:1	Left	24" | 61cm
REVO T2 BST60-HS	6.2:1	Right	31" | 79cm
REVO T2 BST61-HS	6.2:1	Left	31" | 79cm

Reel Brakes: Abu Garcia decided to utilize a dual braking system in this reel known as InfiniMax Braking System. The new system features a mag dial that is adjustable  via a dial on the sideplate, combined with adjustable centrifugal brakes which are located on the spool’s rotor. The system works by controlling spin via moving a set of magnets either into or back away from the reel’s spool rotor.

We’re still a bit uncertain about the necessity of the dual braking system, and many big bait fishermen would argue that a centrifugal system is preferred when casting heavy baits long distances. Some feel that magnetic brake systems sometimes cut long casts short. The verdict is still out on this one.

Drag System: The Revo Toro utilizes Abu Garcia’s Carbon Matrix Drag System and is rated to a max pressure of 25lbs by the manufacturer. In our experience with the reel, the drag performance was both smooth and consistent. While we didn’t land any monsters during our testing, we have the utmost confidence in the Toro Beast’s drag system.

Reel Design & Ergonomics: Truth be told, the 50 and 60 are both fairly large musky reels. What really stood out to us, and what we really liked, was the how the extra long handle went well with the size of the frame. We also really loved the extra sport handles included at no extra cost. The knobs of the Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast also are very proportional with the rest of the reel. The overall size is on par with other 300-sized reels in this class.

When it comes to maintenance of the Toro Beast, disassembly and reassembly may require a little extra patience. In particular, the reassembly. We won’t bore you with all of the gory details here, but you can consult the owner’s manual for complete instructions. We can say that it’s design is fairly common with most other low profile baitcaster reels. So, if you have worked on another similar reel before, you should have no problems with this one.

Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast Review: Conclusion

When it comes to musky fishing, the Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast 50/60 is a rock solid choice for large, heavy lures. Due to it’s slower 4.9:1 gear ratio, the reel enables you to slowly maneuver your larger lures through the main strike zone more effectively. As long as you can get comfortable with it’s larger size, this reel is also a great option for deeper diving crank baits. If you are looking for a reel to do finesse presentations, only then would this reel not be an ideal choice.

With it’s aluminum alloy body, 7 stainless steel HPCR bearings, and included extra sport handles, the Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast also makes a solid choice for saltwater fishermen. Any angler who needs a large line capacity and extra power would find this reel to be a fine choice.

Lastly, if you are one of the minority who either favors a slow retrieve, high power reel, especially if you are left handed, then this is very well the best musky reel for you. There are very few other options on the market that offer this type of setup in a left handed model.

But you don’t have to take our word for it. You can read more reviews here.

Last updated on March 7th, 2023 at 11:08 pm

In years past, low profile fishing reels dominated the large freshwater fishing market, primarily in bass fishing applications. Fishing for bass and other similarly sized fish calls for fishing line rated at twenty pounds or less. Because of this, most low profile baitcast reels were primarily made in the 100 and 200 sizes. In contrast to their round baitcast cousins, low profile baitcast reels are smaller in size, thus easier to palm and hold while fishing. However, as larger, heavier baits began to hit the market, demand grew for slightly larger low profile fishing reels that could handle heavier line and more capacity. Manufacturers began producing 300 and 400 size low profile baitcasters. Low profile reels, such as the Okuma Komodo SS, are no longer just for bass fishing. Musky and northern fishermen are now also users of low profile baitcaster reels.

Previously, when looking at some of the best musky reels for sale, we had looked at some of the Okuma round baitcast reel options. Today, we provide an in depth review of the Okuma Komodo SS low profile baitcasting reel.

Okuma Komodo SS Review – Quality, Ergonomics, And Design

The Okuma Komodo SS is finished with an attractive grey paint, and we found the craftsmanship of the sideplate and frame to be on par with other reels in it’s class. We really like the fact that this reel comes in both a Power handle and Twin Paddle option, and we really enjoyed the overall length of the handle, coming in at 100 mm long. We felt that the knob on the Power handle could be improved by making it a little flatter, rather than it’s current very round design. This would make it easier to grip and crank. Therefore, we do prefer the Twin Paddle option better. It’s 300 size makes it a bit more uncomfortable to palm compared to a 100 size reel, but that is the price one must pay for the ability to use a larger reel for bigger fish and bait. Tolerances in the frame and sideplate are very tight, but the handle and knob tolerances could use a little more refinement.

This musky reel weighs in at 10.9 oz for the 364 model, which is about average in this class. Teardown and maintenance is simple and straightforward on the Komodo reel.

Okuma Komodo SS 364 – Performance

Casting: Due to it’s larger size, the Komodo 364 performs better when casting larger, heavier lures. It will be able to handle even your biggest lures with no problems. That said, it certainly can handle throwing smaller bait. However, the musky rod and line test that you are using will also play equal parts into how a bait will cast. Overall, we were pleased with the casting performance of the Komodo reel.

Retrieve: The Komodo’s retrieve is smooth comfortable with only a tiny bit of “looseness” caused by the tiny amount of backplay in the reel’s handle

Power: The long handle on the Komodo SS provided a lot of cranking power and leverage, and the internal gears responded nicely, as well. Even when throwing our largest baits, such as Bull Dawgs and Bucktails, the reel performed remarkably well. While we didn’t have any luck with landing any larger muskies on the day that we tested this reel, we have no doubt that it would perform well with even the biggest monster musky.

Drag: We found the drag was both smooth and reliable on both high and low settings. We have no complaints with the drag on the Okuma 364.

Brakes: The Okuma Komodo utilizes a centrifugal braking system that we found to be adequate and easy to access for maintenance. Just before to try to do all maintenance and adjustments prior to heading out into the water, so as to reduce the chances of losing any parts. The system is reliable and simple to adjust.

Okuma Komodo SS 364 vs 463

We would like to point out that this reel also comes in a 400 size option. The differences between the Okuma Komodo 364 vs 463 can be seen in the table below.

MODEL	GEAR RATIO	BEARINGS	WEIGHT (OZ.)	LINE RETRIEVE	MAX DRAG PRESSURE	PRICE & AVAILABILITY
KDS-364P	6.4:1	6HPB + 1RB	11.6	31"	25-lbs
KDS-463P	6.3:1	7HPB + 1RB	16.5	33.5"	30-lbs

Okuma Komodo SS Final Thoughts

The biggest strength of this musky reel is for casting big, heavy baits – no matter if bucktails, Bull Dawgs, or crankbaits, this is where the highlight of this fishing reel lies. Additionally, thanks in large part to it’s built in on/off clicker, this muskie reel is built for serious fishing. In our opinion, Okuma Komodo SS 364, is an extremely reliable, high performing musky feel, who’s performance would excel even further with a more ergonomic, flat knob design. Being that the knob is the only fault that we could find with the Okuma Komodo SS 364, we recommend that you give it a try if you’re looking for a mid-prices, solid musky reel. You can check current pricing and availability here.

Okuma reels continue to gain angler confidence, thus gaining acceptance and recognition in a very picky muskie fishing community. While there is no shortage of low profile baitcaster reels today, a good affordable reel like the Okuma Komodo SS is nice to have as an option.

Last updated on March 7th, 2023 at 11:06 pm

In today’s musky fishing world, there are a plethora of options available in the low profile baitcaster fishing reel market. This is great, as there is a muskie reel to fit any budget or skill level. While most manufacturers are getting away from the round baitcasting reel design, there are still a select few that still offer quality reels in this category that are worthy of your attention. Abu Garcia is one of these manufacturers. Abu Garcia helped to define the category and has earned a loyal following. Today, we present to you our Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Classic C4 Baitcaster Reel Review and take an in-depth look at how the Ambassadeur C4 measures up against the wants and needs of today’s muskie fisherman.

Abu Garcia Classic Baitcaster Reel Pros And Cons

As with any musky fishing reel, there are pros and cons. Before we jump into the full review, let’s take a quick look at the pluses and minuses for the Abu Garcia Classic Round Baitcaster Reel.

PROS:

– Carbon fiber matrix drag system is top of the line.

– Durability: this reel is likely to last a lifetime.

– Good brake system: 6 pin centrifugal brake.

– Instant anti-reverse feature is excellent when setting the hook.

– Abu Garcia name and long lasting quality.

CONS:

– Lacking cranking power vs competitor muskie reels.

Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 Review

Let’s first take a look at some of the main characteristics that musky fishermen look for when comparing muskie reels.

Casting

Where the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Classic C4 really excels is in it’s casting ability. With this fishing reel, Abu Garcia utilizes a 6 pin centrifugal brake which gives the reel consistent brake pressure all throughout the cast. We love this “set and forget” type of system. When you attach your bait and cast it out, the your lures glide through the air much further than you probably expected and with great ease.

Retrieve

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 benefits from 5 bearings, consisting of 1 roller bearing + 4 stainless steel ball bearings, giving this reel a fluid, yet connected feel during its retrieve. While not quite as smooth as some of today’s higher-end low profile baitcasters, the c4 does inspire confidence during its retrieve. The handle is of standard size and provides simply average leverage, so really there is nothing outstanding or lacking with the way the Ambassadeur C4 reel feels as you crank the handle. We feel that the reel could benefit from a slightly larger handle.

Drag

Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Classic is rated by the manufacturer with a max drag setting of (15lbs.) fifteen pounds. Despite the older, round baitcast reel design, the C4 benefits quite nicely from a very modern drag system of aluminum disks and carbon fiber nestled within the main gear. We found the performance of the C4’s drag system to be very smooth and consistent.

In field performance when battling various sized fish was on par with some higher-end reels. Any fishing line taken off during a fight was consistently smooth and the reel proved quite dependable.

Power

While the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 holds it’s own in other categories, one area where we felt it comes up just a bit short is cranking power. When throwing heavier baits, such as larger Bulldawgs, we had to work hard to retrieve the bait back to the boat. Sadly the Ambassadeur C4 simply lacks the same power for heavier, deep diving crankbaits that other muskie reels, like the Daiwa Lexa 300, have.

That being said, when fishing with medium or shallow running spinnerbaits or crankbaits, the C4 performs extremely well. It is simply not designed for real demanding, heavy cranking duties. Perhaps contributing to this is its average sized handle mentioned earlier.

Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6600, 5600, 4600

MODEL	RETRIEVE AVAILABLE	GEAR RATIO	MONO CAPACITY YD/LB	BRAID CAPACITY YD/LB	PRICE & AVAILABILITY
4600	Right	6.3:1	160/12	155/30
5600	Right & Left	6.3:1	240/12	235/30
6600	Right & Left	6.3:1	320/12	310/30

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 comes in 3 sizes: 4600, 5600, 5600. The main difference between them is the line capacity. For musky fishing, we recommend going with at least the 5600 model, but preferably the 6600 model. It’s always good to have a little extra line when you need it.

Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4 Review Conclusion

Due to it’s larger size, precise gears, and somewhat slow retrieve ratio, we feel that the Abu Garcia C4 reel is best suited for moving bait applications. It’s inferior real power somewhat limits it’s use for bigger bait fishing, and there are other reels far better suited for finesse applications. It is adequate in other areas beyond power, however, its biggest strength is it’s ability to toss spinnerbaits, crankbaits, chatterbaits, and pretty much any other slower moving baits.

If you’re a muskie fisherman who likes the traditional round baitcaster reel style, or somebody who has had success with Abu Garcia products in the past, then you will probably be pleased with the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C4. Click Here for the best price and selection.

If, after reading this review, you’re still not sure if the Abu Garcia Classic Baitcaster is the right muskie reel for you, check out our Muskie Reel Buying Guide.

Last updated on March 7th, 2023 at 10:59 pm

The Daiwa Lexa 300 is by far one of the most popular fishing reels for sale. This highly versatile baitcasting reel was built for big fish and strong fishing lines.  Keep reading for the full Daiwa Lexa 300 review.

The Daiwa Lexa 300 baitcasting reel can handle everything from steelhead to salmon, from muskie to tarpon and from stripers to bluefish. From precision casting with big swim baits for muskie to casting for your favorite saltwater fish, these baitcasting reels from Daiwa get the job done, thanks to their high speed and high power gear ratios.

Daiwa Lexa 300 Review – Features

Frame

It’s “Swept Handle” design fits the angler’s hand quite naturally and comfortably. In order to reduce weight, the Daiwa Lexa 300 reel also utilizes cutouts which to not affect the performance or strength of the reel.  The aluminum side plate and frame, along with a carbon fiber drag system also help to keep down the weight of this reel.

Fishermen are able to precisely tun in the perfect amount of resistance, by using Daiwa’s “Magforce” cast control, thus reducing those infuriating “bird’s nests”. The super strong and light A7075 aluminum spool performs flawlessly on this reel. The Lexa body also has ample line capacity for heavier fishing lines.

Bearings

The Lexa makes use of 7 total bearings, consisting of 2 Super Corrosion Resistant Ball Bearings, 4 Stainless Steel Ball Bearings, and 1 Roller Bearing. The CRBB bearings are unique to Daiwa and are stainless steel that has been specially treated to have a 12 times greater lifespan than ordinary stainless steel bearings that are subject to corrosive saltwater. The CRBB are sealed to keep salt crystals, grit, sand,  fine grit, or any other damaging abrasives. So called “corrosion resistant” bearings found on other reels are usually open to debris and saltwater that will quickly compromise the reel’s performance.

Daiwa Lexa 300 Review – Performance

The unique “Swept Handle” on the Daiwa Lexa 300 positions the paddles towards the centerline of the rod, which results in less rod wobble as you crank the reel. This gives the angler a more powerful lure retrieve while using less energy. Controlling hard-pulling fish with smooth operation is accomplished via the 6-piece Ultimate Tournament Drag (UTD) carbon fiber system, combined with an aluminum spool that is ready for braided line out of the box.

The Lexa is a super comfortable reel to use, thanks to low profile and the lower position of the thumb rest. This offers a better grip with more control and comfort.

Daiwa Lexa 300 baitcasting reels come in about six different models, which means you can find the perfect model that suits your needs and preferences. They even have several “lefties” in the bunch. We recommend that you check out Daiwa’s website to determine your perfect match. All Daiwa Lexa 300 models can be spooled with a wide variety of fishing lines, including the heavier braided lines. MSRP on these reels is in the $199 range, but you can often find them for less on Amazon.

If you enjoy musky fishing as much as we do, then you owe it to yourself to pickup a Daiwa Lexa 300 today. We’re positive that you won’t be disappointed that you did.

Be sure to check out our muskie reel buying guide and our other top musky reel selections. Choosing a quality musky reel that best suits you is the most important muskie fishing decision that you’ll ever make.

Last updated on March 7th, 2023 at 11:34 pm

When it comes to musky reels, there are a plethora of options on the market. Daiwa, Okuma, PENN, and Abu Garcia all make solid quality muskie reels. However, if you are an angler on a tight budget, in our opinion the best baitcasting reel under $100 for Musky is the Shimano Corvalus.

Shimano Corvalus: Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100

Building upon the legacy of Shimano’s great Catala and Corsair reels, the Shimano Corvalus has built in all of the great features as well as the vast knowledge gained from years of fishing reel manufacturing into this reasonably-priced (under $100), tough round baitcasting reel. The Shimano Corvalus is made from a cast aluminum frame and also features all aluminum sideplates which provide for a longer life and very solid casting efficiency.

The Shimano Corvalus incorporates special design features which help to ensure that there is little to no back play in your line spool for solid hooksets. Shimano Corvalus also integrates Shimano’s Variable Brake System (VBS), giving you dialed in performance with virtually no backlashes. Shimano’s Corvalus baitcasting reels are high quality round muskie reels at an affordable price. This best baitcasting reel under $100 for musky was simply designed to get the job done without breaking the bank.

Best Baitcasting Reels

Some of the best baitcasting reels for muskies are the Calcutta and PENN reels. However, those reels cost $200-$400. While they are worth the extra cost in most cases, not everybody’s budget is that high for a tiger musky reel.

One of our readers wrote in to us and had this to say about the Shimano Corvalus:

After going through 5 St Croix Avid Rods, 2 Calcutta TE’s, and 4 Calcutta 400Bs over the past year, I was just about to give up on the high end and high priced reels. In my search for a reliable, cheap musky reel I found the Shimano Corvalus 400. After 8 months of nearly everyday use by both me and my clients, the Corvalus musky reels are still working flawlessly! I was a little nervous at first, since I have had a few other Shimanos fail on me in the past. However, these Shimano Corvalus musky reels really are the best musky reels I have ever fished with. What’s more, perhaps the best aspect of them is that they are under $100.

If you are in need of an inexpensive, yet nice musky reel, I highly recommend getting a Shimano Corvalus. For my charter business, this was the best baitcasting reel under $100 for musky that I could find.

Matt P. – Minocqua, WI

We agree with Matt. Higher end tiger muskie reels are certainly nice if you can afford them. However, to have an enjoyable and successful musky fishing experience, you can keep your musky baitcasting reel budget to under $100.

Best Baitcasting Reel Under $100 For Musky – Final Thoughts

For the price, the Shimano Corvalus is the best baitcasting reel under $100 for Musky. That being said, as with most things, you do get what you pay for. Keep in mind that all musky reels will eventually break or need repairs or service. Calcutta reels or PENN Musky reels will outperform the Corvalus, but at 2-3 times the cost.

You don’t have to take our word for it. Check out the price and other reviews for this reel on Amazon.

Check out this video showing the Shimano Corvalus, the best baitcasting reel under $100 for musky in action.

Last updated on August 25th, 2018 at 02:10 pm

One of the most overlooked brands of muskie fishing reels are PENN reels. Ever since Otto Henze started the PENN Fishing Tackle Company way back in 1932, they have been one of the leaders in modern fishing reel design and production. PENN prides itself on the fact that millions of professional and experienced fishing anglers around the globe put their faith and trust in PENN fishing reels every day. According to PENN, that is what inspires them to continue Otto’s dream of making the world’s best quality fishing reels.

PENN Fishing Reels

Although most PENN fishing reels are designed and built primarily for saltwater fishing, the Penn Gold Label Series International V Two Speed Reel can be used for freshwater fishing, as well. Penn fishing reels come from the factory with a light-weight, single piece of forged aluminum frame along with a aluminum precision machined spool. These are combined with aluminum side plates and a gold anodized finish for superior corrosion resistance.

Utilizing a 4.5:1 high-speed gear ratio, the PENN International 975 delivers superior strength and faster retrieves of 20 inches of fishing line for each turn of the reel handle. PENN reels are built incredibly strong with a stainless steel, machined pinion gear and high strength, machined bronze metal alloy main gear which is strong enough for the biggest of tiger muskies.

A uniquely engineered one-way anti-reverse roller bearing almost completely eliminates handle kick back on the PENN reels, which means you get positive, rock solid hook sets along with quiet, silky smooth performance. The PENN International 975’s 2 aircraft quality, sealed ball bearings and roller bearing are made of stainless steel making them corrosion resistant, and built for a lifetime of use.

This PENN fishing reel provides the smooth stopping power of other much larger fishing reels thanks to it’s over-sized, Multi-Disc HT100 Star Drag System. Some of the other high performance features which distinguish the Penn Gold Label Series International V Two Speed Reel fishing reel from its competitors include: a positive level wind system; a great new ergonomically engineered infinitely adjustable star wheel; auto engage with a simple turn of the crank; a titanium nitride coated zirconium oxide line guide; a easy-to-use, loud clicker; a positive push button free spool; adjustable, three-level centrifugal brake casting control; padded soft grip handle; and a stainless steel reel seat. The Penn Gold Label Series International V Two Speed Reel can hold up to 340 yards of 15-pound fishing mono line and this PENN reel weighs in at 17 ounces.

PENN International Reels

The PENN 900 baitcast reel, also known as PENN International Reels, are made in the USA, and are are absolutely the most solidly built baitcast fishing reels on the market.

PENN International reels are perfectly balanced to complement any one of your favorite muskie casting rods, and constructed to set a new standard of quality and reliability. Every PENN International Baitcast reel is made with a Full Metal side plates and body in order to ensure that its precision gear alignment remains intact under extreme force.

PENN Reel Reviews

We’d like to see more muskie fishermen give PENN reels a shot. As we’ve already discussed, the quality of a PENN reel is hard to beat. A PENN reel is buy it for life fishing reel, provided you do proper regular maintenance. Be sure to check out more PENN reel reviews on Amazon.com.

Last updated on March 7th, 2023 at 11:41 pm

Choosing the best musky rod and reel combo for the money can seem like a daunting task. Knowing that each angler has their preferred musky baits and musky fishing techniques, all of which are best served by the various product attributes, it is difficult even for us to pick just one best musky rod and reel combo. However, below we some of our top choices to help you decide.

In our opinion, the best muskie rod and reel combo for sale today is the St. Croix Premier (PC70MHF) Rod & the Shimano Calcutta 300D reel combo. This musky rod and reel combo features one of the best St. Croix musky rods available, along with a top performing Shimano Calcutta 300D musky reel.

The Shimano Calcutta reel offers smooth as silk performance that can take a beating from even the biggest tiger muskies. The St. Croix rod offers unsurpassed craftsmanship that you will feel on the first cast. Casting with this muskie rod and reel combo is a dream. This is definitely, in our opinion, the best musky rod and reel combo for sale today.

Best Muskie Rod And Reel Combo Runner Up

The runner in our best musky rod and reel combo reviews is the St. Croix Premier PC66MF Rod & Shimano Calcutta 300D Reel Combo.

This St. Croix muskie rod offers outstanding hook-setting power, premium-grade cork handle, premium-quality SCII graphite. and outstanding strength and sensitivity. It is also backed by a St. Croix 5 year warranty.

The next generation Shimano Calcutta reel comes in several different sizes for serious cranking power and with the durability and rigidity you expect from Shimano for year after year use.

We’ve had several of our readers write in and tell us that they absolutely love this combination, which is why we chose it as one of top best muskie rod and reel combos.

Best Muskie Rod And Reel Combo Honorable Mention

The St. Croix Premier PC70MF Rod & Penn International 965 Reel Combo deserves an honorable mention here. The PC70MF offers faster action than the PC70MHF mentioned first, so give this some consideration when thinking about your personal preference.

As for the Penn International 965 reel, these baitcast reels are among the most rigidly constructed muskie baitcast reels available today. They are built to offer excellent quality and reliability, and they are designed to handle any type fish that you may encounter. They offer smooth drag even under heavy loads, and feature 2 stainless steel ball bearings and other Stainless steel construction for long lasting performance.

Best Muskie Rod And Reel Combo

BEST MUSKIE ROD & REEL COMBO	POWER	ACTION	LENGTH	RATING	PRICE & AVAILABILITY
St. Croix Premier (PC70MHF), Shimano Calcutta 300D	MH	Fast	7'	4.9
St. Croix Premier PC66MF, Shimano Calcutta 300D Reel	M	Fast	6'6"	4.7
St. Croix Premier PC70MF, Penn International 965 Reel	MH	Fast	7'	4.5

Top Best Muskie Rod And Reel Combo Reviews Conclusion

It should come as no surprise that all 3 of our best muskie rod and reel combo reviews featured St. Croix musky rods. They truly are the pinnacle of fresh water sport fishing rods. Anytime you see top muskie rod reviews, you’re going to see St. Croix at the top of the list. Coincidence? I don’t think so.