10 Best Musky Fishing Reels 2025 in the United States

The Okuma Komodo SS KDS-364 is a sturdy baitcasting reel designed with durability in mind, making it a good choice for musky fishing where strong gear is essential. It has a 6.4:1 gear ratio, which provides a balanced speed for both retrieving and fighting large fish. The reel holds up to 150 yards of 20-pound braided line, offering ample capacity for the long runs muskies can make. Its drag system is reliable with a maximum drag rated at around 21 pounds, giving you solid control when battling big fish. The reel size is large enough to handle heavy lines and lures commonly used in musky fishing, without feeling too bulky.

The handle features a paddle style made from stainless steel, which is comfortable and sturdy for powerful cranking. The bearings are stainless steel as well, contributing to smooth operation and corrosion resistance. Speaking of corrosion, the reel has a special coating that protects it against rust, which is great if you fish in wet or salty conditions. On the downside, the drag might feel a bit light if you encounter extraordinarily large muskies, and some anglers might prefer a slightly higher gear ratio for faster retrieves. Additionally, while the build is solid, its weight at about 0.68 pounds is moderate—some may want a lighter reel for long fishing sessions.

This reel offers durable materials, good line capacity, and smooth handling, making it a practical and affordable option for anglers targeting muskies who want a reliable baitcasting reel without complicated features.

The Okuma Komodo SS KDS-471P baitcasting reel is a solid choice for musky fishing, thanks to its strong build and useful features. It has a 7.1:1 gear ratio, which means it can retrieve your line quickly—helpful when you need to bring in large fish like muskies. The reel’s line capacity is quite generous, holding up to 130 yards of 30-pound test line, so you won’t easily run out of line during a fight. It features a powerful drag system rated at 30 pounds, giving you enough control to handle big, strong fish without the line breaking. The reel size is designed to be low profile, making it comfortable to hold for long periods, and the stainless steel power handle feels smooth and sturdy, which adds to the comfort and control when reeling in.

With 8 stainless steel bearings, the reel promises smooth performance and durability, and the corrosion-resistant coating helps protect it from wear, especially in freshwater or light saltwater environments. One downside is that at just over a pound, it’s not the lightest reel available, which might cause some fatigue during very long fishing sessions. Also, while it is built tough, it may not be as specialized as some higher-end reels dedicated solely to musky fishing, but it offers good value for its price. If you want a reliable, versatile baitcasting reel that can handle big fish and is comfortable to use, the Okuma Komodo SS is a dependable option to consider.

The Shimano Trinidad TN20A is a solid choice for anglers targeting musky, especially those who prefer trolling techniques. It features a gear ratio of 6.2:1, which provides a good balance between power and speed, helping you reel in big fish without struggling. The line capacity is generous, able to hold enough braided line (20 lb test with 420 yards or 25 lb test with 300 yards), which suits the long and heavy lines often used in musky fishing. Its drag system, using Shimano’s Cross Carbon Drag, offers smooth and consistent pressure with a maximum drag of 25 pounds—enough to handle strong fights but possibly a bit light for very large muskies.

The reel’s size 20 is comfortable for musky fishing, and the compact, metal HAGANE body ensures durability while keeping the weight manageable at 625 grams. The handle is made of aluminum and designed for right-handed users, offering solid grip and control. With 8+1 stainless steel bearings, the reel runs smoothly, reducing fatigue during long fishing sessions. Although the reel is priced at a premium and comes with a 1-year warranty, its build quality and performance justify the cost for serious musky enthusiasts. The Shimano Trinidad TN20A delivers a robust, reliable conventional reel for musky trolling, combining power, smoothness, and durability in one package.