Finding budget musky reels is tough. The reels need to handle heavy lures and repetitive casting use. These two factors place a lot of stress on a reel. As a result, there are few reels capable of the stress the reels will see musky fishing.
Reading Time: 4 minutes, 995 words
Understand reels that are in the low-cost range. Tend to be for casual or entry-level musky fishing reels. This is if you fish for muskies for a few weeks to a couple of months a year. You might be someone wanting to try out the sport also. One of these budget musky reels will fit your needs.
The Alijoz 400 is the next generation big game casting reel from Piscifun. The reel is larger and sturdier for tackling larger fish. If you use large lures it is built to handle the weight. The reel works with lighter lures also.
I have tested the 6.6:1 ratio with Medussas and Bulldawgs, double blade spinners, and lures weighing over 3 ounces. The casting was very good with the retrieve being easy and smooth. The counterweighted power handle is a nice improvement over the 300’s power handle.
| Gear Ratio | Bearings | Max Drag | Retrieve Rate | Line Capacity | Reel Weight |
| 8.1:1 | 8+1 | 35 lb. | 42 inches | 50/262 80/165 | 14.5 |
| 6.6:1 | 8+1 | 354 lb. | 34 inches | 50/262 80/165 | 14.5 |
Pros
Cons
The reel comes with a clicker for live bait fishing. You set the reel to free spool with the clicker on for an alarm. It has a large line capacity allowing the use of heavier lines if you want. The reel is a great value for a little more than the cost of the Alijoz 300.
This is the best deal for a budget musky reel. It has a low cost and performs well above the price. You have a choice of two ratios. The low ratio is good for big or slower-moving lures.
The high ratio is great for burning bucktails and lures needing quick line recovery. The high ratio reel is very good for topwater also. This reel is ideal for people beginning musky fishing. Yet unsure of investing the higher costs.
| Model | Ratio | Weight Ozs. | Braid Cap | Recovery | Bearings | Drag |
| Right Hand | 5.9:1 | 11.3 | 205/40 | 26.8 | 8+1 | 33 |
| Right Hand | 8.1:1 | 11.3 | 205/40 | 36.2 | 8+1 | 33 |
| Left Hand | 5.9:1 | 11.3 | 205/40 | 26.8 | 8+1 | 33 |
| Left Hand | 8.1:1 | 11.3 | 205/40 | 36.2 | 8+1 | 33 |
At the price, one of each ratio is affordable. Putting them on a good rod will cover all lure situations. You can have 2 combos for the price of one of the best gear setups. This gives you options in the presentation of the lures. You can go with a slow roll or high speed with a lure.
The reel is easy to wrap your hand around. It has a nice balance on the rod. You have the option of paddle or power handle also. The power handle makes cranking heavy lures an easy task.
Pro
Cons
The Alijoz is the best musky reel under 100 dollars.
The Abu C3 is well built and solid. You want to throw the big heavy rubber or troll big jakes. This is what you need in the budget musky reels. The reel is made for heavier use. The bearing count is lower but of higher quality.
| Model | Ratio | Weight | Braid Cap. | Recovery | Bearings | Drag |
| C3-5500 | 5.3:1 | 9.9 | 235/30 | 26 | 3+1 | 15 |
| C3-5501 | 5.3:1 | 9.9 | 235/30 | 26 | 3+1 | 15 |
| C3-6500 | 5.3:1 | 10.7 | 310/30 | 26 | 3+1 | 15 |
| C3-6501 | 5.3:1 | 10.7 | 310/30 | 26 | 3+1 | 15 |
The reel is suitable for crankbaits, slow-rolling bucktails or spoons, and soft plastics up to 6-8 ounces. The larger size is lower cost, it is the one you want.
The reel will excel with slower baits, yet, it is too slow for burning bucktails. As good as the reel is, it is limited to the slower presentations or trolling. It is a great live bait or trolling reel. The reel will last a long time.
Pros
Cons
A good all-around reel in the budget musky reel class. It can work slow lures well. Plus it is fast enough for bucktails and other faster lure presentations also. It will not give the burning bucktail speed. Yet, gets them going fairly fast.
| Model | Ratio | Weight | Braid Cap. | Recovery | Bearings | Drag |
| KRLCSTKP-54RBL | 5.4:1 | 10.8 | 230/65 | 25.3 | 8+1 | 35 |
| KRLCSTKP-54LBL | 5.4:1 | 10.8 | 230/65 | 25.3 | 8+1 | 35 |
The slightly lighter weight makes longer times casting a little easier. A reel weighing a 1/2 to 1 ounce lighter does help reduce fatigue. The wide low profile is easy to grasp also. It comes with a paddle handle. A power handle would be a nice option but is not available.
Pros
Cons
The Chaos XS is for people on a very limited budget. The reel will do the job fairly well. I was surprised at the castability of the reel. On a 7 1/2 feet rod it launches 2-3 ounce lures far. The reel appears to be built well, above its price in my opinion.
| Model | Ratio | Weight | Braid Cap | Recovery | Bearings | Drag |
| 4000 | 5.3:1 | 11.2 | 220/30 | 24.8 | 6+1 | 18 |
| 5000 | 5.3:1 | 12.0 | 260/40 | 24.8 | 6+1 | 20 |
| 6000 | 5.3:1 | 12.7 | 330/40 | 24.8 | 6+1 | 22 |
The reel can work bucktails, jakes, and smaller rubber with ease. It likely will work for up to 8-ounce soft plastics without issues. If you want to go low price to try out musky fishing it is a fairly good choice. Later you can upgrade and use this reel for suckers or trolling.
Pros
Cons
These reels are good for casual or entry-level musky fishing. A comparison to the best reels is not workable or expected. You are buying a reel that does the job.
It will last a casual angler a long time. An entry-level angler will need to upgrade at some point. Then one of these reels will be a backup or limited-use reel.
Do not forget to find the right rod for you. The rods come in budget and higher-performing models. The rods tend to be affordable for the majority of people.
Musky fishing can be affected by various factors. Including water temperature, weather conditions, and the…
Fall is an excellent time for musky fishing as the cooler temperatures. Plus changing conditions…
When it comes to freshwater gamefish, few species capture the imagination quite like the musky.…
If you're an avid angler, there's nothing quite like the thrill of catching a musky.…
When it comes to fishing for musky, choosing the right musky lure can make a…
When it comes to musky fishing. Choosing lure colors can make the difference between landing…
This website uses cookies.