The best musky bucktails are debatable among anglers. The truth is that quality matters. Does the company make a good product? You will find a few rather expensive and others at low costs. The lower the price the chances are the lure will have lower performance.

The cheaper lure may be lighter and lacking in casting. The best musky bucktails use tungsten or brass bodies to add weight. Lures costing less tend to have the blades hang or not turn easily. Paying more the blades will spin easier and usually as soon as you retrieve the lure.
The skirts are another part of the lure where price helps quality. That said, you can find many lures in the middle price range that perform well. Plan on spending 20-35 dollars for a good bucktail lure. You may find a few at a slightly lower price. These will be a hit or miss on how well they work.
Musky Mayhem Musky Bucktails
This company makes the best musky bucktails in my opinion. You will not have problems with the lures. They cast very well compared to other bucktail spinners. The blades start up as soon as you begin the retrieve.
The lures use Colorado blades ranging from size 4.5 to 10. The blades come in Silver, Black Nickel, and painted options. Chartreuse is a popular color on the blades.
The blades will add resistance when reeling in the lure. The double 10s can cause fatigue on your arms cranking the lure on the retrieve. I find the #7 and #8 blades work well for bigger fish. The smaller blades work for any size and tend to catch more fish. They cause less fatigue too.
You have options in the weight of the lure also. The smaller sizes are competitively priced. The Double Cowgirl is a bit pricey. The lures do excel and starting out try a few of the Showgirls or Cowgirl Jrs. If you have the tackle rated for the Big Double Cowgirl it is worth having one or two.
Lure | Weight | Hook Size | Blades |
Double Cowgirl | 2.8 ounce | (2) 7/0 | 2 – # 10 magnum |
Cowgirl Jr. | 2.3 ounce | (2) 7/0 | 2 – # 8 |
Show Girl | 1.6 ounce | (1) 7/0 | 2 – # 7 |
Micro Cowgirl | .75 ounce | (1) 1/0 | 2 – # 4.5 |
Babygirl | 1.8 | (1) 4/0 | 2 – # 6 |
Check the blade size and weight before buying the lures. You need the right power for the lures. Some can be thrown on heavy bass tackle. You can go up to a number 7 blade. A few need a heavy musky rod to handle the weight and blade size. Sizes 8 and 10 take a heavier rod.
Joe Bucher Bucktails
Joe Bucher bucktails are an affordable and smaller lure. The spinners use a number 5 fluted Indiana blade. This blade scatters the light reflections more. The lure comes in a size 500 and 700. The 500 is 5 inches and the 700 is 7 inches. The 700 weighs 1 1/4 ounces.
The two sizes have the tinsel series also. A 500 tinsel series weighs the same as a 700 series. This allows good casting with a smaller bucktail. The majority of small bucktails do not cast well due to their lightweight. These lures are an exception and will cast well.
Tooth Shield Musky Bucktails
Tooth Shield is a smaller outfit. They make affordable lures in larger sizes. You will find double 8, 9, and 10 blades on the lures. They run under 30 dollars making them a low-cost deal.
The quality is good with the lures. They are not a big name like the previously mentioned makes. The company does make a good product, I use them along with other manufacturers’ lures.
They come in a large selection of colors and blade sizes. If you are on a budget a few of these will be a great addition to your tackle. This company makes a good single-strand wire leader also.
Tooth Shield Bucktails on Amazon
Mepps Bucktails
The Mepps lures tend to be lighter lures. These lures are best thrown on heavy bass gear. The lures are too light for a musky rod. The weight of the lures is 1/2 to 3/4 ounces. In other words, they are a good choice for an occasional musky angler.
Mepps makes the Musky Killer, Musky Marabou, and Musky Flashabou. The killer uses an Indiana blade. The others come with painted or Silver Colorado blades.
The lures create a strong vibration. You will find they have less resistance on the retrieve also. Plus they come at a low price.