Best Low-Profile Musky Reels

What are the best low-profile musky reels? It depends on how much you fish for muskies. Also, how you fish makes a difference. The majority of reels can do it all. That does not make it the best reel for you.

You need to look at lure type and weight. Some lures have a lot of drag. While a lot of lures weigh too much for many reels. The reel size is a big factor with musky reels.

• Best Reel; Shimano Tranx 400
• Easiest to Use; Daiwa Lexa 400

How to Choose a Musky Reel Size?

The size you use depends on several factors. All musky reels come in 2-3 sizes to fit the need of anglers. The majority of people will find a 300-400 size to work well. But there are many anglers, who need a larger reel.

Bigger lures need a larger reel. The heavier lures place more stress on the reel. Throwing big soft plastics is a reason to go with a larger reel. If you troll, the larger reels are the better option also.

• 300 size, best for lighter and small lures (1-4 ounces).
• 400 size, good if you throw small lures and a few heavier lures (lures up to 8 ounces).
• 500 size, for use with the bigger and heavier lures (lures 6-16 ounces).

The reels have larger line capacities. If trolling close to the boat line capacity is not a problem. But going deeper and farther back uses up line quickly. You do need a larger reel.

If you use bucktails, smaller topwater, and small jerk baits. The 300 size is fine for your needs. Look at the weight of a lure. If using lures over 5-6 ounces or trolling. A 400-500 size is a better choice.

What is the Best Reel Ratio?

In reality, there is not one ratio that is best for everything. The low ratios serve a purpose. The same is true for high and middle-range ratios also. You have to choose based on your lures and techniques.

• Low Ratios, reel with a ratio under 5.5:1
• Mid-Range Ratios, reels with 6.0:1 to 7.0:1
• High Ratios, reels with ratios over 7.1:1

The list is the basic range for a reel. Some reels will have a 5.9:1 ratio. But the spool size will have it retrieve a lure in the mid-range speed. As a result, a more accurate measure is the line retrieval rate. It takes the ratio and spool size working together.

Line retrieve rates run between 25-40 inches. A reel with a retrieve rate of 30 or a little higher is all-around use. Picking up slack fast or high speed is 35 or higher. Using a slower reel look towards the 25 inches retrieve.

A 400 or 500-size reel with a lower ratio will have a line retrieve close to a 300-size reel with a higher ratio. You need to take this into account. If in doubt, a 400 size tends to fit most uses well. It is the most popular size for musky fishing reels.

As a result, slow-moving lures use a lower ratio. If you want to burn bucktails a high ratio is a must-have feature. A low ratio has more power for cranking heavier lures. In contrast, a high ratio has less cranking power. The mid-range ratios fall between for all-around use.

Yes, you can adjust your cranking speed. But your focus needs to be on catching fish, not controlling reel speed. The right reel or reels add to fishing success. Check the line retrieve rate, ratio, and reel size. Base what you buy on your needs.

Musky Casting Reels

These are the best low-profile musky reels on the market. People argue which one is best. You will not have a problem with any of the reels with good maintenance. Yes, there are small differences.

Shimano Tranx Musky reels

The Tranx is the workhorse of the low-profile musky reels. It comes in three sizes to fit the needs of an angler. It is the popular choice among musky anglers.

The 400 size is a good size for many anglers. As mentioned a 300 is limited to small lures. The 500 is an oversize reel for larger lures. If you only have one reel go 400 for the versatility.

There are not any issues with the Tranx models. You get years of high performance and use with these reels.

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Daiwa Lexa Musky reels

The Lexa comes with magnetic braking. You can fine-tune the brakes with a dial on the outside. This type of braking is better if throwing lighter lures also. When throwing bucktails an easy turn of the dial makes casting better.

The Lexa comes in 4 ratios. This allows you to find a reel with the best speed. The 400-power model is another ratio. It is for heavy lures and uses. In general, a reel in the 7 ratio range works best for the majority of people.

The 400 size is a little heavier than some other reels. The weight is not an issue if throwing heavier lures. If you throw lighter lures, the 300 is a better choice.

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Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast

Abu sizing is a little different. The 60 size is equal to a 400-size in other reel makes. The 50 is a little small but adequate for bucktails and lures under 4 ounces.

Abu has lower ratios but larger diameter spools. This results in cranking power with good line capacity. The reels do lack capacity if using a 100 lb. test braid.

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Okuma Komodo Musky Reels

Okuma tends to be overlooked by musky anglers. Their tackle is on par with any other manufacturers’ tackle. The ratios run in the all-around use range. Okuma does make some of the low-profile musky reels.

The 463 and 473 are a little oversize in caparison to other 400-size reels. The reel is great for large lures. The line capacity and drag power are more than you need.

The 371 model is a nice all-around model for anglers using lures under 4-5 ounces. The bigger sizes will do the job with heavy lures.

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Conclusion

There are low-profile musky reels for everyone. Look for one that fits your needs before the budget. Replacing the reel in a few years costs more in the long term. The higher quality reels cast better and are smoother reeling. Look at the reel as an investment for fishing performance.