Best Muskie Fishing Reels of 2025

Paul Tilton Avatar
Paul Tilton
Last Updated: Jan 7, 2025

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Muskie fishing is a popular sport among anglers who enjoy the thrill of catching this elusive freshwater predator. To be successful in this pursuit, one must have the right equipment, including a high-quality muskie fishing reel. These reels are specifically designed to handle the weight and power of muskie, with features such as large line capacity, powerful drag systems, and sturdy construction. Some popular brands of muskie fishing reels include Shimano, Abu Garcia, and Daiwa. With the right muskie fishing reel, anglers can increase their chances of landing the trophy fish of their dreams.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

KastKing Kapstan Elite Baitcasting Fishing Reel Cover #TOP 1
KastKing Kapstan Elite Baitcasting Fishing Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.9
KastKing Megatron 200 Baitcasting Reel Cover #TOP 2
KastKing Megatron 200 Baitcasting Reel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
KastKing Kapstan Elite 300 Cover #TOP 3
KastKing Kapstan Elite 300
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 5 Muskie Fishing Reels

#TOP 1

KastKing Kapstan Elite Baitcasting Fishing Reel

KRLCSTKP-54RBL-1
Right -Size 300
KastKing Kapstan Elite Baitcasting Fishing Reel Cover
KastKing Kapstan Elite Baitcasting Fishing Reel,Size 300,Right Handed Reel

The KastKing Kapstan Elite Baitcasting Fishing Reel is designed for competition and engineered for the win. With a large capacity, low profile, and a triple disc carbon drag system, it can handle the largest freshwater fish and is perfect for inshore saltwater fishing. Tournament proven components include manganese brass main and pinion gears and an aluminum handle with comfortable EVA grips. The reel is ultra-smooth and reliable, with 8+1 BB and an on/off switch for the audible spool clicker. Loaded with technology, it features a braid-ready aluminum spool and an easily accessible centrifugal braking system.

What We Like
Large capacity for long casts, bigger baits and bigger fish
Powerful triple disc carbon drag system delivers over 35 lbs of fish stopping drag
Tournament proven components for durability, smoothness and low noise
Reliable and proven centrifugal braking system eliminates frustrating overruns
Loaded with technology including a braid-ready aluminum spool and an easily accessible centrifugal braking system
#TOP 2

KastKing Megatron 200 Baitcasting Reel

Left-6.4:1
KastKing Megatron 200 Baitcasting Reel Cover
KastKing Megatron 200 Baitcasting Reel, 6.4:1 Gear Ratio, Left Handed

The KastKing Megatron 200 Reel is a high-capacity baitcasting reel designed for both fresh and saltwater fishing. With its wider frame and larger capacity spool, it can hold up to 130 yards of 17 lb mono and deliver up to 28.6 lbs of smooth drag. This reel is perfect for casting large swimbaits, deep diving crankbaits, and Muskie size lures. It is also ideal for targeting Catfish, Salmon/Steelhead, and more. The low-profile design ensures comfortable fishing all day long, while the lightweight and durable graphite construction fits comfortably in your hand. The reel features advanced components including double shielded stainless-steel ball bearings for smoothness, precision machined brass gears for strength, and a powerful carbon disc drag system for controlling even the strongest fish. The nine-level adjustable magnetic braking system virtually eliminates overruns and maximizes casting distance. Overall, the KastKing Megatron 200 Reel offers exceptional performance, durability, and control for anglers pursuing big fish in tough conditions.

What We Like
High-capacity and smooth drag
Comfortable low-profile design
Advanced components for performance and durability
#TOP 3

KastKing Kapstan Elite 300

KK-KPE-PW-2
Multi-color
KastKing Kapstan Elite 300 Cover
KastKing Kapstan Elite 300 Baitcasting Fishing Reel, Low Profile, Large Capacity Casting Reel, Graphite Frame, 35 lbs. Drag 5.4:1 Ratio, Right Handed Reel.

The KastKing Kapstan Elite 300 is a high-performance baitcasting fishing reel designed for competition and engineered for the win. With its large capacity and low-profile design, this reel is perfect for longer casts, bigger baits, and bigger fish. It can hold up to 230+ yards of 14 lb. mono or KastKing 65 lb. braid fishing line, making it ideal for Salmon/Steelhead, Muskie, Pike, Catfish, and Bass. The reel features a powerful triple disc carbon drag system, delivering over 35 lbs. of fish-stopping drag, which is perfect for targeting the largest freshwater fish. It also has tournament-proven components, including brass main and pinion gears and a stainless-steel main shaft, ensuring durability and high performance. The reel offers ultra-smooth and reliable operation with its 6+1 ball bearings and centrifugal braking system, which eliminates frustrating overruns. Additionally, it provides power and control with its braid-ready aluminum spool and easily accessible centrifugal braking system. The KastKing Kapstan Elite 300 is a top-notch baitcasting reel that will enhance your fishing experience.

What We Like
Large capacity
Powerful drag system
Tournament-proven components
#TOP 4

Ming Yang CL60 Baitcasting Reel

Ming Yang
Gold
6000
Ming Yang CL60 Baitcasting Reel Cover
Ming Yang Reel CL60 Reel Baitcasting Reel Right Handed Saltwater Fishing Muskie Reel Fishing Gear Gold Conventional Reel

The Ming Yang CL60 Baitcasting Reel is an affordable and reliable fishing gear suitable for muskie fishing. It offers up to 18 LB/8 KG of smooth drag with line out clicker alarm, easy access thumb bar spool release, and classic look. The gear ratio of 4.2:1 offers a low speed that is more suitable for fishermen to operate in the actual battle of Lure River. The reel is super smooth with only 2 ball bearings and 1 anti-reverse roller bearing (2+1 BB), making it easy to take in and put out fishing lines.

What We Like
Affordable and reliable
Offers up to 18 LB/8 KG of smooth drag
Super smooth with only 2 ball bearings and 1 anti-reverse roller bearing
#TOP 5

Ming Yang Reel MC600 Black Baitcasting Reel

Ming Yang
Black
Ming Yang Reel MC600 Black Baitcasting Reel Cover
Ming Yang Reel MC600 Black Baitcasting Reel 6 BB Right Handed Saltwater Fishing Gear Ratio 5.3:1 Muskie Catfish Fishing, Conventional Casting Reel with Power Handle

The Ming Yang Reel MC600 Black Baitcasting Reel is a right-handed saltwater fishing gear with a 5.3:1 gear ratio. It features an advanced brake system design with magnetic and centrifugal brake system for easier and more effective adjustments, and a low-speed wheel group that suits different water layers and bait types. The reel also has a 3.74 inches power handle and a 6+1 BB system for super smooth and quiet operation. Additionally, the product offers an intimate service such as free expedited shipping for buying 3 or more, and a two-month free trial with a buyer-paid return shipping option.

What We Like
Advanced brake system design for easier and more effective adjustments
Low-speed wheel group suitable for different water layers and bait types
6+1 BB system for super smooth and quiet operation
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What type of reel is best for musky fishing?

Baitcast Reels for Muskie Without a doubt the preferred choice of reel for muskie fishing is a baitcasting reel. Most muskie fishermen will opt for a level wind baitcasting reel as it will generally give the best casting performance and is also mush easier to use than a regular baitcaster.

2. What is a good gear ratio for musky fishing?

Okay, so I've bought countless musky reels to find the "right" gear ratio. 5.0 to 5.2 is my sweet spot. It is the best all around gear ratio for doing anything you want. Put the right power handle on there and you can burn double 10's or 12's if that is what you want to do.

3. What pound test line should I use for muskie?

The line you use should be based on the size of the fishing rod you use. In open water with a light-to-medium action rod, many people use 10 to 12-pound test line. In areas where there are thicker weeds, 12 to 15-pound test can be used.

Editor's Notes

During our muskie fishing reel research, we found 24 muskie fishing reel products and shortlisted 5 quality products. We collected and analyzed 9,571 customer reviews through our big data system to write the muskie fishing reels list. We found that most customers choose muskie fishing reels with an average price of $54.85.

The muskie fishing reels are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of muskie fishing reels, including KastKing, Ming Yang. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,219 consumers with an average rating of 4.9.

Written by
Paul Tilton Avatar

Paul Tilton is a fitness enthusiast. He doesn't like to work in front of a computer screen so he quit his job and runs a gym in Washington. He spent a lot of time on the road and has been a contributing writer for a well-known travel guide website. He is now happy to share his travel experience and professional knowledge of travel gear and fitness here.