Our top pick is the low-profile Shimano Tranx 400AHG. This incredible baitcasting reel is powerful and will put up a good fight against the elusive musky. Not only will it work for freshwater fish like our prized musky, but it also works great for your saltwater fishing trips, due to Shimano’s water-resistant technology. This will allow this durable reel to last the test of time through a variety of environmental conditions.

Shimano’s design concept Hagane incorporates a stylish yet stiff and durable metal body that will resist any impact. You will see no flexing, warping, or distortion of this reel. HEG and X-ship technology lead to Tranx’s powerful cranking. This allows for an effortless yet quick retrieve so you can throw big baits (which equals big fish).

We name the Shimano Tranx the best Shimano musky reel because of its incredible power. Admittedly, sometimes you need a bit of finesse to do the job, but you need a powerful reel for a powerful fish like the musky. And the Shimano Tranx is the reel for the job. If you are tired of wasting your money on cheaper equipment and are serious about your hunt for musky treasure, look no further.

Don't let the price fool you; the Okuma Convector is a powerful reel at a low price! You will be impressed with the value you get with this gearing and drag system. 

The Convector is built with aluminum and stainless steel at all the critical stress points but still maintains a lightweight frame. It also has a Mechanical Stabilization System to help maintain alignment and increase durability. The Convector boasts a machined aluminum and gun smoke anodized spool with a stabilizing system, allowing smoothness.

We like the ergo grip handle knobs, speed lock pinion gear system, and self-lubricating gear system. The line counters measure in feet but can stick.

The Okuma Convector has a quick-set anti-reverse with a special oversized one-way roller bearing. You can, therefore, easily avoid handle play and rely on instant hook sets. Along with the roller bearing comes two stainless-steel sealed bearings, which are anti-corrosive, along with the frame and side plates. You can precisely set your drag settings with the ratcheting drag star.

The Carbonite-composed multi-disc drag system features smoothness and high-end drag pressure. This enables you to softly set the hook for a lake trout, but also the drag strength to crank a running tuna to your trolling boat. For this reason, we find Okuma Convector to be the best musky trolling reel.

If you are looking for the top of the range musky reel, the Shimano Calcutta 400D is it! Featuring a classic round design, it still maintains durability with its sleek one-piece aluminum frame. This model has some serious cranking power for reeling in those muskies. We feel it is definitely worth the price tag. This is a reel that lasts.

Shimano now offers X-Ship technology, which enables excellent free-spooling. The compact body rests comfortably in your hands due to its ergonomic design. This model is incredibly smooth due to its handle being located close to the reel body. You can easily crank while under the heavy musky weight.

The fluid and powerful retrieve will leave you with absolutely no wobble. The Calcutta 400D X-Drag crank knob makes it very easy to use your thumb or index finger to adjust the drag from both ends of the spectrum. There is a click that sounds off as you adjust, giving you confirmation that you have adjusted it properly to your liking.

All aluminum constructed, this Shimano design impresses. You can use the Calcutta at your neighborhood lake, or take it on a trip to the ocean. Enjoy the smoothness, durability, longevity, and quality of the Shimano Calcutta 400D. You’ll never need another.

Lew’s Speed Cast 600 is built to catch big musky but still maintains a reasonable price. For this reason, we name it the best musky reel under $150. This little sweetie sports a classic round design and an audible bait clicker.

There are 4 stainless steel ball bearings and one Zero Reverse clutch bearing. The main gear and crankshaft are brass-construction, ensuring strength. Additionally, the anodized aluminum frame and side plates allow for rigid, no-flex housing. At the same time, the spool, also constructed of anodized aluminum, ensures smoothness.

Contributing to the SC600's toughness is the carbon fiber drag system controlled by its aluminum star. It also features a 6-pin centrifugal brake system that provides precision cast control, even in high wind and with varying lure weights. Some other mentionable features include the 100mm power handle and a comfortable EVA grip.

The serious line capacity makes the SC600 great for long-distance casts and musky hunting but also excels with snook, redfish, catfish, and stripper.

Although most buyers find this model smooth and durable, it has been reported that screws needed to be tightened after every high-wobble lure. Another issue could be the plastic bait clicker, whose construction quality could be improved.

This is the best musky reel under $100, featuring a smooth multi-disc drag system. The Ambassadeur 6500S is fully adjustable, giving you value for your money. Set the drag just the way you want it for the conditions you are in and the fish you're after, whether musky or otherwise.

This model has a reliable 4-pin centrifugal braking system. Only a single finger is needed to apply pressure to the line and the reel itself. In this way, you can easily control the speed, accuracy, and distance at which you cast. With this brake system, you can avoid tangled lines, even in windy weather. The reel is great for saltwater as well as freshwater due to its corrosion-resistant stainless-steel construction.

This model can hold up to an impressive 255 yards of line. It works well with all kinds and sizes of line and is ideal for crankbaits, which require accuracy and distance. Another great feature is the level-wind system, which helps avoid one side of the reel having all the line.

The Ambassadeur 6500S has a lightweight and ergonomic design, built especially compact and small for your comfort. The handle is also specially bent so you can easily maneuver it. One drawback, however, is that the short handle takes a little more effort to crank in that fish.

The KastKing Rover is the best budget musky reel, in our opinion. Despite the low price, the reel offers excellent features like a CNC-machined high-grade aluminum spool, a brass shaft and gears, anodized side plates, alloy flawless level-wind, audible line out alarm, and stainless steel internal components.

The shielded stainless steel bearings allow for corrosion resistance and worry-free saltwater fishing. The non-slip over-sized T handles are equal-opportunity and are available to righties and lefties.

The carbon fiber star drag provides the reel with surprising power, so we name this the best musky reel for the money. Its power rivals competitors that are much more expensive. Pair the Rover with a high-quality braided line, and you’re set. Due to its large capacity, this model can use mono and braided line to give any musky a good fight. We especially recommend this one for beginners because of its ridiculously low price and sturdy construction.

The Rover is a great conventional reel and works well for trolling for muskies and wreck fishing for bottom feeders. With this reel, look out for giant catfish, carp, or walleye. On a budget, the KastKing Rover gives you so much value for what you pay.

For fishing musky, we recommend a rod that is either 6-foot-9 or 7-foot-6. Regardless of size, find the best rod you can afford.

We think the Shimano TRANX AHG is the best musky reel. Even if it might not be the one for you, we hope you’ve enjoyed our review and found something interesting you can incorporate into your hunt for the legendary musky. See you on the water!