Musky Reel

Ok, first things first, I’m not a musky fisherman…yet…but I just got my rod back today that I started building 2 years ago (put on hold because dryer broke)

I want to outfit it with a quality, reasonably priced baitcasting reel….

Any ideas for me?

You will get lot’s of replies here, but if you want one reel that will outlast all the rest, and give you the performance for fishing just about any bait on the market. Well then you want the Shimano Calcutta 400B. The price tag might seem steep at first, but when you consider how many times you are going to have to have an Abu fixed over the years, the investment will more than pay off. Just ask Bob Bowman, he’ll know because I just dropped off two more of his Garcias to be fixed last night. One of which I gave him because I refuse to use them anymore. Musky fishing is so hard on your equipment, and time on the water can be so precious, why not have a reel you can trust…?

ill second that I have 6 calcutta and 4 are 400te, started with abu but they broke all the time. worth the money terry

How much are we talking for a Calcutta?

$220 at Cabelas, $198 at Reeds

325 or so at thorns for a calcutta cte 400

“if” the budget allows, go with the Calcutta.

However, if you are just a “recreational” weekend warrior chasing muskies, you will be just fine with the Garcia C3 6500. I have a bunch of these and with proper maintenance, they last a long time. My oldest is going on 8 years and other than cleaning and oil, it has needed nothing from me. Actually, none of my Garcias have ever failed me or required any maintenance.

Two votes for a 6500C3. You definitely don’t need to spend $200 on your first musky reel. I spend an awful lot of time on the water and still use them on some rods. My favorite in the Garcia 7000, but they’re a little big to get used to as a first reel.

I’m actually “less than” a recreational muskie fisherman…I’ve never done it, however I have gotten into building my own rods, and one I didn’t have yet was a muskie rod, so I went for it…..just want to outfit it so when the day comes (or use it for a cat rod on the Mississloppy)

Great info guys

I agree with Gary, I have some of those that are 10 years old and going strong. The nice thing about the c3 is the line out alarm which makes them good for catting. I don’t know if the calcutta has them or not. They are smoooooth no doubt. For a weekender musky thrower the Abus are hard to beat for cost and performance.