which reel for musky rod

I’m an avid walleye fisherman and once in a great while I will be throwing some baits for muskies. I just picked up my st. Croix legend tournament 8′ med heavy fast action rod. I’m looking for recommendations for a good reel to go with this rod. I’m not looking to throw any real big baits med. Size or smaller also want to use this rod for a few sturgeon excursions I’m planning. I’m looking to spend $300 or less. Thanks for any feedback and suggestions.

Shimano Calcutta 400B. It is the most versatile and durable reel I’ve ever owned. Two of the reels in my arsenal have been around for 9 years now. 5 years of which saw over 100+ days of heavy use. I can throw double 13s, and pounders all the way down to twitching small jerkbaits. Also use them for Sturgeon. The only other reel now I would consider buying is a Tranx but at over 400 bucks it’s quite pricey and overgunned for what you’re looking to throw.

I’ve owned the gamut of reels but nothing has been able to withstand the abuse of muskie fishing like the Calcuttas.

I know James runs the Calcutta 400TEs, which the current version of the reel got a little spendy.

I own 2 of the Quantum 300 EXO’s for my lighter musky stuff. A huge advantage with the EXO besides the significant weight difference is the solid brass main gear and crank shaft. This thing has been a work horse for me and it doubles up as a heavy duty bass/pike reel

I would have to second the 400 B if they are still available. Not a high performance reel but will handle everything you are looking for. I believe it has a clicker as well witch for sturgeon fishing would be a must. I would look at 80 lb Masterbraid for line as well.

Steve

I used a Revo Toro for the first time two days ago. I had never musky fished with a reel that fits in your hand like that. It was very nice and had no issues with the biggest baits.
DT

I am not against the Shimano reels at all, but I grew up with an Abu Garcia 6500 C3 in my hand since I was 7 or 8. I’ve had the same reels since then and none have let me down even after putting them to the abuse of taking them saltwater surf fishing multiple times. At just over $110 you can’t beat that for a low cost yet durable and reliable reel. I fill mine with 65lb Power Pro, but this year I’m giving the Cabela’s Ripcord line a try with a slightly thinner diameter than same strength PP line.

I enjoy the revo winches.
Also works well with sturgeon.
Clicker is junk, but don’t need that for sturgeon.

Revo Toro 60 (or maybe even the 50) in the 5.4 ratio will be perfect for you with 80# power pro. It’s a great all around reel and very durable. Also, in my opinion, the 6500 isn’t what it used to be.

I have a Revo Toro 60 with the 5.4:1 ratio and it is a great reel. I had always “palmed” my reels even with the round style and this low profile design is much more comfortable.
The new NACL line of Revos are very well built and they come with a couple great handles that you can switch off to your liking.

I just bought a revo toro nacl yesterday for $229 at cabelas.

Great place to find those winches:

http://www.ffo-tackle.com/ProductDirectory.cfm?PassProdCat2=Casting&PassProdCat1=Reels&SearchLevel=3&ProdBrand=&Keyword=&Sort=ProdPrice&Type=ASC

Keep your eye out for the reconditioned ones. They are usually a steal!

I’ve got the 5.4:1 and the 6.4:1 High Speed.

Go to their store if you really want to save some $$$