The world of musky reels has changed tremendously over the past several years. Huge leaps have been made in musky reel technology with the primary focus of making them stronger, lighter and all around more ergonomic for the user. Long gone are the days of simple round reels as we are undoubtedly in a new era of musky gear. At times it can get confusing with so many musky reels in the market, while most modern musky reels are good let’s look at the best musky reels of 2024.

Daiwa Lexa HD 500

The Daiwa Lexa HD 500 is a large spool capacity musky reel that is perfect for pulling large buck-tails and working big rubber presentations. The large frame of the Lexa HD 500 still remains light and can be palmed. This is a serious reel for big musky lures and big water applications. The Lexa HD 500 is best paired with a long, heavy action musky rod.

The Daiwa Lexa HD 500 is offered in gear ratios from 5.1 through 8.1.

“Crafted with an aluminum frame and side cover, this reel is built to withstand the toughest conditions while remaining lightweight for comfortable handling. With a maximum drag of 30lbs, it's ready to tackle even the most formidable opponents”

With a 120mm swept handle, you'll have a secure grip and precise handling, allowing you to conquer the most challenging fishing scenarios. This reel can hold an impressive 250 yards of 65-pound braid, making it perfect for landing those trophy-sized fish. Whether you're targeting giants or enjoying a day on the water, the Daiwa Lexa HD 500 is your trusted partner in the pursuit of angling excellence. Elevate your fishing game with this reel that combines strength, control, versatility, and a capacity to handle the big ones.

Okuma Komodo SS

While the Komodo has been on the market for a few years very little has changed for 2024. The Okuma Komodo features stainless steel gears allowing it to easily withstand the constant abuse of musky fishing.  The reel frame size of the Komodo is 450 giving it a large profile. Musky anglers with smaller hand might find this reel hard to palm or awkward. This reel pairs well with a heavy action rod and is best used for large musky presentations such as magnum crankbaits, rubber lures and big blades. The Okuma Komodo is one of the best dollar for dollar musky reels of 2024 with its nearly indestructible stainless-steel gears.

OKUMA KOMODO SS SERIES Features : Stainless steel main gear for ultimate power and strength, Precision machine cut stainless steel pinion gear,  Heavy-duty stainless-steel drive and spool shafts• ALC: Rigid diecast aluminum frame and side plates• CRC: Corrosion-Resistant Coating process• A6061-T6 machined aluminum, anodized spool• multi-disc high output Carbonite drag system• Micro-click drag star for precise drag settings• 350 size: 6HPB+1RB corrosion resistant stainless steel bearings• 450 size

Shimano Tranx

The Shimano Tranx is the gold standard of musky reels. The Tranx features a small frame which is comfortable for most anglers to cast and palm.  The Tranx couples well with just about any musky rod and applicable for most if not all musky lure classes making it the best reel choice for anglers using a single rod and reel combo. The Tranx 400 is offered in high and low gear models however the mid speed option is great for all general musky fishing applications. The Tranx is reliable with high quality brass gearing and quality internal components making it a great choice for any musky angler.

 Retrieve: Right | Gear Ratio: 7.6:1 | Weight (oz): 12 | Bearings: 5+1 | LPT: 40" | Max Drag (lb): 18Capacity (yd/lb): Mono: 12/330, 14/260, 20/160; Braid: 50/275, 65/170, 80/140 | MPN: TRX400AHG

Tackle anything that swims in freshwater or saltwater with the powerful, new Tranx. X-Ship & HEG technologies combine to provide massive cranking power with a smooth effortless retrieve, perfect for throwing big baits and catching big fish. Plus, Shimano's new CoreProtect water resistant technology provides long-lasting durability in the harshest environments.

• New Coreprotect water resistance feature for dependable use in the toughest conditions

• HAGANE Body, X-Ship and HEG Gearing for big baits and big fish Higher gear ratio, higher drag rating and more line per crank

Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast

Abu Garcia has been in the musky reel game from the very beginning and have been leading the way in innovation. The Revo Toro Beast features a comfortable frame that is perfect for musky anglers of all sizes. Easy to palm and fish with all day the Revo Toro Beast is offered in a few key gear ratios but the 6.3.1 model is spot on for just about any musky fishing application you may encounter. The Revo Toro Beast pairs well with all models of musky rods making it a top choice. The Revo Toro Beast is durable and made to withstand years of on the water abuse. Abu Garcia is known for quality and has a great warranty making this an easy reel to own.

5 stainless steel HPCR™ bearings + 1 roller bearing provides increased corrosion protection

X2-Cräftic™ alloy frame and side plate for increased corrosion resistance

Power Stack Carbon Matrix Drag System™ provides extreme drag pressures combined with unparalleled smoothness

Duragear heavy duty provides increased fighting power and extended gear life

Dura-Clutch design provides improved engagement and durability

Extended bent handle for increased cranking power

Infini™ brake system allows almost limitless adjustability to handle any fishing situation

Infini II™ spool design for extended castability and extreme loads

Extended line guide Lube port for easy access maintenance

While there are tons of musky reel options the four models above stand out from the pack as they all share some of the best features available on today’s market. Regardless of what musky reel you choose for 2024 all of these fit the bill.  While all of these reels share a high level of quality picking the right frame size for your build and angling applications might be the most important decision when choosing a new reel. Big baits and big hands will pair well with 450 – 500 size reels while average applications and stature might be best served with 400 sized offering

Tennessee Musky Fishing Guide

Steven Paul

Best Musky Reels

Tennessee Musky Fishing, Tennessee Musky, Tennessee Musky Guide, Tennessee Musky Charter.