Musky reels for cowgirls

[Ice Wolf]

What reel do you guys use for throwing 10" double cowgirls and how do you like it. And witch reel would you recommend for ripping cowgirls on the watter.

[muskE]

The best way to bring in a doubler is to troll!

[cbrooks]

Well I use the Revo in the 6:4:1 and the 5:4:1 ratio and the calcutta TE last year and burn them all up. Its not like I fish any more than alot of other guys, just a weekend warrior fisherman. I'm thinking of buying a penn 975 for next year I heard there pretty durable but not as fast.

[WallyGator12000]

This thread has been brought up a few times here, but here is my synopsis:

If you want the best reel for burning double 10's or 13's, you have to go Trinidad 14 or 16N. These are pricey (~$360-400) and don't have a levelwind. But they are incredibly smooth, long casting, and extremely well built.

The Daiwa Saltist 20 or 30 will do the job as well. These are more affordable (~$160) and have a levelwind. But they are not as well built as the Trinidad, and after a seasons worth of casting (or earlier) the spool release spring will fail and you will have to send it in for a repair/warranty job. In my opinion don't even bother with the 40, it is too big and tough to cast for the extra speed it can put on the baits.

The Calcutta TE series can do the job as well. It depends on what you want to do. If you are looking to burn double 10's, look elsewhere. These reels can't generate sufficient speed and will wear out from the abuse. If you are looking to slow roll or bring in at a normal pace, might be a good option.

The calcutta 400LJV might be the best option of the bunch (souped up for saltwater use), but I have no experience with it.

In my personal opinion I would avoid any other reel, including the Penn, anything by Abu, and the Daiwa Luna. These reels are not built to withstand the abuse of double 10s, and they can't burn a bait anything like the Trinidad or Saltist. I'm not saying they aren't good reels for other applications, just not for double 10 throwing.

[Esox_Magnum]

I used the Toro 5:3:1 last season exclusivly for blades, 80+ days on the water with it and not a problem. You will not burn blades with this reel for burning a Salstist or Trinidad is what you want.

[scoutWBL]

Esox, is the Revo Toro versatile? I looked at them a few times when I was down in Spirit Lake. I fished a Saltist all of last season, it will certainly burn big blades but I was not happy with it as far as casting goes, especially with lighter lures.

[Tim_Anderson]

I use the Shimano 700TE. I use blades the vast majority of the time, and when I use blades, I am also burning the vast majority of the time. There are faster reels out there, but with the huge spool on this reel - keep it full - and it is plenty fast. It's a workhorse and awfully hard to break. They are about 400 bucks, but to me well worth it. This is an investment that will last you many years. I have been through a lot of other makes and models of casting reels and I personally haven't found another that stands up to the rigors of day in and day out casting like the 700 TE does.

The only exception would be the Trinidad, which is faster and about the same price. That bugger will hold up too, but I don't like the absence of levelwind when it's windy, which is usually the case these days. I've been around some pretty dang good fishermen in recent years that spent an unusual amount of time picking backlashes. Used when it's calm, or casting with the wind - they're pretty terrific and lightning fast.

[Esox_Magnum]

Yes the Revo is versital, I threw other baits with it to, Wades, Gliders and such. Partners used theirs for everything including pounders without issues. The Revo would be the only Abu brand muskie reel I would recomend buying. Your welcome to cast mine anytime to get a feel for it if you like.

[eyehead]

Salist, Trinadad, Torium, 700's are all good blade reels. If you throw blades at all I would suggest you invest in one. Your hands and fore arms will thank you.....I'm using a Shimano Tekota 600....It wont burn em like the Trinidad, but it will get them flying across the water pretty quick.....

[motley man]

Been using catfishing bait caster for a couple years. They are cheaper than brand names.

[-Marc V-]

I'd have to put in another plug for the Abu Revo Toro. Haven't used it near as much as Esox Mag last summer, but love those reels. Even pulled in double 13's with it quite a bit last summer.

Have buddies that use Abu 7000's without issue. I had a rod break on me this summer, and used a 7000 for the rest of the night - an all nighter. By morning the Abu 7000 was needing to go back to the shop. Others don't seem to have those issues though, but for some reason I seem harder on my equipment.

[Shawn Kellett]

Just get the Trinidad and be done with it. I've heard over every other reel breaking at some point except for the Trinidad.

[50inchpig]

Not bad advice there. If you do go the cheaper route with the 7000, make sure it's a swedish model or an older style C3, both have been great for me. Not all 7000s are created equal. The other reels mentioned are worth the buck, though.

[Musky Buck]

The Winch is the one you need, that's why they call it the winch because it winches in those big blades with ease.

[ESOXHUNTER123]

cbrooks

I have a Penn 975 I purchased last spring and barely used if you are interested let me know.

[cbrooks]

Thanks for the offer Esoxhunter but after reading this thread its got me thinking either the Calcutta 700Te or CalcuttaLVJ.