Daiwa Millionaire

[Foreverfish1]

I'm looking for a new musky reel for this summer after my old one broke down last year. The problem is I'm on a major budget this year and I don't want to spend more than 60-70 bucks. That said I still want a quality reel. I was searching past reel topics on this forum and I couldn't find much on the millionaire. Would any one recommend it as a musky reel or will I need to spend more to get a quality musky reel?

Any help would be awsome, thanks!

[Esox_Magnum]

Depends how much you use it and what baits you throw. In that price range the only reel I could recomend is the Shimano Corvalus. I have 1 and it's ok but it doesn't get daily use more of a back up/loaner reel. Want an all around reel that will last I'd step up to the Luna 300, Calcutta 400 B, or Toro 60.

[Tempus_Fugit]

I think you should be able to pick up an ABU for $75 or so. Probably the most popular Muskie reel of the last 30 years, made in Sweden, and rock solid. Nice used one would be even less. I have not seen the new millionares in person, but from what I see in the Cabela's catalog, they are definitely not the high end reels they once were.

I'm looking for a new musky reel for this summer after my old one broke down last year. The problem is I'm on a major budget this year and I don't want to spend more than 60-70 bucks. That said I still want a quality reel. I was searching past reel topics on this forum and I couldn't find much on the millionaire. Would any one recommend it as a musky reel or will I need to spend more to get a quality musky reel?

Any help would be awsome, thanks!

[Esox_Magnum]

FYI new Abu's are no longer made in Sweden, if you go Abu other than a Toro buy 2 for when 1 is in the shop.

Reels that have made it more than a season for us are as follows in order of how long they lasted

Shimano Corsair 400, going on year 5 (bought used)

Shimano Calcutta 400b,3 in the boat 1 for sure on year 5

Shimano 400 Corvalus think 3 left all on 4th season.

Shiman Curado 300 DSV going on year 3 also bought used

Okuma Induron 400 starting season 3, bought used

Diawa Luna 300 2 of these going on year 3 but both have been rebuilt due to anti reverse failure

Abu Revo Toro 60 3 of these going on season 2, these are dedicated blade reels.

Tried and failed in less than a season:

Abu 6500's

Record 60's ( had 3 none lasted a week)

Abu 6600 Rocket

Pfluger 66

Keep in mind I don't do anything to my reels other than maybe oil if they start making noise. Our reels alse see alot of abuse, laying out in the boat in the rain/cold ect, lots of mag dawgs or bigger being ripped, 13oz curlie sues on a steady diet, Mega D's ( similar to pounders) and they see between 500-800 hours of use a season.

[mn_bowhunter]

Most abu's are still made in sweden. The BCX line is made in china and the 7000 series. Your typical run of the mill 6500 c3 is still made in sweden and a fine musky reel. I've got two and they are all I use. I've had to repair one due to one way bearing failure. If money is an issue, get what you can afford and don't miss out on fishing because people tell you you need a $5,000,000 reel to catch a stupid musky.

Another recomendation I'd check out is the Okuma reels. The induron line was discontinued, but people liked them. Corvalus I've heard is good too. I know a couple guys that got millionaire and shakespeare reels and they were replaced within the season.

[Esox_Magnum]

Abu's are to muskie fishing as Vex is to ice fishing, been around forever so must be the best. I live 12 miles from Pure Fishing, I buy my reels elsewhere except for the Toro IMO the only muskie reel Abu makes.

[MikeEiden]

I have 3 "standard" Abu's and I don't think I would buy another. Ya, they did the job ok but they've required much repair each season. And I don't fish close to the number of days as most. You can still find the Okuma Induron but they are discontinuing the line. You can find other models like the Chromer which has a nice powerhandle like I have on my Induron. I was told by Okuma it is similar to the Induron expect it only has 3 bearings and the side plates are stamped, not machined. Its $60 shipped on HSO-Classifieds. Then they have the Akena for around $100. The Shimano's mentioned are pretty good for their price also but powerhandles are expensive. Why work harder than you have to!?!?

[chief]

Foreverfish1,

In your price range I assume you're talking about the Daiwa Millionaire Classic (red in color), or the Millionaire S (gold with gray plastic inserts)?

I can't personally speak to the value of either of these as musky tools. But I would strongly second those who recommend the ABU 6500C. At around $95.00, and always with a rebate available, this is a no-frills reel that I find consistently dependable year after year. True, this might not be the best reel for throwing monster lures on an extended basis, but it easily handles "typical" usage of all type of muskie lures. I'd definitely attach a power handle to the 6500, but even with this additional $20.00 expenditure, you'll still get one for a tad under $100.00.

[10,000 Casts]

Esox, Not everyone fishes as much and as hard as you do, not everyone can or wants to drop $400 on a reel.

With that being said, the Abu 6500 or the Shimano Corvalous 400 are to great options for under $100. But if you plan on fishing a ton or throwing a lot of harder pulling baits then it's worth spending the extra $$$

plan on spending an extra $15 on line.

[Castinski]

Typically, you'll find that quality is related to price on musky reels. The lower end reels can handle many baits however. I still use a trion and 6500 from years ago on topwaters/jerkbaits at times. The nice thing about the 6500's are that they are so easy to work on when they do break.

I would recommend looking at used reels in your price range. You'll get a lot more quality for the $.

[DOHKAY]

For your price range, go with the Abu 6500 or Okuma. I have an Abu 6500 that's 8 years old and still serviceable. Granted it's far down on the priority line, doesn't get much use and often just used as a loaner. But it has stood the test of time. Anybody who has ever bought one probably knows that it wont last if your on the water 20 hours a week chucking mag dogs and super girls. But for typical use I would recommend one or the other. Don't feed into the misconception that you have to spend $200+ on a reel. I get the point that if you buy higher quality equipment it will save you in the long run with less maintenence costs. But not all of us can throw that kind of coin around these days.

[Esox_Magnum]

I agree on the Corvalus being a good reel, also hear good things about the Cardiff's. I would recomend the Okuma Induron but it's been discontiued, by far the best budget reel I have used. I to fell for the Abu thing to save some money when I started and almost quit muskie fishing due to the breakdowns. It took alot of pride swallowing to give the Toro a try ( half price helped to) but I will say I am happy with that but it's the only Abu I'll own for muskies.

Your right not all care to invest or can invest in the higher quality reels but in the long run you'll be alot happier IMO. Look for used stuff always gear for sale.

[fishinorfarmin]

Esox, you said you use your toros exclusively for blades. Which gear ratio reel do you use? I tried the high speed toro (6.4:1) last year and found that it would get tiresome pulling blades all day long with it. I was just curious if you ran the 5.4:1 and what your thoughts were on it. Other than the gear ratio being too high, I thought it was a good quality reel. If a person watches the online auction sites sometimes there is some deals to be found.

[hunter991]

Look at the Pflueger 66 trion for $80, or the shimano cardiff for $109. Both pretty good reels that will outlast an ABU if taken care of. Even the corvalus is better for $79.

[chief]

Both the 50 and 60 Revo Toro are now available in a "Winch" model with a 4.7:1 retrieve ratio. If you're gonna go ABU, these are probably the way to go for big baits.

[Dylan33]

Most abu's are still made in sweden. The BCX line is made in china and the 7000 series. Your typical run of the mill 6500 c3 is still made in sweden and a fine musky reel.

I'm pretty new to musky fishing, I picked up a combo for about $100 this winter. A Cabela's tourney trail extra heavy 7'6'' rod and a Abu 6600 reel. I looked at the Abu box last night...made in China! Hopefully it'll still boat a few fish

[Foreverfish1]

Wow thanks for all the input!

I don't think I'll be going with the Millionaire after all the other and hopefully better options mentioned.

I am only planning on fishing about 15 to 20 full days for muskies this summer, so would an Abu (not Toro) hold up with that amount of use for a few summers?

Thanks again for all the useful info! Keep it coming!

[MikeEiden]

It will hold up fine for you for that many days. That's about how many I fish. I would strongly recommend a good powerhandle to cut down on wear and tear on you. I have a double paddle powerhandle on my Abu's (5501/5601) that has a little larger throw to it than the stock handle but I still work twice as hard as my Okuma with their powerhandle. I don't throw big blades with them just because I get wore out.

[Esox_Magnum]

I use the Toro 60 in the 5;3:1 or whatever it is, works fine for me. Going to look for a reel to burn them this year. My other blade reel is a Shimano Curado 300 DSV.

[Spallgard]

MikeEiden has given you good advice. I would buy the 6500 C3 and add the single paddle Power handle to it. Keep it lubed and it should do well for you.

Good Luck!

[10,000 Casts]

I disagree on the power handle. That will eat that reel up pretty fast.

The 6500 is a great entry level reel made for once a week use. If you take care of it, it will be good to you, it's not made to throw a power handle on it and spend 40 hours a week throwing cowgirls.

[MikeEiden]

It's the cowgirls and not the powerhandle that really wears these reels out fast (gears and AR bearings). I was recommending it for when he wants to crank in stuff like DR's or other lures that pull just enough that you get wore out. Plus the little larger paddle is much more comfortable.

The biggest wear items I have on mine is the pawl, worm gear, and other line guide parts (bushings, etc). Yes, I lube mine properly and take good care of my reels. I really should just invest in the ceramic replacement parts for these. I actually haven't had to replace any gears or AR bearings yet on any of them. The clutch arm/spring on a few of the older ones. As John stated big blades will tearing them apart in a hurry. That's why mine has lasted as long as they have. I know their limits.

Good luck with the new reel this summer... which ever you choose to buy!

[squeedunk]

I have an Abu 6600, 6500, 7000i, and an ancient Abu Ambassadeur Six. that I love. I don't strictly muskie fish a ton (probably 15-20 serious trips each year) and I don't throw heavy-pulling lures with the smaller reels. I actually am not a bucktail fan and find most success with cranks, jerkbaits, and topwaters so the lures I use don't wear down reels too quickly. I also troll a lot so I am not casting and retrieving a ton. My 6600 is 6 years old and works fine (knock on wood). The 7000i is going on its 3rd season and gets the most use out of all my reels. I like Abu reels and wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to you. I have read a lot about the Revo Toros and would love to get one of those for my next reel, but that extra $150 will likely go to my son's first pair of skates rather than another muskie reel for me!

[Esox_Magnum]

The old Swedish Abus were good reels, I wouldn't trust the new Chinese versions. Seen to many break down after a day or two. I don't lump the Toro in the general Abu class though. All reels make you feel it at the end of the day if you only fish a limited amount, fish almost daily and you build a tolerance to the baits and it wears less on you. I'm at best 145 pounds and what you call skinny by July I can pull cowgirls all day on my Curado with 6:3:1, opening day I'm wore out throwing a hellhound. Rod selection also plays a huge part on how tired you get working a bait, a good matched rod/reel combo thats well balanced and preferably light weight will make a huge difference.

Take 2 of my rods for example: rod #1 8' Muskie Innovations Monster Mag ( XXXH) topped with an Okuma Induron, bait of choice 13oz Curlie Sue, casting time before I had to put it down 2-3 hours tops. Choice #2 9' Tackle Industries XH, same reel and bait, 14 hours and had more to go. TI rod weight around 13oz, MI rod closer to 20oz and very tip heavy meaning adding weight to the butt to balance. Rough total weights set up right were TI 26oz, MI over 40oz with balance weights. So between the 2 theres almost 1 pound of difference just in the weight your throwing around not including close to another pound with the bait.

Balance pints on the 2 rods were TI 1-2" in front of fore grip, MI 3-4" in front of fore grip without reel. Fore grips are the same on each rod.