I have been musky fishing for a while now, but my girlfriend is just starting. She caught two of them last summer bass fishing and is now hooked. My big round reels do not fit her hand very well. Looking for some advice on what to do. She is very comfortable with spinning gear and has used baitcasting gear a little. She has tried out an Abu Garcia Torro and really liked it. The problem is that the reel is $270! Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

The problem is finding a reel that will fit a woman's hand and still have enough drag for muskie. It might be easier for her to learn to fish while holding the rod rather than the reel. Most of the affordable low profile baitcasters don't have enough drag for muskie in my oppinion. Spinning tackle is an option but it takes a very large spinning reel to pack enough drag. Even a 4000 series reel is probably marginal, a 5000 or better inshorre saltwater spinner is better but then you are up against the price thing again as I don't know about any affordable spinning reels in that size. You ought to watch my wife deal with salmon trolling gear when I can get her out! (we troll with Tekota 600LC reels) Tom

Take a look at the Abu Garcia Revo S baitcaster...It's $129.95 and has 24 pounds of drag (more than enough to handle a muskie)... It's really smooth and easy to cast compared to other baitcasters in that price range...My 12 year old nephew used one last summer muskie fishing and it worked flawless and wasn't too big for his hands...Keep in mind, you get what you pay for when it comes to a baitcasting reel and this reel is exceptional for the price...

I forgot about the Revo S. I don't own one but have heard that there is a lot of bang for the buck there. Another decent affordable reel was the Shimano Cruxis which is now discontinued. I don't know if the Cruxis can match the drag but have been satisfied with the one I own. Tom

Ambassadeur 5000 series is a little light for bigger muskies IMHO....6000 series would be better. I have small hands and have no trouble with either of these though....but I can't say how small your lady's hands are. JMHO

Thank you all for your input. Im still not sure what we are going to do. Some of the musky guys I have talked to told me to stay away from bass gear. They told me that the internal parts are not built to handle the larger baits. They told me the the Toro has much stronger parts and a the larger line capacity is a must.

Flyingfish,
I own a Abu revo S and I use it as my musky/pike reel. The reel is super smooth, casts great, has 24lbs of drag and is an all around great real for the price. I have it paired with a St. Crioux premier musky rod and the combo is great. For a rod just match the revo with the proper rod for the weight of the lures she will be using and she will have a perfect combo for both pike and muskie.