5 hours ago, JediAmoeba said:

Why do you say that?  I use a Daiwa Lexa 400 (8.1:1) ratio, 42 inches of retrieve for 8+ hours straight casting huge bucktails without any trouble.  

   I found out that fast retrieve reels tire me out with highly resistive lures, too. Like @new2BC4bass and @Russ E, I'm so old I babysat Methuselah. (Kid was a brat, too!)     ?    jj

5 hours ago, JediAmoeba said:

Why do you say that?  I use a Daiwa Lexa 400 (8.1:1) ratio, 42 inches of retrieve for 8+ hours straight casting huge bucktails without any trouble.  

When you start getting older, the low gear ratio reels are a lot easier on your wrist and hand for bigger baits.

I use the Daiwa Fuego CT in 6.3:1 for spinnerbaits.

 

Paired with a Dobyns Fury 703c it will cast 5/16oz. War Eagle finesse spinnerbaits like a dream, and also pull a big single blade Colorado spinner bait effortlessly with out wearing you out.

6 hours ago, new2BC4bass said:

I am guessing because spinnerbaits have a lot more drag than a jig.  I know my rod arm tired out pretty fast hauling a 1/2 oz. spinnerbait with Colorado blades through the tops of weed beds.  Of course, I am an old fart that hasn't exercised since....??

Muskie bucktails are going to have way bigger blades than a bass spinnerbait. A 400 is a huge reel built to handle a lot more load/torque though, possibly why it's easy despite the high gear ratio.

 

Most of my spinnerbaits are 1/2oz or larger, up to 1oz and I often put a big trailer on those big baits, pushing them up around the 1.5oz range. I use a Tatula 150 for my spinnerbaits.

8 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

 

Most of my spinnerbaits are 1/2oz or larger, up to 1oz and I often put a big trailer on those big baits, pushing them up around the 1.5oz range. I use a Tatula 150 for my spinnerbaits.

  These are the kind of comments that are really useful here. Instead of "This is what you should do ....",  someone offers,  "This is what I do and what I use." There's a lot of that here, and that's what I like about Bass Resource. I've scanned other forums for fishing, but for bass fishing, this is the best that there is, bar none. The greatest "resource" here is people.   jj  

You should be able to get a Daiwa Tatula CT for under $100 on ebay. Great reel with great brakes. 6.3:1 is my choice for year-round spinnerbaits but 7.1:1 is fine as well.

 

If you are willing to spend a little more, the Tatula 150 or 200 may be worth it as they are designed to throw heavier lures.

In that price range I would say Shimano SLX in a 6.3:1. Amazon.com also has the 13 Fishing Concept Z in the 6.6:1 for $105...that was a $200 reel when it first came out. I just grabbed the LH version and it is one sweet looking reel, very comfortable in hand too. Good luck with whatever you decide!!!