I'm purchasing a Muskie rod and reel soon. I'm either getting a Fig Rig or a Shimano rod. My question, what is the best Muskie reel for under $130? I was looking at the Abu C4 or 3, also, the Daiwa Millionare. Any other suggestions are great. Thanks!!

I fish for BIG stripers with a Shimano CTE200GT.

This is a reel that can stand up to any fish in freshwater.

I use only Abu Garcia C3 and C4 reels for Muskie fishing.  I know these aren't the top-of-the-line reels, but they are beasts and work very well for Muskie fishing (two of my Abu Garcia C3 reels are going on 12 years and are still working smoothly).  If you are only planning on having one Muskie set-up, then I would get a C3 (it has a 5.3:1 ratio), but if you expand and get another Muskie rod, I would get a C4 as a second reel (it has a 6.3:1 ratio).  That would be my suggestion.

I have a shimano cardiff 200a, but they make a 400 series for stripers, muskie, pike or light saltwater use.  I've only had this reel for a little while, but I love it.  The drag is very smooth and the price ain't bad either.  200 = $99, 400 = 109 at basspro.com

For muskies or big catfish, I'd choose a C3, C4 or C5 over anything else.  These reels are proven reliable.  I don't think you can buy a tougher freshwater reel.   I've hauled in quite a few blue cats on Abus and they handle it with ease.  

I have a shimano cardiff 200a, but they make a 400 series for stripers, muskie, pike or light saltwater use. I've only had this reel for a little while, but I love it. The drag is very smooth and the price ain't bad either. 200 = $99, 400 = 109 at basspro.com

They also have a 301/300 size. I have a 301 and this reel handles the salmon I battle. I am sure it can handle a muskie with ease.

I highly recommend Abu's 7000 series for under $130.  They're a little big for my hands but even so I can hardly stand using 6600s anymore.

My buddy Dan , who chases Muskies on the Susqy uses Pflueger Trion Rounds, and some Trions. I am going with him this year again! He just got rid of his Trions and now he is going to the Patriarchs!

Ah, "MUSKY: all other fish are just bait!") BIG fish with nasty attitudes means using heavy duty gear. Here is a link to a website devoted to those who hunt Musky. The folks on the site are great people like those on the BR site and will help with all your questions about gear:

http://www.muskyhunter.com/

Click on "Message Board" at the top:o)

I'm not clear whether you'll be using this reel for naturals or artificials.

For live-bait fishing (large game fish) I use a Shimano Cardiff 301 CDF301A

It's a round-reel weighing 8.9 oz, and is one of the few casting reels

available with a spool clicker in a left-hand version (I'm right-handed).

Roger

Abu C3 or the new Abu Record for round reels.

As for low profiles, I have hear of many guys (Larry Dahlberg included) who are using the Curado 300 with great results.

Wayne