Updated 2/13/2024
Muskellunge, known as either musky or muskie depending on where you live, are a coveted fish species. Considered the fish of 10,000 casts, anglers may spend days seeking one bite from the right fish. The best rods for musky fishing are heavy duty and longer than most standard rods to handle beefy baits and the potential of hooking up to a 40+ inch freight train of a fish. Besides having enough rod backbone to handle giant fish, anglers need to consider things like having enough rod length to perform a figure-eight by the boat before making the next cast.
We’ve done the hours of testing and research on the best musky rods assessing versatility, value for the price, material quality, and much more so you don’t have to. Read on to see our top picks.
*Disclosure: I only recommend products I would use myself and all opinions expressed here are my own. This post may contain affiliate links that at no additional cost to you, I may earn a small commission.
Our Top Picks
- Best for the Money: St. Croix Premier Musky Casting Rod
- Best Under $100: KastKing Perigee II Casting Rod
- Best Under $200: St. Croix Mojo Musky Casting Rod
- Best Spinning: Penn Battalion II Inshore Rod
- Best for Beginners: Abu Garcia Veritas Casting Rod
The Best Musky Rods
The best musky rods are usually between 7′ and 9’6″ with medium-heavy to extra-heavy power. Additionally, the components need to be high quality to handle the stresses of fishing for and catching these huge fish.
Read on to see our recommendations for the best musky fishing rods by category including best all-around, best for different price points, best for beginners, and more.
1. St. Croix Premier Musky Casting Rod
- Length: 6’10” to 9′
- Rod Material: SCII Carbon
- Guides: Kigan 3D guides with Aluminum oxide rings
- Grip: Full Premium Cork Grip
- Warranty: 5 Year
Pros:
- Perfect length and power options for musky
- Excellent Warranty
Our choice for the best musky rod for the money is the St. Croix Premier Musky Casting Rod. The premier is offered in the long lengths preferred for musky angling in powers ranging from medium to extra-heavy. This rod is the perfect musky fishing platform.
St. Croix is based in Park Falls, Wisconsin, smack dab in the middle of some of the best musky fishing on the planet. Their experience really shows with their fit for purpose musky rods between the Premier Musky and Mojo Musky rod lines.
The heavy power, 8′ length is a great all-around model for bucktails, crankbaits, and topwaters. Taller anglers or folks fishing with the biggest musky baits should think about bumping to the 8’6″ or 9′ heavy or extra-heavy versions.
The rod blank is made from SCII carbon and is lightweight and sensitive for its strength. We love the feel of the full cork grip handle. As always, St. Croix’s warranty is a huge perk. We adore St. Croix’s Premier rod line.
Check out our deep dive review on the St. Croix Premier rod line for more information.
2. KastKing Perigee II
- Length: 4’6″ to 7’6″
- Rod Material: Carbon Fiber
- Guides: Fuji O-Ring
- Grip: Split EVA Foam
- Warranty: Lifetime manufacturing defects only for handling fee. Lifetime accidental damage for 1/2 rod price plus handling fee.
Pros:
- Budget friendly
Don’t let the low price fool you. KastKing’s Perigee II fishing rod line provides surprising quality at a budget price which makes it our choice for best musky rod under $100. We like that the medium heavy and heavy versions of the Perigee II line have crossover for bass fishing.
We recommend the 7’4″ heavy power and the 7’6″ medium-heavy power casting versions of this rod for great budget musky fishing rods.
This rod is a breath of fresh air in the budget fishing space. A full carbon fiber blank keeps weight low and sensitivity high.
Our biggest downside for the budget musky rod space is the limited length options. The Perigee rod max length is only 7’6″ whereas some musky anglers may want 8′ to 9′ for easier long distance casting heavy baits and figure eight motions by the boat.
This is also one of our top choices for budget flipping and pitching bass fishing rods. We like for our equipment to work for multiple applications to save money. Check out our article on best flipping and pitching rods for further reading.
3. St. Croix Mojo Musky Casting
- Length: 6’10” to 9’6″
- Rod Material: SCIII Carbon
- Guides: Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with Aluminum Oxide Rings
- Grip: Split premium cork grip or foam depending on model
- Warranty: 5 Year
Pros:
- Perfect length and power options for musky
- Excellent Warranty
Our choice for best musky rod under $200 is the St. Croix Mojo Musky Casting Rod. We have found this rod line to be the perfect balance of quality components, versatility, and price point. The Mojo Musky rods are workhorses of the musky fishing world.
For transparency, it’s tough to recommend rods under $200 for musky rods. The shorter length mojo musky rods are under $200 but the longest length available is nearly double that.
The Mojo Musky Casting rod comes in the perfect spread of lengths, powers, and actions. The best choice for a first musky rod is either the 7’6″ medium-heavy power or 8’6″ heavy power variant.
The rod blank is St. Croix’s proprietary SC III graphite fiber which is lightweight, durable, and sensitive with a higher strain rate than fibers commonly used by other rod manufacturers. It also includes St. Croix’s innovative IPC tooling technology that effectively eliminates transition points in the rod.
The main differences between the St. Croix Mojo Musky and Premier Musky lines are the grip and the rod blank material. The Mojo has split grip and SCIII carbon blank while the Premier has a full length cork grip and SCII carbon blank. St. Croix claims the SCIII carbon is slightly stronger and the grip differences are mostly a personal preference.
4. Penn Battalion II Inshore Rod
- Length: 7′ to 8′
- Power: Light to Extra-Heavy
- Rod Material: SLC2 Carbon
- Guides: Fuji Alconite
- Handle: Premium Cork or Rubber Shrink Tube
- Warranty: 1 Year manufacturing defects only
Pros:
- Heavy duty spinning rod perfect for musky
Our choice for best spinning musky rod is the Penn Battalion II Inshore Rod. This rod captures a great balance of value, price accessibility, and quality features. It’s a heavy duty spinning rod that can handle the stresses of musky fishing.
One challenge of freshwater spinning rods is they generally don’t come in heavy enough rod power to handle musky. That’s why we recommend grabbing an inshore rod as our top spinning rod choice because inshore spinning rods are designed for bigger fish and are perfect for adapting to musky fishing.
The Penn Battalion II 7’6″ medium-heavy power or 7′ heavy power are great options for anglers that prefer spinning equipment to target musky.
The SLC2 Carbon rod blank and Fuji Alconite guide material construction are considered mid-tier materials that should last plenty long with proper care. The full cork handle feels great for prolonged fishing trips. We do wish Penn offered a better warranty (like St. Croix), but it’s hard to complain at this price point.
5. Abu Garcia Veritas Casting Rod
- Length: 6’6″ to 7’11”
- Rod Material: Carbon
- Guides: Titanium alloy guides with zirconium inserts
- Grip: Split EVA Foam
- Warranty: 3 year limited
Pros:
- Solid quality for manageable price point
Our top choice for best musky rod for beginners is the Abu Garcia Veritas Casting Rod. The Veritas is an excellent value proposition for new anglers that balances quality components with a reasonable price point.
The 7’6″ medium-heavy or heavy power versions are a great starting point for beginners trying musky fishing. This rod is also a good option for bass fishing. Versatility of equipment should always be a consideration for anglers that don’t have a huge selection of fishing rods.
The rod blank includes Abu Garcia’s PowerLux 100 which they claim delivers a 15% stronger and 5% lighter rod. The rod has higher end guides than we’d expect on a rod of this price point and the 3 year warranty is solid.
We think this rod is a great value proposition for beginners and expert anglers alike looking for a quality rod at a decent price.
Rod Comparison Table
Check out our handy comparison table showing key specifications for our top rod choices.
| Rod Name | Length | Rod Material | Guides | Grip | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| St. Croix Premier Musky Casting Rod | 6’10” to 9′ | SCII Carbon | Kigan 3D guides with Aluminum oxide rings | Full Premium Cork Grip | 5 Year |
| KastKing Perigee II | 4’6″ to 7’6″ | Carbon Fiber | Fuji O-Ring | Split EVA Foam | Lifetime manufacturing defects only for handling fee. Lifetime accidental damage for 1/2 rod price plus handling fee. |
| St. Croix Mojo Musky Casting | 6’10” to 9’6″ | SCIII Carbon | Kigan Master Hand 3D guides with Aluminum Oxide Rings | Split premium cork grip or foam depending on model | 5 Year |
| Penn Battalion II Inshore Rod | 7′ to 8′ | SLC2 Carbon | Fuji Alconite | Premium Cork or Rubber Shrink Tube | 1 Year manufacturing defects only |
| Abu Garcia Veritas Casting Rod | 6’6″ to 7’11” | Carbon | Titanium alloy guides with zirconium inserts | Split EVA Foam | 3 year limited |
Conclusion
Musky fishing requires some of the heaviest duty equipment available on the market. With trophy fish exceeding 45 inches long and 20 lbs, anglers need heavy duty rods to handle both these massive fish and the big baits used to catch them.
Our top choices for musky rods are the St. Croix Premier Musky Casting Rod and the St. Croix Mojo Musky Casting Rod. It’s hard to argue with the perfect selection of sizes and rod powers offered by St. Croix considering their northern Wisconsin roots in the middle of incredible musky fishing waters.
Check out our articles for great reels to pair with these rods:
Check out our related rod articles:
- Best Pike Rods
- Best Trolling Rods
- Best Bass Spinning Rods
- Best Flipping & Pitching Rods
- Best Frog Fishing Rods
- Best Walleye Rods
- Best Ultralight Fishing Rods
Read on to see our breakdown of important factors to consider when picking a musky fishing rod.
How to Choose The Best Musky Fishing Rod
Selecting the best musky fishing rods includes considerations for rod powers, lengths, actions, and materials.
For even more reading, check out our article on how to choose any fishing rod.
Length
Rod length is an important consideration for musky anglers. Longer rods allow for longer casts with less effort while shorter rods allow for improved casting accuracy. Most musky rods are between 7′ and 9’6″ which is much longer than common rods for bass, walleye, or panfish fishing.
Longer rods are easier to cast the heavy musky baits long distances. This is important to consider if you don’t want to be exhausted by the end of a day fishing!
Additionally, many experienced musky anglers like to perform what is called a ‘figure-eight’ at the end of a retrieve. This is simply moving the bait by the boat without reeling in a motion that resembles the number 8 to see if a musky is following the bait but hasn’t decided to strike yet. Figure eights are much easier with 8′ or longer rods.
Power
Rod power is the fishing industry’s terminology for rod stiffness. Rod powers range from ultralight to extra-heavy.
Medium-heavy or heavy power rods are great all-around rod powers for musky fishing. For smaller bucktails, go with a medium-heavy. For massive swimbaits or the largest lures, go with heavy or even extra-heavy power. Angler be warned, heavy and extra-heavy power rods and huge baits can be tiring to cast all day long!
Action
Rod action refers to how far down the rod will bend when pressure is applied to the tip. Rod actions range from extra-fast (bends near tip) to slow (nearly the whole rod bends).
The faster the action, the more sensitive the rod will feel. The slower the action, the more casting distance you can get (the rod will feel like it whips more when you cast).
The best musky rod action depends on the fishing technique. Single hook techniques that require a firm hookset, like spinnerbaits and buzzbaits, are best with fast or extra-fast actions to allow for a firm hookset. Sweeping hooksets with treble hooks on cranks baits are great with moderate-fast and fast actions.
Check out our article on fishing rod actions for even more information.
Portability
Portability is an important factor for any fishing pole. Anglers purchasing a musky fishing rod should consider how they are going to transport the rod. Ensure the length rod will fit in your boat or vehicle. Seven foot rods will fit in most vehicles but anything above 7’6″ may not fit in boat rod storage or smaller vehicles. Additionally, think about getting a 2 piece rod if portability is a major concern. Many musky rods longer than 8′ come in multiple pieces for easier transport.
Handle Material
Rod handle feel is an important factor to consider when picking a musky fishing rod. Common handle types are full cork, partial cork, rubber shrink tube, cork tape, or EVA foam. Rubber shrink is usually considered a more budget option, whereas full cork feels better to grip and handle. Some people consider foam easier to grip when wet.
Rod Guide Material
Rod guide material is important because lower quality materials are heavier and will rust quicker and could potentially fail.
The highest end rods have titanium or silicone carbide (SiC) rod guides whereas middle end or budget rods will have some variation of aluminum oxide or stainless steel.
Higher end rod guides are made with lighter materials with lower friction that will either rust slower or not at all. Less expensive rod guides are heavier and will succumb to the elements more quickly.
For additional information on rod guide considerations, check out our article that explains fishing rod guides in detail.
Rod Material
Rod blank material affects rod strength and how the fishing rod deforms during casting or reeling in a fish. Common rod materials are graphite, fiberglass, and composite. Check out our deep dive on rod blanks for more information.
Graphite
Graphite rods have incredible sensitivity in lightweight packages. They are great for detecting subtle fish strikes. Graphite rod disadvantages are that the rods can be a little weaker than the other options and more susceptible to breakage, especially around nicks or scratches.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is strong, durable and flexible but weighs more than graphite. They are less sensitive than the other types of rod materials.
Composite
Composite rod materials are a mix of graphite and fiberglass that seek to have the light weight and sensitivity of graphite rods with the strength of fiberglass rods.
Reel Seat
Reel seats are the component where the fishing reel is secured onto the fishing rod by tightening a locking nut. The basic parts of a reel seat are the body, hood, locking nut, and barrel threads. Common reel seat materials are either graphite or aluminum which are both lightweight, corrosion resistant materials. Reel seats are sized to match the power of the rod. For example, a reel seat on an ultralight fishing rod won’t fit a massive 10000 size spinning reel.
Most freshwater applications utilize fully graphite reel seats due to graphite’s light weight. For heavier duty saltwater applications, reel seats are commonly upgraded to machine-grade aluminum for increased strength. For targeting the largest fish on the planet, the complete rod butt and reel seat can be aluminum for maximum strength.
Maintenance and Care
Maintaining your fishing rod ensures its longevity and performance. After each use, rinse it with fresh water to remove dirt and debris, especially if you’ve been fishing in saltwater. Dry it thoroughly before storage to prevent rust and corrosion. Occasionally check for any signs of wear or damage. Store your rod vertically or horizontally on a rack, avoiding extreme temperatures or direct sunlight.
Explore our ultimate guide on fishing rod maintenance and care for comprehensive insights into maintaining your musky fishing rod, avoiding common causes of damage, and mastering preventative strategies to ensure your gear remains in prime condition.
Musky Fishing Rod Frequently Asked Questions
What type of rod is best for musky fishing?
Casting rods are considered the best for musky fishing because of their casting accuracy and comfort for prolonged sessions compared to spinning rods. Musky fishing uses big baits that are perfect for casting setups. Also, any improvement to comfort when casting heavy baits will add up over a long day fishing. Casting rods around 8 feet long with medium-heavy to heavy power and fast action are perfect all around choices for musky rod.
What reel to pair with musky fishing rod?
Musky fishing rods are best paired with high-quality reels that match the rod type. Most musky anglers uses baitcasting reels on casting rods. Higher end reels will have smoother drag and better brake systems which can make them easier to fish for extended periods of time.
Check out our article on the best baitcasting reels for our top recommendations for reels to pair with casting rods.
What is the best length musky fishing rod?
The most versatile, all around best length musky fishing rod is 8 feet long. This length rod is a perfect balance of accuracy, casting distance, and comfort for the angler. It’s also long enough for most anglers to comfortably perform a figure-eight alongside the boat to check for fish following the bait.
What is a figure-eight when fishing?
A figure-eight is a motion the angler makes with the lure at the end of a retrieve that resembles the number 8. Without reeling, the angler makes a sweeping 8 motion to see if a musky is following the bait and potentially entice a strike. Musky are notorious for following baits without striking and this is a great way to increase catch rates.
What pound test line for a musky fishing rod?
65 pound braid is the best all-around line rating for musky fishing. This line has enough strength to handle reeling in huge musky, pulling baits out of snags, and dealing with the forces involved with casting massive musky baits.
Is mono or braid better for musky fishing?
Braided fishing line is preferable for musky fishing because it has significantly smaller diameter for the same strength line when compared to mono. Braided line can be cast further and also has less tendency line twist than mono. Musky anglers use heavy duty line, and the ability to fit more braid than mono on the reel spool is an important consideration.
Written By: Andrew Juran
Andrew is a seasoned angler with over 25 years of experience fishing across the United States. He has caught hundreds of fish using various techniques and mentored many in the art of fishing. An advocate for sustainable fishing, Andrew is an active member of the Coastal Conservation Association, an organization committed to marine conservation.
For frequent fishing tips, behind-the-scenes looks, and real-time catches, connect with Andrew on Instagram
