How to Choose the Perfect Musky Bucktail Rod

By Lisa Goodier, Owner/Operator of Capital Musky

Bucktails - also known as blades or inline spinners - completely changed the musky fishing game. For decades, single-bladed lures were the go-to choice for musky anglers. Then, in the early 2000s, everything changed with the invention of the "Cowgirl" and other double-bladed inline spinners.

These baits trigger aggressive reaction strikes with speed, allow anglers to cover large weed beds efficiently, and serve as one of the best figure-eight lures in musky fishing. While bucktails were originally named for their use of deer hair, they have evolved to include tinsel, which adds another key element of attraction: flash.

For years, many anglers believed you only needed one generic rod for throwing blades. Today, however, rod selection should be matched to the size of bucktail you are fishing. With blade sizes ranging from small, lightweight #5s all the way up to massive, hard-pulling #13s, choosing the right musky bucktail rod can make a huge difference in casting distance, hooksets, lure control, and overall comfort.

Below are my personal preferences for choosing a musky bucktail rod based on blade size. I have provided two rod lengths for each category. Your ideal length should depend on several factors, including your height, the height of your boat deck, your preferred figure-eight depth, and your fishing environment. For example, if you are shore fishing, I recommend choosing the shorter option to make landing and netting fish much easier, especially when fishing alone.

Small Blades: #5 to #7 Bucktails

For small blades, I use a Heavy power, Fast action rod - specifically the Shimano Compre Muskie 8'0" Heavy, model CPCM80HTK, or the 8'6" Heavy, model CPCM86HTK.

The heavy power provides the backbone needed for solid hooksets, while the fast action allows the rod tip to load properly. This makes it much easier to launch lighter bucktails and maintain control throughout the retrieve.

For my reel choice, I like pairing these smaller blades with a Shimano Tranx HG. The higher gear ratio helps pick up line quickly, making it easier to burn smaller bucktails and keep the bait moving fast when fish are reacting to speed.

Medium Blades: #8 to #9 Bucktails

For medium blades, I step up to an Extra Heavy power, Fast action rod - specifically the Shimano Compre Muskie 8'6" Extra Heavy, model CPCM86XHTK, or the 9'0" Extra Heavy, model CPCM90XHTK.

The extra-heavy power and Diaflash reinforcement provide the rigid frame required for hard hooksets. At the same time, the fast action helps keep constant pressure on the fish during the fight. This setup also reduces physical stress during long days of casting, allowing you to use the rod tip to your advantage when throwing bucktails.

For these blade sizes, I also like using a Shimano Tranx HG. The faster retrieve is ideal for anglers who like to burn blades, cover water efficiently, and trigger reaction strikes from active muskies.

Heavy Blades: #10 to #13 Bucktails

For large blades, I use a longer Extra Heavy power, Fast action rod - specifically the Shimano Compre Muskie 9'6" Extra Heavy, model CPCM96XHTK, or the 9'9" Extra Heavy, model CPCM99XHTK.

These large bucktails are considerably heavier and create immense water resistance. The added rod length allows for long, smooth casts, while the strong backbone easily handles lures weighing 8 to 12 ounces. The extra length also provides a major advantage at boatside, allowing you to make big, wide, and deep figure-eights when working fish close to the boat.

For big blades, I recommend stepping up to a Shimano Tranx 400 or Tranx 500. Larger bucktails create a lot more drag in the water, and the added power of these reels makes it easier to turn heavy blades, maintain control, and reduce fatigue over a full day of casting.

Trolling Bucktails for Musky

Bucktails can also be extremely effective trolling lures. However, high-speed trolling puts massive stress on your equipment. For this application, I use a rod that many musky anglers may not have considered: the Shimano Technium Sturgeon rod, model TNCX80HB.

Designed to withstand heavy river currents and powerful fish, this Extra Heavy, Fast action rod has the backbone needed for high-speed hooksets. Despite its strength, the tip action still allows you to visually monitor your lure's movement while providing the right amount of flex to keep constant pressure on the fish during the fight.

If You Can Only Choose One Musky Bucktail Rod

I understand that it is not always possible to own a rod for every single musky fishing application. Cost, boat space, storage, and travel limitations can all play a role.

If you can only choose one versatile rod for bucktails, my go-to recommendation is the Shimano Compre Muskie 8'6" Extra Heavy, Fast action rod. It offers the best overall balance for throwing a wide range of blade sizes and gives anglers the power, control, and versatility needed for most bucktail situations.

Burn those blades!

Quick Rod and Reel Reference

Lisa Goodier
Owner/Operator of Capital Musky
www.capitalmusky.com