Fishing is a skill that cannot be acquired overnight. As such, having tools that can teach you the ropes without requiring a very high learning curve is necessary so that you can learn effectively while still enjoying the activity. With this, having a spincast fishing reel will definitely be a big plus as you start to learn the enjoyable skill of fishing out in the open waters.
Here, we will provide the 10 best spincast fishing reels list in today’s market so you no longer have to do the legwork. The perfect rod and reel combo will surely help you get a pleasant fishing experience. With a spincast fishing reel that can meet your needs, you will find fishing much more convenient and your skills would gradually increase over time.
Table of Contents
Best Spincast Fishing Reels
01 Zebco Omega Pro ZO3PRO (Our Top Pick)
If you ask who makes the most reliable fishing tackle, then the name Zebco would pop up in the conversation. The Zebco Omega Pro is definitely a testament to that, as its performance was simply extraordinary in our tests. We actually had a hard time finding a fault for this particular product, and they are more of a nuisance than an actual flaw.
You can definitely see that this one is built to last with its aircraft-grade aluminum exterior like the Omega 2 Pro. Drive gears are made out of brass with a gear ratio of 3.6:1 which allows you to retrieve your lines at a rate of 19 inches per turn of the handle. Seven metal bearings ensure a smooth flow of line which would prevent tangles and fray.
Ergonomically, the Zebco Omega Pro is amazing as everything is as for where it should be and it also features a reversible handle that can be placed either to the left or right of the reel. Other great points to note are the triple-cam drag system that is easily adjustable but can be quite sensitive for newbies, as well as a spool system that can be quickly changed for those that want to swap lines on the fly.
You simply can’t go wrong with the Zebco Omega Pro as it’s one of the best quality reels ever made. It provides top performance and looks great when attached to any rod. If there’s one reel that you can buy, then this is it as this is definitely worth the money.
Pros
- It has a beautiful black aluminum design
- It is built with durable materials
- It provides good control and accuracy of casts
- It comes pre-spooled
- Retrieval can be made with the left or right hand
Cons
- It can be a little difficult to clean and maintain
- The drag wheel can be a bit sensitive
Our Verdict
The Zebco Omega Pro tops our list due to its look and performance that is outmatched. Its aluminum frame is tough yet extremely light, and its internal workings ensure a smooth and convenient fishing experience.
Designed for beginners, it is also one of our favorites and even experts would love to have this in their tackle box for when they want a more relaxed and easy to use spincast fishing reel that does not require a lot of skills to use to great effect. In a nutshell, it packs all the useful features at such an attractive price point that we couldn’t but champion it to be the best spincast fishing reels on our list.
02 Pflueger President (For Bass Fishing)
The Pflueger President is superb for bass fishing as it is created with heavy-duty fishing in mind. Tough materials cover the exterior and you will certainly not be disappointed with what you will see inside. These include 5 steel ball bearings and dual titanium pins that ensure smooth casting and pickup of your lines.
The Pflueger President has a slow gear ratio, which allows you to fight even the rowdiest of fish. This model also allows you to load up a 90-pound test line so bass and other bigger fish would not be a problem. Don’t expect to get some prized catches though, as it does have some limitations when it comes to power and distance.
Still, this is one of the most versatile choices that you can find as it can accommodate catching different types of fish and under varying conditions.
The design is also great, with the drag and bail button sitting next to each other. There’s no ability which allows you to change from right to left turn handles, though, which can be a bit inconvenient for southpaws.
The Pflueger President is also quite light and fits well with most rods. All of this comes from a price point that is quite reasonable compared to spinning reels and other products that can do what this reel does.
The Pflueger President combines comfort and functionality to provide you an amazing fishing experience that you will never forget. These are excellent for crappies. You can even land some bass and trout with this reel, something that its contemporaries cannot rightfully claim.
Pros
- A slow gear ratio gives you more torque to reel fish back in
- It is made of premium quality materials
- It is quite affordable
- The rubber knob makes turning the handle comfortable
- It can accommodate different types of lines
Cons
- It is designed for right-handed retrieval
- It cannot handle bigger or heavier fish species
Our Verdict
For smaller to medium-sized bass, the Pflueger President is certainly up to the task. Versatile and with three different variants to choose from, you will have lots of use for this handy reel. It’s also quite stunning to look at with its two-tone color design, but what really makes it stand out is its durability and capability to be up to whatever task you would like it to do.
With functions that you can find in top-rated spin cast reels, the Pflueger President will not let you down when you need it the most.
03 Zebco 33kpl,10c,Bx6 33 Platinum (Great for Beginners)
The Zebco 33 KPL is, simply put, one of the easiest models to use that we have tested. It is very easy to use which makes it great for children and beginners. It has minimalistic features that work all the same, and it provides the same quality that the brand Zebco has been known for many years.
The design for the Zebco 33 KPL is simple yet elegant, and what makes it stand out is the oversized button trigger that is designed so that it can be pressed easily. The turn handles can be switched from left to right so that it can accommodate whatever orientation you are comfortable with. It has also been reported to be great for one handed casting, which is definitely a big plus.
Inside, it boasts a 5 bearing line management system that ensures smooth line flow, although jamming and, on occasion, tangles, will not be eliminated completely. Line retrieval is really fast as this reel is rated to fetch up to 22 inches for every turn of the handle.
The drag system, on the other hand, is very sensitive which makes it very powerful in the hands of a skilled angler. But for beginners, there’s going to be a slightly higher learning curve when learning to balance just the right amount of drag for the situation.
All in all, the Zebco 33 KPL is a no-frills choice that you can just pick up and use with minimal skill. It’s also worth keeping around all time even as you gain more experience as it is just that easy to use.
Pros
- It provides fast line retrieval rates
- It feels solid and durable
- The drag system is very adjustable
- The trigger button is very big
- Retrieve handle can be switched to either side of the reel
Cons
- Beginners may find drag adjustment to be difficult
- Some jamming of lines have been reported when casting
Our Verdict
The Zebco 33KPL does have its shortcomings, but you can’t take away from its ease of use which makes it perfect for beginners. For those just starting out, they can really appreciate the simplicity of this reel’s design and functionality. It’s quite cheap coming under 50 bucks, which makes it a great addition to your fishing kit.
Get this reel if you want to be able to catch a wide variety of fish even with minimal skill and technique as this product will do most of the hard work for you.
04 Zebco 33K 10C BX6 Spincast Fishing Reel
The Zebco Gold 33K 10C BX6, despite the price, is a great closed face fishing reel to have as a primary or secondary reel. The reason for this is that it provides a good quality fishing experience that makes it the top spincast fishing reel in its class. Is it worth the money? In fact, it packs an amazing value for the price!
Although Zebco 33K 10C BX6 has been designed with women in mind, it is every bit as good as any other product in this category. The lightweight frame is built to last. The stainless steel inhouse bearing will assure you of a moderate smooth casting and reeling experience.
For convenience, it has an Anti-Reverse QuickSet spool for making sure that you do not miss a single bait or pull. It is capable of providing good cast distance and is rated to have a reaching capacity of 110/10 yds/lbs.
This small package also packs a bite Alert that is built into the system. The gear ratio of this spincast stands at 3.6:1.
Pros
- Anti-reverse spool by QuickSet
- Lightweight frame
- Inclusion of bite alert
- Low price
Cons
- Does not fit old versions of rods
Our Verdict
If you are looking for a lightweight and low budget spincast fishing reel up for sale, this is the right model. You can also use it as a backup or even the main gear, just give it a shot before the stock runs out.
05 Daiwa Silvercast-A Series
While also usable for saltwater, the Daiwa Silvercast-A Series takes the cake when it comes to performing in freshwater. The aluminum casing is ultralight yet very durable, plus it is corrosion resistant so you can take it out even in saltwater, albeit with proper care and maintenance afterward. It’s also very compact, which will not obstruct your movements in any situation.
Three ball bearings are included within the mechanics of the reel, although some have reported issues with tangling and non-smooth casting. Still, the reel makes up for it by providing an oversized aperture to increase speed and accuracy. Titanium nitride line pickups are installed so you are assured of durability when it comes to this aspect of the reel.
The drag is easily adjustable and the handles turn quite smoothly. The latter can even be switched from left to right with no fuss. So, both right and left handed users can use it with comfort. The reel can accommodate medium-light action and is ideal for small to medium-sized fish.
The top drag system operates quite smoothly and will really allow you to tire out fish quite easily. The Silvercast 170A model comes with a 17lb line.
The Daiwa Silvercast A-Series takes some getting used to, but it can be a powerful reel in the hands of someone who knows what he’s doing. It can provide for accurate and long-distance casts, and the drag system is a joy to play with. All of this comes from a compact little package that performs well in freshwater and can match up and even exceed your expectations given its modest price point.
Pros
- It provides a fast retrieval rate
- It is very lightweight
- The pickup system is very responsive
- The drag system reacts smoothly
- It allows you to cast farther than most spin cast reels
Cons
- Some parts wear out too quickly
- Some tangling issues have been reported
Our Verdict
Rated for freshwater fishing, the Daiwa Silvercast A-Series can be your best buddy when it comes to angling for some great catches. This particular reel is also great for live bait, and the Daiwa Silvercast allows for some highly effective casting and reeling due to its quality design.
It’s not quite user-friendly though; so, a little experience in using a spincast fishing reel is necessary to make the most out of this product.
06 Omega Pro Spincast Reel 3.4:1 Gear Ratio by Zebco
A fishing expedition is unthinkable without a good quality rod with a quality spincast fishing reel. A lot depends on the cast reel and Zebco understands this very well. They have been coming up with their spincast fishing reel lineups consistently maintaining quality and durability. This Omega Pro is a superbly built closed-cast reel that comes with 6 lbs. pre-spooled fishing line made by Zebco.
The covers are made from aluminum, so the entire unit is not only waterproof but also lightweight. The dual paddle handle and the ergonomic thumb button make the casting experience a piece of cake. The retrieval feels smooth, thanks to its 7-bearing design that allows a draw rate of 19 inches.
This is, again, ambidextrous design for using with both hands. The solid micro components make it durable and reliable over a long period of time. The spool is designed with an anti-reverse spin technology that helps secure catches in the most consistent way.
It’s a reel you pick when going after big fish categories e. g. catfish, walleye, striper, and bass. People have been using Zebco’s reels for years and they do so for all the good reasons. This manufacturer doesn’t compromise with quality and you will find a touch of innovation in every new model they come up with.
Pros
- Lightweight but strong
- 7-bearing design
- Anti-reverse technology
- Ambidextrous
- Comfy handle
Cons
- The stock spool is difficult to change
Our Verdict
The reel is a lovable one, that’s for sure. Once you sport it on the fishing rod, there’s no look back. It has all the cutting edge features you need to catch big fish reliably. It’s not that expensive but packs some useful features. Besides, it comes with a pre-spooled fishing line, so you can start fishing instantly! It’s a great value for the price, and if you have the budget, grab it before the stock runs out.
07 Daiwa Goldcast GC100
Can a spincast fishing reel have only one bearing? In older times, the answer might have been yes, but with other models having five bearings or more, the Daiwa Goldcast GC100 is a bit of a throwback. Don’t let this feature dissuade you from trying out this reel, though, as our casting was still smooth despite it generating quite a bit of noise.
Unlike the GC80, the Daiwa Goldcast GC100’s exterior is made out of metal and graphite, with a compact and very light design that will not obstruct your movements once you’ve attached it to the rod and have started fishing. Inside, what will catch your attention are the tungsten carbide line pickups which are one of the strongest materials that can possibly be used.
The Daiwa Goldcast also has an interchangeable handle, an oscillating spool, and a multi-disc grad which adds to a convenient and hassle-free experience. In addition, the reel is capable of casting heavier lines, which makes it suitable for going after bigger and heavier catches that other reels cannot.
The drag mechanism takes a little getting used to due to its sensitivity, but that’s nothing a few hours in the water cannot fix. As such, this is a good option for more experienced anglers as well as those who would like to level up on equipment. The black and gold color scheme is also a nice touch, as it sets itself apart from the Daiwa Silvercast which also appears on this list and shares similar features.
Pros
- Pickup pins are very durable
- It is capable of catching heavier fish
- It has a compact design
- It is durable and can stand a lot of abuse
- It has a one year warranty
Cons
- Casting and reeling can be a bit noisy
- Drag adjustments require some skill
Our Verdict
A good quality product, the Daiwa Goldcast also comes with a one year warranty. Chances are you wouldn’t even need it, though, as this is a pretty hardy reel. It is also very versatile and you can even choose from three different models of this product, with each having differing action and capacity parameters.
This particular reel is one of our favorites as it offers one of the smoothest casting and reeling experiences we’ve had with little to no troubles with our lines during the entire testing stage.
08 Abu Garcia Abumatic 170
What will catch your attention with the Abu Garcia Abu Matic 170 is its look. Its chrome-like red and black color scheme is very eye-catching and appealing, especially for anglers with more modern tastes as well as teenagers. It does not just look that the Abumatic 170 can brag about, though, as there’s also a lot under the hood that makes it stand out.
The Abu Garcia Abumatic 170 includes 4 bearings as well as anti-reverse functionalities. Its gear is made out of anti-corrosive brass, and the exterior is composed of die-cast and machined aluminum. The handle cannot be switched, though, which can be a bit of a drag.
Speaking of drag, Abumatic 170 has a carbon matrix drag system that allows you to smoothly change the type of control that you have. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to fully utilize and get the hang of this feature and we’ve lost some catches along the way. Still, this doesn’t take away from the fact that this is an excellent beginner’s choice.
The Abumatic 170 also offers one of the fastest retrieval rates at 25 inches per turn. That is all thanks to a 3.9:1 gear ratio, which would definitely allow you to catch a much wider range of fish. This is one of the lowest maintenance and farthest casting reels that we have tested, and we simply just love how this product looked while we were testing it. That alone should be reason enough to buy the Abumatic 170.
Pros
- It has a very stylish design
- It is perfect for beginners
- It has a high capacity spool
- It has a very high retrieval rate
- It offers smooth retrieval and casting
Cons
- You cannot switch sides for the handle
- Many complain about drag control issues
Our Verdict
The Abu Garcia Abumatic 170 looks good, but it did not disappoint when it came to performance as well. Line casting and reeling posed no problems, and we were able to retrieve lines much faster than we expected.
Don’t expect to fight bigger and heavier fish species with this reel without some years of experience under your belt, though, as the drag system really does require some skill to take advantage of. Other than that, the Abumatic 170 was an absolute joy to use.
09 Zebco ZB310BX3 Bullet
The Zebco Bullet is named as such due to its fast retrieval rate. At 29.6 inches per turn, you may be surprised as to how fast you can reel your line back in. In fact, the 5.1:1 gear ratio rating does not do it justice as the Zebco Bullet is almost at par with other baitcasters when it comes to sheer speed.
You probably won’t need that much speed, though, especially since you’d be encountering some performance issues such as grinding and locking when doing fast retrieval. For more controlled fights, the Zebco Bullet features a patented ZeroFriction dual bearing supported design for its pins, as well as anti-reverse which is a standard for most spincast fishing reels nowadays.
Capable of catching even heavier fish, the Zebco zb310bx3 also weighs heavier than most reels at over 13 ounces. You’ll also be shelling out close to a hundred dollars for this product, but that’s okay as the Zebco Bullet, in exchange, did not skimp on any expenses when it comes to materials used.
Perfect for both beginners and experts alike, you’ll probably choose the Zebco Bullet as your spincast fishing reel of choice if the high price tag would not be an issue. It is simply the fastest reel on this list, and you will definitely feel the difference in both speed and power as it is able to match up with any spincast fishing reel that you are currently using. This is a reel that is worth every penny, and it will surely not disappoint in the water.
Pros
- It is made of very durable materials
- It has a very fast retrieval rate
- It provides one of the smoothest castings and reeling actions
- Maximum drag is at 14 pounds
- The spool is very easy to change
Cons
- It is heavier than most spincast fishing reels
- Some friction and grinding is felt during fast retrievals
Our Verdict
Despite the high price, the Zebco Bullet is highly recommended not only because of its speed but also because of its versatility. Capable of catching light to heavy fish, the Zebco zb310bx3 Bullet is definitely an utmost joy to use, and its durability is surely a plus.
Premium materials and high-quality design will assure you that this reel can perform at peak levels even after several years of use and abuse. This is a spincast fishing reel where your satisfaction is absolutely guaranteed.
10 Pflueger Trion
The Pflueger Trion is the only underspin reel on this list, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it performed any less good than the others. In fact, we can say that the Pflueger Trion was quite enjoyable to use, at least when it comes to lighter fish.
With a mono capacity of 10/75, the Pflueger Trion falls just a bit short when it comes to range, but compensating for that will mean compromising the weight of your line. In any case, this makes for a great secondary reel or for something that a child or teen could use.
When it comes to quality, though, few can beat the Trion as they definitely did not even think of using cheap materials in this reel’s construction. An aluminum body and titanium pins ensure superb durability, and everything inside and out is corrosion resistant, making this a great reel to have in saltwater conditions. The Pflueger Trion is also quite cheap, despite the fact that quality materials were utilized for its construction.
Performance wise, you may encounter some issues with casting as it only has two ball bearings, and some have reported tangling and, at worst, bird’s nests in some cases. These incidences are few and far between, though, and we did not experience any of these during our tests.
If you want a reliable spincast fishing reel that is affordable and can also withstand both harsh weather conditions and constant usage, then you can’t go wrong with the Pflueger Trion with its satisfactory performance and toughness in the field. Pflueger president is also a competent model as per the performance level.
Pros
- The drag transitions very smoothly
- It is made out of very durable materials
- The handle turns smoothly and comfortably
- It is very affordable
- It is a good beginner’s reel
Cons
- It is limited in range and power
- Tangling of lines may be an issue
Our Verdict
If you want a reliable spincasting reel that wouldn’t burn a hole in your wallet, then you can try out the Pflueger Trion Spincast fishing Reel. Its range and versatility are quite modest, so beginners can really appreciate its simplicity but should not underestimate its capabilities.
The toughness also is a very important factor, and you should know that the Pflueger Trion is definitely built to last. For kids or for those who have acquired more advanced fishing skills, this reel comes highly recommended.
Best Spincast Reels for the Money [Buying Guide]
There are many things to consider when you are out looking for the best spincast fishing reels. Quality and performance are important, and the factors below are what you should look for in your spincast fishing reels of choice in order to be sure that you are getting what you pay for.
1. Open-Face or Closed-Face
It is unlikely that you will be able to find an open-faced spincast fishing reel as part of the definition of spincast fishing reels is that this particular design is required. A closed face means that it will suffer fewer tangles, and line flow is very much controlled so you would not have to worry about wasting precious time untangling bird’s nests.
The closed face models come with a wide range of colors including brass, black, silver, red, pink, blue, and teal.
2. Button vs. Underspin
You can have a choice on what mechanism triggers the release of the line. Buttons and underpins pretty much work in the same way, with the difference being that spincast fishing reels with button releases are mounted on top of the rod while underspin reels are mounted under the rod.
3. Bearings
A rule of thumb is that the more bearings and the less corrosive the bearing are in a reel, the better it is. Bearings provide smoother movement of your reel. If you do not feel friction or rough movement when operating your reels, then you have your bearings to thank.
4. Gears Ratio and Internals
Gears should be made of metal, and not plastic like some cheap reels. Gear ratio, on the other hand, pertains to how many turns the spool makes each time you turn the handle once. The right gear ratios will depend on your rod as well as on the current fishing conditions.
5. Drag Systems
Drag pertains to the pressure on the line when something, such as a fish, pulls on it. Drag must be adjusted in order to prevent pulling all of your lines or breaking your line altogether. Spincast fishing reels have drag systems in the form of wheels that can be found in varying areas of your reel.
6. Retrieval Rate
Related to gear ratios is the retrieval rate. This pertains to the number of inches that the line returns for every turn of the handle. Lower gear ratios will have slower retrieval rates while higher gear ratios will have faster retrieval rates.
7. Mono Capacity
Mono capacity pertains to how many lines a reel can carry. This is represented by two numbers with the first number representing the test, or a number of pounds that the line can hold, while the second number represents how much of that line can be stored by the spool. The latter is typically measured in yards or feet.
8. Pickup Systems
Pickup systems are mechanisms that hold the line and pull them back once you reel the line back in. This is generally done through pins made out of metal, although cheaper materials are also sometimes used for lower quality reels. Conversely, other more precious metals can also be utilized. The more pickup systems that a reel has, the better and smoother the reeling in would be.
9. Line Engagement
How smooth your line is released from the spool is very important so as to improve your accuracy when casting. Line engagement should be second nature to you regardless of whether your reel has a button or underspin trigger.
10. Spools
Spools can be made up of different materials. They must also be very durable and will spin without any issues. They must also hold your line well so that they will not unspool and cause tangles. Most spools are non-issues when it comes to spincasting reels.
11. Size & Weight
The size and weight of spincast fishing reels are very important, as they will work with your rod when you are out fishing. A top-notch model will fit your rod perfectly and will not make it feel heavy or unbalanced.
12. Ease of Use
Most spincast fishing reels come with a straightforward setup and are very easy to use. Some reels have additional bells and whistles, but these specifications are purely optional. Still, some are great additional features that can provide you with further ease and convenience of use. All the models that you can see in our spincast fishing reel reviews offer unparalleled ease of use.
13. Durability
Of course, your preferred model must be tough enough for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. It should last you for many years for as long as you take good care of it. A good item must be made out of good quality and non-corrosive materials so it can stand the abuse of regular use.
How Do Spincast Fishing Reels Differ from Other Reels?
Simply put, spincast fishing reels are designed with the beginner in mind. With a closed face as well as a push-button release for reels, they are primarily geared towards those with less fishing experience.
A spincast fishing reel will give you no problems with regards to controlling your lines and can provide you with some distance and accuracy especially for those who are just making their first casts.
As compared to baitcasting reels, push-button reels require very little training, although they are somewhat limited especially when it comes to power and capacity. Still, spincast fishing reels are quite affordable and can be a great backup for all types of fishermen.
Spincast Reels Care & Maintenance Tips
Even if you buy the most exclusive spincast fishing reel, it will only perform depending on how you take care of it. Cleaning and maintenance are necessary after each fishing trip, and the instructions below will teach you how to go about this easy yet detailed process.
- Make sure you have all of your tools as well as cleaning materials necessary. These include screwdrivers and tweezers, as well as lubricating grease and cleaning solutions. It would also be better to lay out a light or dark towel or piece of cloth where you can place individual pieces like screws. Choose clothes with contrasting colors so that you can see them better.
- Take everything apart slowly. Use the proper tools and do not force disassembly. If something feels jammed, it probably means you’re not taking them apart from the right way.
- Remove or tape your line before removing the spool. This will prevent the line from coming apart and tangling on other components of your reel.
- Clean all parts with a cleaning Apply this with a brush. You can also dip the parts in warm freshwater first before cleaning to remove larger debris.
- Lube up gears and ball bearing with grease or oil. For bearings, apply grease at the bottom rather than on the top.
- Reassemble the reel and check if everything is moving the way that they should be. There should be no locking of mechanisms and movements should be free. Of course, all parts should be attached properly to ensure proper function and optimum performance.
Wrapping It Up
We have come to the end of our search for the best spincast fishing reels. We have discussed everything there is to know about what is the best spincast fishing reels and how to find your preferred choice. We hope that our suggestions have been very helpful.
We’d go with any of the Zebco spincast fishing reels for our personal choices such as the Zebco 202, 808 Boss Hawg, 404, 33 Platinum, or the Zebco Bullet, but we’d love to get our hands on the Abumatic 170 as well as it simply looks cool especially when attached to a rod that complements its color scheme.
The right way to know which spincast fishing reel is really good for you is to try it out and make your own choices. At the very least, hopefully, this review has helped you learn what to look for when it comes to buying the best spincast fishing reels that will make your fishing adventures as fun and enjoyable as possible.
