Are you just starting out in fishing, or looking for a beginner-friendly option to introduce a friend or family member to the sport? Then look no further than spincast fishing reels. These reels are a great option for anyone who wants to enjoy fishing without the hassle of complicated gear.
Mastering the Basics: Your Ultimate Guide to Spincast Fishing Reels
Spincast reels are similar to spinning reels, but with a closed-face design that encloses the spool of the fishing line. This design offers many advantages for new anglers, such as preventing tangles and making it easier to cast accurately.
They also tend to be more affordable than other types of reels, making them a great option for anyone on a budget. So, whether you’re looking for a simple and reliable option for your next fishing trip or trying to get a new angler hooked on the sport, a spincast reel might just be a perfect choice.
How to Choose The Best Spincast Reel Reviews
Ok, maybe you know what spinning or baitcasting reels are. We talked about them in other articles. But what exactly are spin-cast reels? Spincast reels are not as popular as the previous two types and are reels with a plastic cover. The line exits the hole in front of the reel.
Spincast reels have a spool parallel to the axis of the rod and they do not rotate during casting. The fishing line simply unspools because the bait pulls it with its weight. But spin cast reels are much simpler to operate. If in spinning reels you need to keep the line in place during casting, then in the spin-cast reels you only need to press the button, which will allow the line to unspool freely.
Also, since in spin-cast reels line is coated with a plastic lid, it’s much more difficult to get tangled than in spinning reels. You’ll have almost no problems using such reels. Let’s look at them!
Top 6 Picks for Spincast Reels: Reel in the Catch of a Lifetime
These reels are designed to be simple and straightforward, with a push-button release that makes casting a breeze. They’re also affordable, making them a great choice for those just starting out in the world of fishing.
But don’t let their simplicity fool you – spincast reels are still powerful tools that can handle a wide variety of fish species. In this guide, we’ll take a deep dive into reels, exploring their features, benefits, and drawbacks.
Let’s look at some spin-cast reel reviews to get a better idea as to what you can expect to find out there when looking for the right type of reel for your needs. Make sure that the reel you are going to purchase is suitable for the fish you need and for the type of water saltwater or freshwater.
1# Zebco Omega ZO3PRO Spincast Reel Fishing
Zebco doesn’t change the tendency to use aluminum caps instead of plastics, which provides greater reel durability. Especially considering that the gears are also made of hard metal. Although this product is made of metal, it hasn’t so much weight, has great smoothness and performance. The manufacturer gives installation and uses instructions. You can select an option for the left or right hand.
The ceramic guide facilitates smooth hook movement. You can put any kind of bait on this reel. Zebco Omega is equipped with 6 balls and 1 roller bearing. A gear ratio of 3.4: increases the efficiency of the fisherman. But there are a couple of minutes that need to be said. The recovery time of this reel is slightly slower than other models. Although, compared with some spin-cast reels, this one shows better results. And also the gear ratio is not very convenient for use on all types of fish. But in general, for its price, this reel is very justified.
2# Pflueger President PRES10SCX Spincast Reel 10 Size
The complete set of this reel provides only 2 sizes. They can hold a monoline weighing 6-8 pounds and a length of 145 yards. But with a braided line, the length will be much less. Aluminum frames serve both to protect the reel and to reduce weight. These reels weigh no more than 12 ounces. Pflueger spin-cast reels have a good retrieve speed, not fast, but not slow. The gear ratio is 3.4:1 and on large models 3.8:1. This will be enough to deal with small and medium-sized fish. The handle is made of aluminum with a soft-touch surface and feels very nice in the hands. Although this is a budget reel, surprisingly, an anti-reverse bearing and 5 ball bearings for smooth control are installed inside. The only negative is that the performance of the reel is poor. It often happens that after prolonged use the line will require replacement.
3# Zebco Omega ZO3-10 BX3 Spincast Reel
Zebco ZO3 is one of the most innovative and high-quality reels on the market. This is the first reel in which 7 bearings began to be used. It’s great for catching middle-weight fish. In addition to a 2.9:1 gear ratio that works great with lures, the reel can hold 85 yards of monoline weighing 10 pounds. The cast aluminum from which the body is made doesn’t require much maintenance, and the stainless steel bearings won’t allow corrosion to spoil your reel. The anti-reverse system in ZO3 will never let the fish slip away. In addition, a three-disc drag system and a worm gear drive will provide you with sufficient strength to fight any fish. The design is very ergonomic and comfortable. Especially a tight and soft-touch button for releasing the line. Zebco ZO3 is delivered with a spooled line, and the manufacturer gives a 1-year guarantee for all products.
4# Daiwa GoldCast GC100 Spincast Fishing Reel
The design of the Daiwa GoldCast may please fans of the old school. Weighing in at 9.25 ounces, this reel is significantly lighter than the majority of spin-cast reels on the market. The use and installation won’t cause any problems for the fisherman. The body, lid, and gear in the reel are made of hard metal, so you don’t need to worry about the durability of the reel. Also, Daiwa has a tungsten line pickup, which reduces line wear and makes it easier to unspool.
With a line weight of 8 pounds, the reel holds 85 yards of it. Also, the reel has a smooth multi-disc drag. Such construction allows you to catch different types of fish, regardless of size and weight. For the Daiwa GoldCast, the gear ratio of the reel is 4.1:1. This is a very fast gear ratio, but then you sacrifice precise control of the bait. For an amateur. In addition, the reel has an anti-reverse mechanism, which the fisherman can turn on or off when necessary.
5# Zebco ZB310BX3 Bullet Spincast Reel
Another Zebco reel, which stands out with its cast blue aluminum body, has a double anodized coating and the ability to choose the right or left-hand configuration. The reel retrieves the fishing line not only smoothly, but also quickly. You can very quickly get from the depths of large catfish, perch, and other fish. And anti-reverse allows you to forget about internal entanglement and focus on fishing. Spare spool and easy installation process allow you to use two lines during the day. The reel design is quite well, the two handles sit in the hand very comfortably and pleasant. Durability is also at a high level, the reel is able to withstand critical loads thanks to 9 bearings inside. But this durability and strength affect the price. So, this reel costs a little more than most spin-cast representatives.
6# Zebco 33 Spincast Fishing Reel – Our Quick Pick
Maybe this reel doesn’t have such a bright design as the previous one, but its power and strength are some of the best on this list. Let’s start with the gear ratio, which is 3.6:1. With this number, you can quickly retrieve a line, which means you can fish faster and save a lot of time. Casting in Zebco 33 doesn’t quite coincide with the distance of other models, but it has a sufficiently large and accurate distance for casting. The handle has the ability to be changed for the left or right hand.
The reel body is made of stainless steel, but the frame is made of graphite. The reel is quite strong and durable, well resists salt water and corrosion. The micro drag system gives you absolute control over any type of fish, regardless of size and weight. A 10 lbs of pre-spooled mono line retrieve very quickly and smoothly. There are two knobs on the handle for convenient finger positioning, the unlock button is located nearby. If you’re looking for an inexpensive spinning reel option, then Zebco 33 is definitely worth your attention.
The Pros and Cons of Spincast Reels: Is It the Right Choice for You?
To choose a reel, you need to pay attention to the key factors that distinguish a high-quality reel from a poor-quality one. Let’s take a look at the main ones.
Bearings
Bearings are balls inside a reel that rotate around a mechanical part to reduce friction. Bearings can be in different parts of the reels, but how do you determine which ones are the best? Each fisherman has his own preferences, but according to statistics, ceramic bearings are one of the highest-quality and best. They are not susceptible to rust due to the hardness of ceramics and perfectly reduce friction between parts of the reel. But this is the most expensive bearing option.
The most popular option is stainless steel bearings. They almost don’t rust and show effective results. Even an experienced fisherman cannot always distinguish ceramic bearings from high-quality stainless steel bearings. There is, of course, a difference in performance, but it depends on how much you are ready to pay for its increase. And what about the quantity? On average, there are from 4 to 7 bearings in a reel + 1 anti-reverse or roller bearing, or some other. Less than 4 bearings are always felt roughly in the reel. Basically, the more bearings in the reel, the smoother it works.
Durability
Durability is the quality that will go bad about most spin-cast reels. The pins in them wear out, and the gears can generally be made of plastic. As a result, with constant use or deformation, they quickly collapse. So, if you bought a reel for 20 bucks, then don’t be surprised that it didn’t work for more than a year. Although, some are willing to sacrifice longevity because of good quality. I have a few friends who do this with Zebco reels and change them several times a year. But for a more or less reasonable price, some reels can be made of fairly high-quality material (stainless aluminum for example), which will last a very long time and even survive deformation.
Pickup Systems
Pickup systems are mechanisms that allow you to capture the line and drag it back. Just in the opposite case, you’ll lose the bait and all of your line. Almost all spinning reels use 2-3 pickup points. Many anglers believe that the more such points, the better, but in fact, this is not entirely advisable. I’ve never heard anyone pickup point made “misfire” or not work. If you buy a high-quality reel from a reliable manufacturer, then you won’t have problems with this.
Trigger or Button
The spincast reels are located above the rod. At the back of the reel is a button that acts as a bail. The principle of operation is very simple. When you are ready to cast – press the button and hold, want to release the line – remove your finger from the button. In the case of the trigger, the situation is the same. It is mounted under the rod and is called underspin, the operating principle of which is exactly the same. There are no special criteria by which these mechanisms are selected. Just make sure that they work stably and smoothly pressed, this is enough.
Line Capacity
Spincast designs don’t accommodate as many lines as spinning or baitcasting reels. You’re very lucky if you find a reel that holds more than 150 yards of line and this doesn’t affect the length of the cast. But if you don’t so often remove the fishing line and don’t fish very deeply, then the capacity is not such an important criterion.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio is indicated by two numbers through a colon, for example, 4.9:1. This shows how many times the spool rotates in 1 turn of the handle. By the way, 5:1 in fishing is the golden mean. Numbers smaller are considered slower, and higher is faster. This ratio affects two features. Firstly, the effect of the bait. The faster the bait moves, the less time the fish has to attack it. Here, the choice depends on the type of fish you are going to catch. For some types, it’s better to move the bait slowly, and for some quickly. Secondly, the speed of retrieval. The larger the gear ratio, the faster the retrieval. When casting from a distance, you’ll need a quick retrieve to cover a large area of water. But don’t overdo it. A very high retrieval speed will only harm you and you can lose not only the fish but also the line. In general, choose a gear ratio that is ideal for your type of fish and pond.
Ease of Use
One of the most striking advantages of spincast reels is the ease of use. This parameter is the key to such reels. Of course, with experience, you’ll also get the skill in handling spinning reels and with baitcasting reels. But there is nothing simpler than starting with a spin-cast reel. And although the reels lose in some respects to other types of reels, their ease of use is the main advantage. Choose a reel that won’t cause you any difficulties in using and with which it will be easy for you to fight with any type of fish.
Smoothness
Reels should retrieve and cast a line well. This means that they must do it smoothly, otherwise, it’ll be inconvenient for you to fish in principle. Check the smoothness of the reel can only be “in combat”. Even if the manufacturer assures you that this is the smoothest reel in the world, this doesn’t mean that it is true. Ask other fishermen, users who have had to use the reel you want to select, read reviews, and only then you will understand how smoothly the reel works.
Drag System
Spincast reels have a very simple drag system, but this doesn’t mean that you need to turn a blind eye to it.
On spin cast reels, there is almost always a disc drag system. Because it’s easy to use and convenient.
Discs put pressure on the line, thereby determining how hard the lines go through them.
This can be adjusted very easily using the disc on the top of the reel.
You simply rotate the disc to + or – to increase or decrease drag power.
Always give preference to the reel which has a simple, easy to regulate, but effective drag system.
Gears and Internals
Gears are a big deal to top-level anglers. To save money some manufacturers use cheap quality internal mechanisms or materials that just don’t cut it. For instance, plastic gears are not unheard of in cheap fishing reels.
As you can imagine, the plastic gear just doesn’t cut it and they’re prone to breaking, stripping, or failing under load.
To make sure you’re getting the best possible reel, look for metal gears. Stainless steel and brass are the most common materials. Stainless and brass are both largely corrosion resistant in all but the most abusive situations.
For most anglers, simply ensure that the metal internals will be enough. No need to get more complicated than that when it comes to spin casting reels
Enclosed
The lid on the top of the reel protects it from the effects of water, wind, ultraviolet rays, etc. For beginners, this is a huge plus because it saves the reel from tangling the line and getting small particles there. Although the line under the lid can sometimes become tangled on its own, it is much easier to remove the lid and unravel it than to take out small debris from there or fight rust after getting water.
FAQ: Spincast Reels for Every Skill Level
Conclusion
In conclusion, spincast fishing reels can be a great option for beginners or those looking for a simple and easy-to-use fishing reel. They are affordable, easy to operate, and require minimal maintenance. While they may not offer the same level of performance and versatility as other types of reels, they are still capable of catching a wide variety of fish species.
Whether you are looking to introduce a child to fishing or just want a reliable and hassle-free reel for your own use, a spincast reel can be a great choice. Just be sure to consider your specific needs and preferences when selecting a model, and make sure to properly maintain and care for your reel to ensure it lasts for years to come.
Spincast reels are some of the easiest to use. If you are just starting your journey as a fisherman, then this is the type of fishing reel that you should start with. They are extremely easy to use and assemble. And also, they don’t require special personal care. If you still think about which reel to choose and did not find anything suitable on my list, then take a look at the selection features that I indicated above. In my opinion, the best manufacturer of spinning reels is Zebco. They have a huge selection of reels, and the price is not so big. I tried about a dozen reels from this company, and they all worked for a long time and in good faith. If this guide has helped you, then share it on social networks.
I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.
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Thanks for all the information. Objective and unbiased approach to product evaluation. It’s always a difficult choice for the non-specialist until you have your own personal experience! I have always liked Zebco spin-cast reels. I see you are a fan of this brand. Habit. Reliability. And easy to download online via the internet.
This is a great article that provides detailed information on spin-cast reels. I appreciate that it includes the pros and cons of this type of reel, as well as a discussion of features to look for when choosing one. The article is well-written and provides helpful insights for those considering this type of reel. I would definitely recommend it to anyone in the market for a new reel. Thanks for the great advice!
If you’re looking for a top-quality saltwater spinning reel, the Shimano Baitrunner D is a great choice. It’s been around for over 30 years, so Shimano has a lot of experience making this type of reel. In tough saltwater conditions, the Baitrunner D is a reliable reel that won’t let you down. For the money, it’s tough to beat.
The list of fishing reels is top-notch. These are the real bisons of the type. They reek of fame and longevity. The list of fishing reels is top notch. These are real bison of the type. They have the reputation and longevity about them. I have long remembered that the spincasting reel is the easiest type of fishing reel to use, so it is a good choice for beginner anglers. Just please don’t forget my quotes as well.
With a spinncastle reel, the reel and eye are facing upward, which means that right-handed anglers will fish with their right hand. Most spincasting reels come with right-handed settings, but they can easily be switched to the other side of the reel for left-handed anglers.
Spincasting reels excel in one particular aspect compared to other types of reels. They are the best option for fishing in areas with schooled-up fish that have scales that tend to get everywhere, such as herring and sardines.
With a spinning or baitcasting reel, these scales can easily find their way into hard-to-clean areas of the reel, causing potential issues.
However, spincasting reels have a protective cap that sits over the spool, preventing scales from entering critical areas. This makes them the superior choice when dealing with fish that have scales that could otherwise cause problems in other types of reels.
As a Florida native, I’ve spent most of my life fishing in various rivers, surf zones, and even fly fishing. My fiancé and I are avid anglers and we enjoy tying our own flies, painting our own lures, and using size 30 hooks to catch our bait. We usually spend around 2-5 days a week fishing.
Surprisingly, our latest obsession has been with spincast reels. It all started as a joke when we bought some Zebco dock demons and Zebco 202s at Walmart. But as we started to use them more often, we realized how much we enjoyed the single-hand action and the challenge of landing big fish on super light tackle. In fact, we’ve even caught 5+ pound Largemouth bass and a couple of sharks (Spinner sharks, around 3-3.5 feet) on our 202s!
I completely agree with you that a spinning reel is not the same as a spincasting reel. In my experience, I’ve found that reels have their own unique benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked.
I know some anglers might turn their nose up at reels, but it’s important to use the right tool for the job. Just like in any other task, you need to have the right equipment to succeed. I’ve found that spin-casting reels are great for beginners or those who struggle with casting properly. They’re also great for fishing for certain types of fish that have scales that can get into hard-to-clean areas of other reels.
Of course, spinning and baitcasting reels have their own advantages, but that doesn’t mean spincasting reels should be dismissed altogether. It’s all about using the right tool for the right job.
I completely agree with you on the Zebco Omega being a great spincast reel. I have been using it for years and it has never let me down. The build quality is excellent and I have never had any issues with the gears. I have also used many other spinning and baitcasting reels in the past, but I always find myself going back to the Zebco 33.
I think it’s great that the 33 is still around and going strong. It’s a classic reel that has been around for a long time and has proven itself to be reliable and easy to use. It’s definitely a good value for the price and can handle a wide range of fish species. I highly recommend the Zebco 33 to any angler, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler. It’s just a great all-around reel that can handle whatever you throw at it.
As an experienced angler of thirty years, I don’t believe in looking down on any gear. Every type of fishing gear has its advantages and disadvantages. Although I haven’t used a high-end spincast, my $30 one has served me well. It may not cast as far as my high-end baitcasting reels or have the same smooth drag as my spinning reels, but it still catches fish.
When it comes to buying fishing gear, you get what you pay for. So, I always recommend buying the best reel that fits your budget. Even a $10 Zebco from Wal-Mart can catch fish. As you gain more experience, you may notice some limitations, but that’s the case with almost anything.
The type of fishing you do is the most significant factor in selecting gear. For panfish or stocked trout in my local stream, my spin-cast does everything I need it to. But if I were fishing for larger species, that required a faster reel, heavier line, heavier drag, longer casts, greater line capacity, or more, I would choose something else. Nevertheless, for most small to medium freshwater species, a spincast reel can provide an excellent fishing experience.
I agree with you that spincast reels are perfectly fine for the type of fishing you’re planning on doing. It’s important to use what you’re most comfortable with, especially when starting out. That being said, it’s definitely worth investing in a good quality spincast reel, and there are some great brands out there to choose from. Zebco is a classic and reliable option, while Diawa also makes some excellent spincast reels. Be sure to read reviews before making a decision.
If you ever feel like trying something different, I would highly recommend giving a baitcaster reel a try. It’s a bit closer to spincast than spinning reels in terms of handling, but there is a bit of a learning curve. Overall, it’s worth it to experiment with different types of reels to see what works best for you and your fishing style.
About the advantages of using spincasters for teaching kids how to fish. In fact, I made the same mistake of giving my niece and nephews (who were ages 8-12 at the time) spinning rods on their first fishing outings. I quickly realized that teaching them how to cast with spinning gear was a bit more difficult than I anticipated. The first one I taught was having trouble before I even finished explaining the basics to the second one!
For our second outing, I decided to buy some inexpensive spin-casting gear for the younger kids. It made a huge difference! They were able to spend much more time with their lines in the water, and I spent much less time trying to troubleshoot their casting. It’s definitely worth considering spincasters when introducing kids to fishing, especially if you have multiple kids to teach at once.