Spincast reels are a great option for beginning anglers because it is easier to cast, the lines are automatically reeled in, and it is easier to use. Not only that but top spincast reels have all of the same features as other types of fishing reels such as cranking gears and variable drag systems.
We’ve reviewed and picked 7 of the best spincast reels for 2022. Our process of reviewing spincast reels was done through extensive research. More specifically, we looked at many factors that go into choosing a good quality spincast reel, including construction material, durability, power, drag system smoothness, and ease of use. We also considered how much each reel costs because the price is an important factor when purchasing any product.
Although there are seven spincasts reels that we believe are the best ones, there is still the clear winner which is the Zebco Omega Pro. We believe this is the best spincast reel because first, it has triple drag system which allows for smooth line flow and therefore more enjoyable fishing. Second, it is durable because it can be submerged in water up to 10 ft. Third, the bail wire on the Zebco Omega Pro holds open with ease. Finally, it has a free spare spool included which comes in handy for multiple reasons including changing the type of line you are using or if your current line becomes damaged.
If you’re interested in the rest of the spincast reels then keep reading and we’ll tell you more about them and which one would be the best option for your needs.
1. Zebco Omega Pro
The Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Reel is one of the most popular fishing reels on the market today. The Omega Pro was first released in 1996, although it has been improved throughout its years. Zebco’s newest model of this reel includes a new carbon handle that reduces weight by 30%. It has an ergonomic design to fit comfortably in any hand size, and it is lightweight with all materials weighing about 11 ounces.
The housing is primarily made out of plastic/polymer which makes it lightweight yet durable. The weight of the spincast reel is 11 oz., making it lighter than most other comparable reels. The gear ratio is 3.4:1, giving it a fast retrieval speed. The line capacity can max out at 12 lbs., and the reel size determines the max line strength. It comes with an adjustable drag system that allows you to control how much tension or resistance there is when reeling in the fish. There are also two ball bearings included in this spincast reel, making it easier to use for longer periods of time without tiring your wrist, arm or hand muscles.
The Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Reel has many benefits that make it one of the best reels on the market today for all ages and skill levels. It is a great beginner fishing reel because it is easier to use and will give you more confidence in the water. You can adjust this spincast reel to the perfect settings based on your preference, which makes it also one of the best reels for experienced anglers.
For me, I used a graphite bass rod with the Zebco Omega Pro Spincast reel. I was able to catch several fishes with this reel like bluegills, and bass. At first, I was having some trouble reeling in the bass because I didn’t know how much resistance to put on it. However, with practice, I was able to get the hang of it after an hour or so at the lake. For me personally though, one of my favorite things about this reel is that it is extremely lightweight compared to other reels I’ve used before. The only problem I faced with this product is adjusting the drag system when trying to place more tension on the line for larger fish. It would be helpful if there was a small diagram showing where you should place your thumb and pointer fingers in order to adjust this spincast reel.
2. Pflueger PRES10SCB
The Pflueger President spincast reel is another excellent-looking spincast reel. It has looks sleek and modern, so expect to stand out the first day you use it.
However, there’s more to it than just looks. The Pflueger President spincast reelone is designed to perform smoothly, casting and reeling efficiently regardless of your skillset.
The first thing that stands out is the aluminum frame. It’s durable and strong, keeping the entire metal gear safe underneath. And it ensures precise alignment.
The front cone design of this spincast reel is made from high-quality machined aluminum for added strength. I’d say it would last a long time, even in saltwater fishing.
Its 5-bearing system includes stainless steel ball bearings that are resistant to rusting. Thanks to this, it’s unlikely to get stuck or cause any issues due to corrosion.
It comes with titanium pins and an anti-reverse one-way clutch ball bearing. This helps with instant hook sets, especially useful if you’re after big fish.
3. WataChamp Bees
The WataChamp Bees spincast fishing reel is a great example of an all-around high-performance fishing reel. The spool has a max drag of 16 lbs and a gear ratio of 4.3:1, which makes it a good choice for both freshwater and inshore saltwater fishing.
The WataChamp Bees is popular among fishermen for its dependability and durability. It also features quick line retrieval, with just the flick of the wrist you can have that fish on the boat before it even gets a chance at another go at trying to get away from you!
In comparison with other products such as the KastKing Brutus, the WataChamp Bees does not have as high of a maximum drag or max line capacity. However, the durability of this product is greater than that of the KastKing Brutus. If you are looking for a durable fishing reel with quick retrieval capabilities, this one will get the job done.
One downside to the WataChamp Bees spincast fishing reel is the small line capacity of 130m/0.20mm which can make it hard to cast for some fishermen, although it does have a ball bearing drive system which makes retrieval smooth and effortless.
Another downside of this product is that it doesn’t come with any spare parts which means if you break something while out on the water, or lose a part there are no replacements for sale.
I paired this spincast reel with a 6’6″ medium action rod, and I was pleasantly surprised by its performance. It fits nicely in the palm of your hand and is easy to use. With this combo, I was able to catch a variety of fish including bass, perch and trout.
4. KastKing Brutus
KastKing Brutus spincast reel is a popular choice due to its stainless steel dual pick-up system. You’ll notice it grabs the line quickly, allowing you to either set the hook or cast again.
It has a 4.0:1 gear ratio, making it easy to save time between casts. In addition, it eliminates slack, which results in an increased catch rate.
And, this spincast reel built to last a long time with its five stainless steel double-shielded ball bearings. It runs smoothly and is pre-spooled with 160 yards of 10 lb test mono line so that you can use it right out of the box.
The push-button system is simple to use, even if you’re a beginner. In addition, the double-padded handle enhances comfort, especially since you can change it from left to right hand depending on your dominant hand.
Overall, it feels lightweight, comfortable, and easy to use. And, the premium parts are durable, so nothing is at risk of rusting even if you’re into saltwater fishing.
5. Zebco Omega
Zebco Omega is one of the best-selling Zebco spincast reels. It’s a closed-cast fishing reel with a comfortable soft-touch thumb button and instant anti-reverse technology.
This one comes pre-spooled with a 10-pound Zebco fishing line, but you can replace it if you want. The Zebco Omega spincast reel has seven bearings to keep that line running smoothly at all times.
You can replace the line with an 85/10 mono line if you’re after bass, walleye, striper, or catfish. It allows plenty of versatility so that you can customize the performance.
Plus, the 16-inch retrieve rate ensures performance quality, especially since you can choose between left and right retrieve.
The Zebco Omega spincast reel is reliable and easy to use. It feels well-made and lightweight, so you won’t have any trouble landing heavy fish.
Another thing that stands out is the triple-cam dial-adjustable disk drag. It helps distribute the force applied to the drag disks, allowing a smoother performance in different drag situations.
6. Zebco 33 Spincast Fishing Reel
Zebco 33 Spincast reel stands out with both its looks and performance. It comes in what the manufacturer says it’s pink, although it looks more like purple. Nonetheless, it’s pretty and attractive.
It comes in silver as well if that works better for the rest of your equipment. And, you can also choose between micro and max sizes.
This one is easy to use and excellent for big fish. It comes with all-metal gears, Bite Alert, and adjustable drag.
First, it’s pre-spooled with a 10-pound Zebco Cajun line. This line is the best choice for the reel, working excellent for trout, panfish, bass, striper, catfish, and walleye.
It sports the patented no-tangle design, which makes it ideal for beginners. You’re unlikely to have any issues with it, even if you wish to replace the line with something else.
What I liked the most about this spincast reel was the Quick-Set anti-reverse, which allows a solid hookset. And, you can change it from left to right, depending on what’s your dominant hand.
7. Zebco ZB310BX3 Bullet
This Zebco spincast reel is the company’s gem, featuring all their best and patented features. It’s slightly on the pricey side, but it’s quite outstanding, so it’s worth it.
First of all, it features a forged aluminum and double-anodized front cover. This protects the internal hardware from all that could potentially harm it.
It also has weather-resistant handle knobs and an anodized aluminum spinnerhead. The combo allows maximum ease of use, even if you’re a beginner.
Its instant anti-reverse clutch stops the handle from moving backward once you hook a fish. As a result, you get a reliable hookset when reeling it.
It’s also important to mention that this one is pre-spooled with a 10-pound Zebco Cajun line. As a result, it sports 29.6 inches per turn, which is pretty fast for a spincast reel.
You’ll notice the smooth performance thanks to the no-tangle design, precision-machined brass gears, and its nine bearings. The triple-cam adjustable drag system holds 14 pounds of drag, so you can battle anything from bass and striper to catfish and walleye.
Buying Guide: Spincast Reel
Buying a spincast reel can be a bit overwhelming due to as many options on the market. It takes a bit of trial and error, which essentially takes time and also money.
Some things are more important than others when picking the right spincast reel. Of course, you should think about your needs and preferences and some other critical factors like the bearings, the drag system, and the gear ratio.
Read below to discover what you should pay special attention to when it comes to choosing a spincast reel.
Bearings
Bearings are located throughout both baitcasting and spinning reels. They’re meant to facilitate the rotation of knobs, gears, and spools and reduce the friction between moving parts.
Most companies include these bearings at several parts of the reel. This is usually any place where two pieces come in contact.
You can find anywhere from three to eleven bearings made from stainless steel or ceramics. Each piece has four parts – races, cages, balls, and shields.
Ceramic bearings are more lightweight and unlikely to wear out as quickly as stainless steel. They don’t vibrate as much, nor can they corrode. But, ceramic bearings are also much more expensive than stainless steel ones.
In some cases, you can find stainless steel bearings with a ceramic coating. These are somewhat of a golden middle between the two types.
Durability
Truth to be told, spincast reels aren’t the most durable ones out there. This is due mainly to their take-up pins that wear out relatively quickly. And, it’s even worse if the gears are made from plastic that takes little to degrade under strain.
Now, the durability often depends on how you use the spincast reel. More precisely, how frequently you use it, and how big is the fish you’re after.
A cheaper spincast reel is likely to last about a year, but don’t expect too much from it if you’re tackling outsized fish. On the other hand, paying slightly more might guarantee you better durability, longevity, and more power.
Your best bet is to check all the parts and components before making a decision. Think about the materials used, and don’t forget to peek at the customer reviews.
Triggerspin Reels
Triggerspin reels are the best combination of spinning and spincast reels. These were initially invented by Zebco – the company that actually created spincast reels.
Triggerspin models have that balanced feel you get from spinning reels. However, what sets them apart is the click button release you can usually find on spincast reels.
This reel sits upside down on your pole, allowing an easy cast because it sits more naturally in hand. And, what makes it especially easy to use is that the crack is on the same side as your non-dominant hand.
This hybrid design works for most people who can’t decide between spincast and spinning reels.
Release System
One of the most critical concerns of having a spincast reel is the location of the release button. Although some reels have a release lever, most have a button you click with your thumb.
The lever is also easy to use, allowing you to flick the line as you point the rod towards your target. But, again, the choice is up to you, depending on what you consider more straightforward.
Whether the spincast reel has a button or lever doesn’t make much of a difference in price. So, you can probably find both versions that fit within your pre-determined budget.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio refers to how fast you can reel the line. It’s a numerical relation that shows how many times the line wraps the spool when you crank the handle.
Normally, a higher ratio indicates faster line retrieval. However, this results in less torque, which is another thing to keep in mind.
Most spincast reels have a ratio between 2.5 to 4.5:1. These are on the slow side, but they’re quite powerful.
Which spincast reel you’ll choose is once again a matter of preference. Faster spincast reels are more suitable for small fish, whereas a lower ratio is better for heavy-duty, battling fish.
You might also want to think about line retrieval. It’s an essential factor related to the gear ratio as it indicates how much line it spools per crank.
A general rule of thumb is to match the line retrieval to the fish’s ability to swim towards the lure.
Anti-Reverse System
The anti-reverse system is something you can’t do without. So it’s vital for beginners who don’t yet have the skills to look out for more things at once.
It serves to prevent your handle from spinning in the opposite direction and releasing the line. Some spincast reels have an automatic system, while others you can switch on and off as you wish.
Either way works, so it doesn’t really matter which anti-reverse system you go for as long as you have one.
Take-Up Pins
Most of what happens inside your spincast reel depends on its take-up pins. These prevent or allow the line to the spool, thus enabling you to cast and retrieve it.
Sadly, they’re not the most durable and won’t last you forever. You’ll notice them missing the line and causing trouble when retrieving once they start to wear out.
They’re made from different materials, but mostly plastic, metal, and composite. Metal is included in the high-end reels since it lasts longer.
Precision
Casting precision is another thing you want to focus on before buying a spincast reel. This isn’t so much about how far the reel casts but how well it casts. Check how accurately you can toss the bait to get the most of your spincast reel.
As you know, lure placement is critical regardless of the fish you’re after. A few inches off, and you’re unlikely to catch anything, so make sure to pay special attention to the precision factor.
You can only get this from the best reels. These are designed to help you place the lure right where you want to.
Drag System
The drag system serves to prevent the fish from pulling all of the line out of the spool. It’s an essential feature that allows you to slowly reel the fish, keeping it hooked throughout the process.
Spincast reels have drag systems with felt disks that pressure the line. This is usually adjustable, so you can choose the amount of pressure you want.
However, these reels don’t have too much of a drag, which is why they’re not the most suitable for large fish.
You can choose between a star-shaped dial, an internal wheel, and a circular dial. Each type has pros and cons, so it’s up to you to pick what suits you the best.
The internal wheel and the circular dial are the easiest to control because they’re not as sensitive. But, on the other hand, the star-shaped dial is more precise.
FAQ for Spincast Reels
What is the Best Spincast Reel for Catfish?
Catfish come in many sizes, so try to match the spincast reel to the size of your fish. It doesn’t require a huge line capacity, especially if you’re fishing in a pond or lake. Catfish in these waters typically don’t run once they’re hooked but fight to stay.
Go for a lightweight reel with an 8-pound test line if you’re after small fish. If you’re after a big one, you may want to consider a monofilament or heavy braided line with 30-pound test weight.
Major brands like Abu Garcia, Zebco, and KastKing all make excellent spincast reels you can use for catfish.
Can I Put a Spincast Reel on a Spinning Rod?
The right answer here is both yes and no. You can’t pair the two if your rod bends with the guides down. Spinncast reels sit on top of your rod, so they can’t work with pre-bent models that throw the line out of the guides.
Also, you can’t do it if the reel seat is attached. If it’s not attached and can rotate, you can easily pair a spincast reel with a spinning rod.
How Much Line Does a Spincast Reel Need?
There’s no standard for how much line a spincast reel needs. However, a general rule is to have enough line for the big fish to run while the dragging system is set.
The amount of line isn’t so important for fishing from shore, a dock, or a pontoon. However, it’s critical if you’re fishing into a saltwater bay. In this case, you want as much line as possible.
It also depends on the type of fish you’re after. Largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and salmon are runners. These will bite and take off, running the line out of your reel at incredible speed.
This is when you want a lot of extra line and also a good drag system. Without enough line, the fish is likely to snap it once it hits the end.
Is Baitcast or Spinning Better?
Spinners are easy to use and perfect for beginners. All you have to do is flip the bail and put your finger on the line before casting.
These work well with live and soft plastic baits. On the other hand, a baitcasting reel is meant for lures like spinnerbaits, jigs, and crankbaits.
These are precise but take more skills since you have to thumb the spool while the line is flowing off. Again, it takes some practice to find the best thumb pressure to avoid backlash.
Final Thoughts on the Best Spincast Reels
At this point, it’s pretty clear why these are as popular. You can ask any experienced angler, and they’ll tell you they used a spincast reel at some point in their fishing career.
It’s thanks to the practicality and ease of use that these reels have such an affirmed place in the industry.
Again, I liked the Zebco Omega Pro spincast reel the best because it has that straightforwardness you want from a spincast reel. Plus, it’s relatively affordable.
However, the other models are equally as efficient, so hopefully, you found one for yourself.
Brett Freese
I've always had a passion for fishing ever since I was young. I started fishing with my grandpa at 6, and he taught me everything I needed to know! I love sharing my knowledge with the community, as well as learning from other anglers. We only get better if we help each other!
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