The Seven Best Spincast Reel | Reviews with Buying Guide

The spincast reel, as the name suggests, is a combination of a conventional spinning reel and a baitcasting reel. A spincast reel is the best bet for both expert and novice anglers who love going after catfish, bluegill, walleye, bass, or trout.

However, with thousands of models in the market, finding the best spin cast reel isn’t as easy as you might think. Hence, we dug deep into the face and came up with seven top-class, reliable, and versatile spincast reel reviews for fishing enthusiasts.

Spincast reels will face less tangling and deliver reliable performance, particularly if you are a beginner and don’t want to try too many things.  And you must not forget the buying guide. It will help you know which factors to focus on while buying the best spin-casting reel shortly.

The Seven Best Spincast Reel Reviews In 2024

Spincast reel melts the benefits of both spinning reel and baitcasting reel. These reels are cheap, easy to use, and deliver consistent performance without breaking soon. Thus, newbie anglers will find them highly reliable.

• Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Fishing Reel
• Pflueger Trion Spincast Fishing Reel
• KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel
• Pflueger PRES10SCX President Spincast Reel
• Zebco 33 Spincast Fishing Reel
• Daiwa Underspin-XD Series Trigger-Control Closed-Face Reel
• Abu Garcia Pro-Designed Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

Our Top Picks: Top Spincast Reel

1. Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Fishing Reel

The retro-style fishing reel with a closed cast is a popular choice among fishers for several reasons. To begin with, it comes directly from Zebco, who has earned extreme appreciation in the fishing industry. You will love the easiness of use of the fishing reel and its high-quality construction.

The Omega Pro reel is made of lightweight yet sturdy material. In fact, it is 20% lighter than the previously introduced Omega model from the same manufacturer. Its head is made of aluminum, while the entire setup is covered with anodized aluminum. It prevents rust and corrosion build-up on it.

The usability is also high-classy. The retrieval rate is speedy with comfortable smoothness. You get 7-bearings to enhance the retrieving comfort in all conditions. Also, the reel features a soft-touch button for easy casting. Its anti-reverse technology offers secure casting without too much effort. Last but not least, it is a versatile reel thanks to its 85/6 mono capacity. You can use it to catch some prized and big catches as well.

Features :

• Reel size: 20
• Weight: 8.1 oz
• Gear Ratio: 3:4:1
• Mono cap: 85:6

Uses:

The Zebco Omega Pro spincast reel is ideal for some big prized catches. You can use it for catching large trout, basses, catfishes, etc.

2. Pflueger Trion Spincast Fishing Reel

At times you may want the best spincast reel for the money due to tight budgeting. The Pflueger Trion will be your best bet in this regard. Although the fishing reel may lack some premium qualities, it is still the best and most affordable option to kick off your angling career.

Its spool cover and frame are made of aluminum and graphite, respectively. Also, the metallic gear and titanium spin combine to give you a dependable and consistent retrieving experience. The line retrieval is quite effective and speedy. Also, you get to choose from four different gear ratio models to suit your needs neatly.

Also, its anti-reverse mechanism allows you a quick yet efficient line setup. But it is not automated. Thus, keep an eye on it.

The drag system of the reel is strong enough for small to medium fish. However, you will have a truly hard time catching the big fish with it. Also, it contains only three ball bearings. Thus, don’t expect the smoothest retrieving system. Yet, it is more than you actually get in such an affordable reel.

Features :

• Line: 40-145 yards
• Weight: 9.7 ounces
• Gear Ratio: 4.1:1, 3.8, 3.4 and 3.1
• Bearings: Two

Uses:

While you use anti-reverse technology, you must be aware of the fact that it is not automated. You have to use it with caution.

3. KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel

KastKing is a reliable and affordable reel manufacturer that you can count on for the best closed-face fishing reel for sure. It comes with a black design with red accents, which you may hate or love. But when it comes to performance, this reel is unbeatable and unmatched.

It is made of freshwater fishing and is equipped with a pre-spooled line. Thus, you can go straight to fishing with this reel; with no delay or no additional set-up.

The frame is made of graphite. The spool cover and handle are made of anodized aluminum. So, you get rust-free and durable construction. It lacks any protection for saltwater fishing which might be a concern for many.

For the bearings, you get five in number. One of them is used as an automatic anti-reverse bearing. Thus, the overall response is fast and smooth. Also, a closed-face setup prevents it from water and debris. Lastly, you will love the PVC knobs and easy-to-reach graphite buttons for comfort and easiness in fishing in all conditions.

Features :

• Line: 130-160 yards
• Weight: 9.88 oz
• Gear Ratio: 4:1
• Bearings: Five

Uses:

This is the best spincast reel for catfish for some giant catfishes out there in the water. It is powerful and easy to use too.

4. Pflueger PRES10SCX President Spincast Reel

One of the reasons anglers love Pflueger is its ability to manufacture high-end reels at affordable prices. The President spincast reel is no exception either. It fills in the gap that the previous Pflueger Trion lacked but doesn’t cost you too much for it.

The frame, spool, and cover of the reel are made of aluminum. At the same time, you may feel the all-aluminum design is slightly weighty. Definitely, it’s worth the inconvenience, considering the durability and reliability it brings into play.

The drag system features felt disks. Also, the five bearings are made of stainless steel. It is rust-proof and delivers a smooth dragging of the fishing line. The anti-reverse system is automatic too. Thus, you will experience flawless fishing sessions.

The special paint keeps the reel away from rust and enables it to be used for both saltwater and freshwater angling. Also, you are free to choose from the trigger or button action for line releasing with four gear ratio versions too.

Features :

• Line: 55-140 yards
• Weight: 13.12 oz
• Gear Ratio: 4.1:1, 3.8, 3.4 and 3.1
• Bearings: Five

Uses:

You can use the President spincasting reel for bass, trout, or walleye too. We found it as the best spincast reel for bass.

5. Zebco 33 Spincast Fishing Reel

This spincast reel is our second recommendation from Zebco, and it comes with incredible performance both in paper and practical angling life. First off, it has the quickest anti-reverse mechanism with automated control. Hence, the reeling and retrieval of the fishing line are impressive. On top of it, the reel features a bite alert. So, you know when to retrieve the reel to get your favorite bass, trout, or catfish.

What’s more, the Zebco 33 reel comes with pretty basic options. Although it might be suitable for professionals, beginners actually will love it. Also, its pricing is affordable and brings a nice balance between the budget and performance.

Its frame is made of graphite with the spool cover mended using stainless steel. The metal gear is also corrosion and rust-resistant. Thus, you can use the reel both for freshwater and saltwater fishing. The handle comes in both metal and plastic options. We recommend you choose the metal handle if the budget allows it.

Last but not least, the bite alert and smooth single-bearing drag system are highly appreciable too. Thus, the performance is brilliant compared to the pricing.

Features :

• Line: 4-90 yards
• Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Gear Ratio: 4.3:1
• Bearings: One

Uses:

The Zebco 33 fishing reel is the best ultra-light spincast reel for newbies and children. You can catch small species with it with ease.

6. Daiwa Underspin-XD Series Trigger-Control Closed-Face Reel

Whether you are a newbie or a master angler, this Daiwa XD series reel is made for you. The reel is easy to use, durable, and lightweight for comfortable use in most fishing situations. Its sturdy aluminum alloy construction is impressive and good-looking as well.

The gearing is also made of metal. The entire setup has a rust-proof coating. Hence, you can use it for both saltwater and freshwater fishing. But for the best result and performance, you should use it for fishing in the freshwater.

The casting performance is high-quality, thanks to its oversized line aperture. The action is light and easy to control with the trigger-control button.  Furthermore, the ball bearing system is smooth and reliable in various conditions too.

Its closed-face construction means it won’t consume water and debris. All in all, you can’t help but love this super-incredible spincasting reel.

Features :

• Line: 4-85 yards
• Weight: 5.5 ounces
• Gear Ratio: 4.1:1
• Bearings: One

Uses:

It is the best spincast reel for saltwater, thanks to its protective layer and closed-face design. It won’t catch any corrosion and rust either.

7. Abu Garcia Pro-Designed Reel and Fishing Rod Combo

Abu Garcia makes some smart fishing reel that looks smart too. The Pro-designed reel performance smartly in your fishing sessions. Also, it comes with a rod inside the package, which makes it a budget-friendly option as well.

The reel comes pre-spooled and is ready for instant fishing. You won’t have to delay setting up the spool and line anymore. It has a mono capacity with a reach of up to 255 yards. It is the longest reel capacity in our review and idea for fishing in large lakes, rivers, and around the coastal line. Also, you get a 6ft long fishing rod with good flexibility and durability.

The overall performance of the reel is consistent. Lastly, the durable construction and easy retrieval of the reel make it a suitable option for experts and newbies alike.

Features :

• Line: 145-255 yards
• Weight: 6.8 ounces
• Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
• Rod Length: 6ft 

Uses:

If you love fishing in the coastal line, this is the best spincast reel you can get for the money. It seems expensive, but it also provides you with a fishing rod too.

Buying Guide for The Best Spincast Reel

There are thousands of spincasting reel models available in the market. But not all of these reels will make you happy. You need to look at a few factors to choose the right spincasting reel for your angling job.

These factors will determine whether you end up getting a good-quality reel or a poor one.

Bearings

The number of bearings in a reel determines the overall dragging and retrieval smoothness of the fishing line. Hence, the bearings set deserves close inspection when you want to buy the spincasting reel. The general rule suggests that a higher number of bearings will provide increased smoothness in your angling session.

Ideally, a high-end spincast reel comes with five to seven bearings. And some basic ones will come with three or even single bearing.

You should also look at the bearing type the reel has. These can be made of stainless steel or other metals. Stainless steel works best as it is rust and corrosion-proof. Thus, it ensures a lasting service, too, both in freshwater and saltwater.

Gear Ratio

Many expert anglers find the gear ratio an important factor for the spin-casting reel. It refers to the number of spool rotations the reel can tackle in 1 turn of its connected handle. The higher the gear ratio, the faster the retrieval will be. Similarly, a lower gear ratio means slower retrieval of the fishing line. Also, it can be the deciding factor of whether or not you can get the prized catch.

Also, fast bait movement means the fish will have less time to attach the lure or bait. Hence, you have to determine what type of fish you want to chase and catch mostly. Some fish will suit the fast-moving bait, and some will suit the fast-moving bait.

Hence, the gear ratio depends on your preference. Ideally, the 5:1 gear ratio is considered the golden ratio for fishing. You may also choose 4.1:1 or 3.8:1 ratios for the purpose. Anything below this suggestion means it will have a slow retrieval rate. Thus, you will need a lot of time to cover a large space in rivers, lakes, or seas.

Line Capacity

Unlike the baitcasting or spinning reel, the spincast reel has a very limited line capacity. Most will have an extended limit of 85 yards of line capacity. If you get a spincasting reel with 140 yards to 160 yards facility, you got to be very lucky.

However, the line capacity won’t be so important unless you love fishing deep into the water bodies. So, don’t put too much importance on it.

Construction and Durability

Not all spincast reels are made for freshwater and saltwater fishing. It depends on the construction type and durability of the reel. The gears are often made with plastic and soon get damaged. Similarly, the pins inside the reel may wear out, and the reel may also lack a protective layer against corrosion and rust.

If you want to fish both in saltwater and freshwater with the reel, it must be protected against rust and corrosion. Hence, it has to have a protective layer. Also, the frame needs to be sturdy. Mostly, the reel frame is made of graphite for its premium ruggedness.

If you are ready to pay a few more bucks for the reel, you can choose from stainless and aluminum gear and accessories. It would extend the lifespan of the reel.

Drag System

The spincasting reel suits beginners thanks to its easiness of use. And it comes mostly from the drag system. Most spincast reels will have the standard disc drag system, which should offer the anglers good comfort at dragging the line.

Also, the drag system should be adjustable with the knob. You must check the easiness of reaching the knob for better comfort while fishing.

Top Three Recommendations

We have included seven high-quality spincasting reels in our review. Yet, we understand that not all reels will be suitable for all anglers. Hence, we have considered the anglers’ needs and the top benefits these reels have to offer.

Hence, we present you the top three recommendations from the list-

Pflueger PRES10SCX President is the best heavy-duty spincast reel on our list. It is slightly weighty but durable enough to catch the biggest pikes, trout, or walleye at ease. Also, it offers up to 140 yards of line casting facility. It is quite impressive for a spincast reel. Next, the reel is usable for both marine and inland fishing thanks to its protective layers.

KastKing Brutus reel is for freshwater angling only. But it is also the most pocket-friendly reel on our list, especially with its feature-stacked benefits. First off, it has a pre-spooled setup allowing it to go into fishing directly. Also, its five bearings provide smooth line retrieval. Lastly, the reel is a closed one providing safety from water and debris.

The last suggestion for comfortable angling is the Zebco 33 Spincast Fishing Reel. It comes with basic features and is best for beginners. It is usable in all water conditions and offers nice pricing too.

Tips on Maintenance and Cleaning of the Spincast Fishing Reel:

If you want your fishing reel to run for several seasons of fishing, you have to take care of it. As the reel will come in close contact with debris and water continuously, you have to clean and maintain it each time before storage.

1. First off, you have to disassemble the fishing reel to clean it. When you remove the cover, slowly start dismantling the parts of the reel. You should check the user manual to disassemble the reel properly. Also, make sure you don’t break the gear, pins, and drag system.
2. Use a toothbrush to clean the parts of the reel. Make sure you reach every bit of debris from the reel. At times, you may consider keeping the reel parts in a liquid dishwasher and water for an even more thorough cleaning. Whatever you do, the purpose is to clean the reel from the tiniest impurity.
3. After cleaning, allow the reel to dry. There’s no need to hurry while the reel parts dry. And before you store it, you must lubricate all the parts. Once you lubricate the bearings, drag system, and other parts, it will be less prone to rust and corrosion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q. What is the best beginner Zebcospincast reel?

Ans. Zebco Omega Pro is the best bet for beginners and professionals alike. It has a durable construction and features high-end reliability and smoothness. Also, the pricing is competitive for all.

Q. What is the best spincast reel for catfish?

Ans. Catfish can be of varied sizes, from a few pounds to a few hundred pounds. Nonetheless, you can use the KastKing Brutus Spincast and Abu Garcia Ambassadeur for catching large catfishes.

Q. Is fluorocarbon usable for spincast reel?

Ans. Yes, you can use both fluorocarbon and monofilament lines for the spincasting reel. The key is to keep the weight on the lighter side while not disturbing its performance.

Q. Are the spincast reels any good for catfishes?

Ans. Yes, the spincast reel can catch from the small pikes to the largest catfishes. The key is to get a heavy-duty reel capable of holding the fish’s weight. Also, the drag system must be smooth.

Conclusion:

Spincast reel is one of the easiest reels to use and easily suits beginners. If you are to kick off your angling life, you must always do it with the best spincast reel. And to assist you with the cause, we have introduced you to seven top-quality, reliable, consistent, and pocket-friendly spincast reels here.

These reels are easy to use and don’t need much knowledge for assembly. Hence, beginners will love using the reels for pikes, trout, walleye, catfish, etc. You can choose from Zebco, Abu Garcia, or other manufacturers on the list. You won’t be disappointed with the performance level of these reels.