Spincast reels aren’t just for children!
They are serious reels and are some of the fastest on the market. It’s time for your bait to scream and get the attention of fish far and wide!
Spincast reels were first introduced by ZEBCO in 1949. They were an attempt to end the issue of backlash in a baitcasting reel and line twists in a conventional reel.
With a spincast reel, the line is thrown from a fixed spool and can be used with light lures and baits. The risk of backlash is much lower than with baitcasting reels. This makes a spincast reel more “user-friendly.”
The inner mechanisms of a spincast reel are enclosed in a “nose cone” to protect the fixed spool.
Spincast reel makes good beginner reels for children and inexperienced anglers. They are easy to use and do have a low risk of tangles.
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In this article, I am going to cover the best spincast reel, how they work, the best time to use them, and much more.
Best Spincast Reel: Top 6 Spincast Reels Reviewed
- The Best Metal Spincast Reel – Pflueger President Spincast Fishing Reel
- Fastest Spincast Reel – Zebco ZB310BX3 Bullet Spincast Reel
- Best Spincast Reel and Rod Combo – Zebco/Quantum 33562PML
- Best Heavy-Duty Spincast Reel – Daiwa Goldcast Spincast Fishing Reel
- Best Freshwater Spincast Reel – Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Reel
- Best Beginner Spincast Reel – Zebco / Quantum BA808H702MH
1. Pflueger President Spincast Fishing Reel
The Best Metal Spincast Fishing Reel
This reel offers high quality at affordable prices.
Features include:
- 5 Bearing System – Corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings for smooth retrieval and better lure control.
- Aluminum Frame – Ensures precise gear alignment.
- 3.4:1 Gear Ratio
- An Aluminum Cone – Plunger’s highest quality machined aluminum front cone design.
- Dual Titanium Pins – Easier line pick-up with high-grade wear-resistant materials.
- Instant anti-reverse – One-way clutch ball bearing for instant hook sets.
Pros
- The spinning action is very smooth.
- Reels easily and allows for a good hook set.
- Lightweight makes it comfortable for all-day use.
- Re-stringing is very easy.
2. Zebco ZB310BX3 Bullet Spincast Fishing Reel
Fastest Spincast Reel
New for 2017, Zebco, the most recognized brand in fishing, introduces the fastest version ever of the tangle-free reel they made famous.
Named bullet – it’s faster than all spin cast reels and even faster than 6.1:1 baitcasting reels and a size 20 spinning reel.
Geared at 5.1:1, the bullet picks up an unprecedented 29-inch line with each revolution of the handle. The handle that’s padded with unique-feeling new gripe all-weather handle knobs.
Pros
- It has very good action.
- 5.1:1 gear ratio
- Retrieves fast with no problems.
- It has great drag.
- Good casting ability.
3. Zebco/Quantum 33562PML
Best Spincast Reel and Rod Combo
With a 3.6:1 retrieve ratio with ball-bearing drive and Quick Set Anti-Reverse. Zebco/Quantum 33562PML makes hook sets more secure and retrieval smoother.
The lightweight graphite frame with a metal handle and rubber knobs make the Zebco/Quantum 33562PML more comfortable for all-day use.
Changeable right or left-hand retrieve makes this spincaster a good choice for right or left-handed anglers.
Spooled with 100 yards of 10-lb Cajun Line 5-ft 6-in, two-piece, medium-light action Z-Glass rod with a pistol grip. This means the Zebco/Quantum 33562PML comes ready to fish.
Pros
- Quality made, very tough.
- Easy for kids to use.
- 3.6:1 Gear Ratio
- Works well for larger fish.
- Has a comfortable feel.
4. Daiwa Goldcast Spincast Quality Reel
Best Heavy-Duty Spincast Reel
An old-school design that’s been updated for the new millennium. The Daiwa Goldcast has been a favorite of anglers, young and old, for years, making it one of the best spincasting reels.
Features of the Daiwa Goldcast Spincast Fishing Reel include:
- Oscillating spool level-wind for consistent, tangle-free line winding
- Ball-bearing drive for smooth and even retrieves
- Rotating tungsten carbide line pickup pin
- Rugged metal body, gearing, and nose cone for long-lasting durability
- Fast 4.1:1 gear ratio
- Convertible right/left hand retrieve
- Ultra-Smooth, multi-disc drag
- Selective on/off anti-reverse for solid hooksets
- Oversized line guide designed for optimum casting
- Comes pre-wound with a premium line
Pros
- Casts smooth over a long distance.
- It has a very good drag.
- Holds up well over a long time.
5. Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Reel
Best Freshwater Spincast Reel
The Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Reel is smooth and powerful, with an advanced, all-stainless steel 7-bearing system.
- Die-cast aluminum body with aircraft aluminum covers.
- Powerful brass worm gear
- Continuous Anti-Reverse
- Triple-cam multi-disc drag
- Adaptable to the right or left-hand retrieve.
- 3.4:1 Gear Ratio
Quick-change spool system with a free spare spool for fast line switching. Zebco spincast reels Pro models are equipped with power and speed handles to give you maximum leverage with hard-pulling lures and heavy fish.
Pros
- Easy for children to use.
- Very smooth operation.
- Easy to spool.
- The drag is reliable.
6. Zebco / Quantum BA808H702MH
Best Beginner Spincast Reel
The lights get brighter, and the batteries last longer on the Zebco patented Bite alert system. It provides visual and audio indications when a fish begins tugging the line from the reel spool.
Bite Alert has always had a loyal following among serious-minded users of 808 spincast. But, the batteries often fell short of longevity. Now it’s improved because there is only one battery instead of two, and it lasts much longer.
Plus, the light is now green instead of Red, making it more visible to anglers that often chase catfish at night.
Zebco has also worked hard to improve the performance and ease of use of the strike sensitivity change. This 808 spincast combo features a 7′ medium-heavy action rod with a high-vis green tip.
Pre-spooled with 20lb. Line. Requires one CR2032 battery (included)
Features include:
- Ceramic pickup pin
- 3.4:1 gear ratio
- 2 bearings (1 + clutch)
- The durable glass blank Continuous anti-reverse clutch
- *Electronic Bite alert
- *Shock-ring double-footed guides
- Changeable right or left-hand retrieve
- Dial-adjustable drag
- Built-in hook keeper
Pros
- The reel casts very smoothly.
- Works well in saltwater.
- Rod is very durable.
- Easy to use.
Spincast Fishing Reels Overview
A spincast reel, also known as a “spinner,” “one-hander,” or “pushbutton.”, is a fixed spool reel with the spool and inner mechanisms enclosed in a nose cone with an eye for the line to travel through.
Spincast fishing reels have a pin on the top of the spool that is retracted when the thumb trigger is pressed. This allows the line to flow through the eye when casting.
When the reel handle is turned, it engages the pin to pop up and guides the line around the spool as the handle is turned and the line retrieved.
The type of rod you need will depend on the type of fish you will be going after. Spincast reels come with a matched rod.
Most anglers prefer a six-foot rod with good sensitivity for controlling a variety of baits.
Speed Reeling
Speed reeling can be very beneficial when bass fishing using crankbaits. With aggressive bass, it is often important to cover as much water as possible.
A fast retrieval will usually produce a better reaction strike. Bass will chase, strike and hook themselves before they know what happened.
Zebco Brand
Zebco is one of the first names to come to mind when thinking of spincast reel. And so, Zebco was the first to invent the spincast fishing reel to solve the problem of backlash and tangles.
Zebco fishing gear can be found in about every retail store that sells fishing equipment.
With a large variety of choices, Zebco is still one of the world’s most popular and recognizable fishing gear manufacturers.
Spincast vs. Spinning Reel: When to Use Each
Let’s Focus on Spinning Reels
A spinning reel has a spool that sits parallel to the main axis of the rod. They are designed to hang beneath the rod when in use, unlike most reels designed to rest on top of it during use.
The line wraps around the spool and passes over a small wheel called the line roller before continuing up through the rod guides. A metal arm called the bail keeps the line in place and ensures that it passes over the line roller.
To cast with a spinning reel, you must first move the bail arm into the up position; this is often called “opening the bail.” If you want to learn more about how to use a spinning reel, we have a guide you can check out to help you.
This frees the line and allows it to unspool (the spool of a spinning reel does not spin during casting). You need to keep the line tight by pulling the line with your first finger while you prepare to cast.
Maintain the pressure on the line during your backswing and only release it at the very end of your casting motion. You can usually adjust the drag, and the amount of resistance the reel applies to the line of a spinning reel via a dial on the front of the spool.
Spinning reels are usually used by somewhat more experienced anglers fishing much larger fish or when long-distance casts might be necessary.
Spincast Reels
Like spinning reels, spincast reels feature a spool that is parallel to the rod axis. Also, they do not rotate during the cast. Instead, the line simply unspools as the weight of the lure pulls it free.
But, unlike spinning reels which require the angler to hold the line in place during the cast, spincast reels are easier to use. When it is time to cast, a button on the spincast reel is pressed, then released at the proper point of the cast, which allows the line to unspool.
Because the line is covered by a plastic or metal housing, spincast reels do not become tangled as spinning reels do. You’re going to experience fewer technical problems when using a spincast reel.
This is part of the reason why spincast reels are often the best option for children and beginning anglers of all ages.
How to Put Line Through a Closed Face Spincast Reel
To put the line through a spincast “closed face” reel, start the end of your line through the eye of the nose, push the button and release to let out the line through the spool. Replace the nose cone afterward. There are several mechanisms used for this. Some have a pin and indent, and some are threaded.
Close the nose cap and reel the line, checking the amount of line on the spool by removing the nose cap and looking at the spool.
Once you have the desired amount of line, cut the line and press the “button” to release the line, thread it through the eyelets on the rod.
How to Cast an Open Face Reel
To cast with an open-face reel, you must first move the bail arm into the up position. This is often called “opening the bail.”
This frees the line and allows it to unspool. You need to keep the line tight by pulling the line with your first finger while you prepare to cast.
Maintain the pressure on the line during your backswing and only release it at the very end of your casting motion. You can usually adjust the drag, and the amount of resistance the reel applies to the line of a spinning reel via a dial on the front of the spool.
How to String an Open Face Reel
Run the new line through each of the rod guides, taking care to make sure the line is centered in each guide. Affix the line to the reel spool.
Put 7 to 8 inches of monofilament line around the reel spool and then reverse direction so that a loop is formed next to the doubled line.
Close the bail and turn the reel handle and make sure the line wraps around the spool.
The new line must slip off the spool in the opposite direction that the bail spins. If the bail spins clockwise, the new line must slip off the spool in a counterclockwise direction.
Set the new spool of line on the floor and turn the reel’s handle a few times to determine the new line’s direction. If it is not counterclockwise, flip the spool over to the other side to reverse the direction.
Hold the line with your thumb and forefinger and apply pressure to the line so it sits on the spool. Reel until the spool is filled with the desired amount of line.
How to Use an Open Face Reel
An open-face reel spool does not spin when casting. You must release the bail located at the top of the reel by flipping it up to cast.
Once you have made your cast, when you reel the handle, this will flip the bail back in place and begin to retrieve the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spincast reels cut backlash “birdnest” tangles because the spool on which the line is wound doesn’t move. As the rod is cast, the line is pulled off the fixed spool through a hole in the front of the reel by the weight of the lure.
Zebco 33 because of its reliability and ease of use.
Zebco 33 and Zebco 404
Insider Advice
Spincast reels are one of the easiest fishing reels to use. They are very beginner-friendly and hold up well to heavy use.
For saltwater, the Zebco saltwater reel is a good choice, while the Zebco 33 and Zebco 404 are common in freshwater.
There are many different types of reels on the market, but the spincast reel offers ease of use, reliability, and durability that can not be beaten.
Founder & Angler 
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