Reviewing the 10 Best Spincast Reels for Bass

The best spincast reels have more than 5 ball bearings, at least 80 yards of 6 lb mono line capacity, a gear ratio of around 4.0:1, and an adjustable drag.

The Zebco Omega Pro is my top choice because of its superior performance that beats every other spincast reel on the market. It features a ceramic line pickup mechanism and a fully-protected internal chamber. It is ideal for bass anglers who want the top performing spincast reel available.

Spincast reels are considered the perfect choice for anglers just getting started in the sport of fishing. They’re simple to understand, easy to use, and anglers are just as capable of catching any type of game fish species on spincast reels as they are spinning or conventional reels. 

The spincast reel has been a pillar of the fishing industry and is commonly used by beginner and novice anglers as they get their start in the sport. It is greatly valued as the best type of fishing reel for beginners because of its simplicity and ease with which the spincast reel can be cast, as well as its maintenance-free design compared to other types of reels. 

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the characteristics you need to pay attention to when looking to purchase a spincast reel while also covering the best spincast reels that are currently available on the market today. 

Based on my own personal testing experience, I rate each reel on its performance, durability, affordability, value for money, and comfort.

1. Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Reel

Regarding the best overall spincast reel on the market today, the Zebco Omega Pro is number one on the list for any angler familiar with premium-quality spincast reels.

This model outperforms almost any other type of spincast reel you’ll find and is available for a moderately affordable rate compared to other types of spincast reels from reputable brands. 

What I Like About It

The Omega Pro offers an incredibly smooth and flawless interior design made of lightweight components that are also surprisingly tough when matched up against the biggest and baddest fish in the ocean or freshwater lakes and rivers. It’s crafted with a ceramic line pickup mechanism that feeds the line into the reel and onto the spool in a simple, seamless manner thanks to the 7 ball-bearing makeup. 

Like most other spincast reels, the Omega Pro doesn’t quite match up with other styles of reels when it comes to retrieval speed. It offers a moderate and respectable 3.4:1 gear ratio, which is enough to handle most types of lures, but falls just a bit short when handling rigs that need a bit more speed. 

The Omega Pro is made with corrosion-proof components that are designed to stand up against the damaging effects of saltwater fishing, as well as an aluminum cone head and anodized caps for a fully-protected internal chamber.

I recommend the Omega Pro for all bass anglers. It is durable, affordable, and performs better than alternate spincast options.

Pros:

• Saltwater rated
• Pre-spooled with fishing line
• 7 ball bearings 
• Lightweight design 
• Premium quality internal components 

Cons:

• Slightly slower gear ratio 

2. Daiwa Goldcast Spincast Reel

Daiwa is among the most well-known brands in the fishing industry for producing high-quality rods and reels capable of serving any level of angler, including professionals. The Daiwa Goldcast Spincast Reel is the company’s signature model when it comes to premium spincast reels. This particular reel offers an incredibly smooth casting and reeling experience thanks to its quality bearing and 4.1:1 gear ratio.

What I Like About It  

This reel is the ideal choice for beginners who are looking to invest in a solid product that is made with all-around quality, but can also serve experienced anglers who want to once again experience the simplicity and ease that comes with using a spincast. The Goldcast features interior metal components designed for optimal quality and long-lasting performance in freshwater or saltwater fishing scenarios. 

The spool is a high-quality design that ensures the line will be properly loaded without having to deal with the usual frustration of knots or tangles that are common with lesser-quality brands. The entire reel is made with a lightweight design that’s just over 9 ounces, making this spincast a great choice for anglers who want a lightweight, yet capable option for their rod. 

This reel could use a few extra bearings for added smoothness and a better retrieve, but it’s priced at a moderately-affordable rate that just about any angler can afford and appreciate the value of. 

I recommend the Daiwa Goldcast for beginner anglers still learning to cast and retrieve. It is incredibly easy to use and simple to operate.

Pros:

• Durable design 
• Metal interior components 
• Tungsten carbide line pickup
• Single ball bearing for simple operation 

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than other models 

3. Pflueger President Spincast Reel

Pflueger has been making some of the best spincast fishing reels in the fishing industry for decades now and their President PRES10SCX model is among the best the company has ever released. This reel can be ordered in two different sizes depending on each angler’s preference and can handle braided lines if you choose. 

Anglers will appreciate that the President can hold more fishing line than most other spincast reels. This model is made to be spooled with up to 150 yards of monofilament line up to 8 pound test in strength. It features a modest 3.4:1 gear ratio that’s plenty for most types of lure presentations that don’t require exceptional speed. 

What I Like About It

This model is made with lightweight aluminum frames that help provide ample amounts of durability and a better feel that’s not quite as bulky as other types of spincast models. The larger model offers a 3.8:1 ratio for larger sized lures and going after bigger game fish species in both salt or freshwater fishing scenarios. 

Don’t let the affordable price fool you as the Pflueger President is made to premium quality standards and features 5 ball bearings, as well as one anti-reverse bearing to keep anglers from having their line get away from them when they are not paying attention.

One of the few downsides to this reel is that experienced anglers report that it must be regularly lubricated and cleaned in order to function smoothly and remain intact. 

I recommend the Pfluger President Spincast Reel when an angler is looking for more casting distance and line capacity.

Pros:

• Durable body
• Lightweight feel
• Five ball bearings
• Anti-reverse capability 
• Two different sizes

Cons:

• A bit slow for some anglers
• Requires regular maintenance 

4. Daiwa Silvercast A Series Spincast Reel

Most anglers prefer to use other types of reels as opposed to spincast reels as many types of spincast makes and models are often too large and bulky compared to others.

The Daiwa Silvercast A Series is a reel that can handle larger-sized fishing lines, but it doesn’t have quite as much weight and size as similar products. This particular reel is manufactured to the same exceptional quality standards that Daiwa products are made to and offers everything anglers need to go after any size catch. 

What I Like About It

The Silvercast A Series is very popular among largemouth bass anglers since it is capable of handling fishing lines that’s rated to as much as 10 pound test. This model also has high-quality housing and internal components, allowing it to stand up quite well when facing the hard-pulling and aggressive largemouth bass or other game fish species. 

Users can enjoy a faster retrieve than most other brands regarding spincast reels as the Silvercast A Series is made with a 4.3:1 gear ratio. That’s more than enough to adequately fish with a variety of different fast-moving lures in both fresh or saltwater. The titanium nitride internal line pickup helps ensure this reel works fast and smoothly compared to other popular models. 

The reel weighs just under 9 ounces and meets all of the common expectations for anglers who prefer to use spincast reels to go after larger game fish species. Anglers can also choose between four different sizes that range in size. 

I pick the Silvercast when I need extra power or target larger fish species or trophy bass.

Pros:

• Lightweight yet tough
• Capable of handling larger fish
• 4.3:1 gear ratio
• Three ball bearings 

Cons:

• High profile 

5. Zebco Bullet High-Speed Spincast

The Zebco Bullet Spincast Reel certainly lives up to its name and speedy reputation as this reel is made to be exceptionally smooth while giving anglers a faster retrieve in most cases using standard sized fishing line. It features a noticeably-different appearance than most other items on my list of the best 10 spincast reels thanks to its blue cast aluminum housing. The body also offers a double-coating of anodized material that is aimed at giving this reel a longer lifespan compared to other products made by Zebco. 

It features an additional spool of line that can be quickly and easily swapped out thanks to the brand’s Quick Change spool design. It can serve both left or right-handed anglers as the handle can be easily changed over to one side or the other. 

What I Like About It

One of the most important factors of a reel that’s designed for catching bigger fish is the ability to get your catch up out of the depths as quickly as possible without letting the fish gain too much line in the other direction. The Zebco Bullet does this beautifully thanks to its 5.1:1 gear ratio and nine ball bearings system with anti-reverse clutch. 

Anglers should appreciate the fact that Zebco went to great lengths to create the Bullet in such a way that would virtually eliminate tangles or any other interior problem. This is because the company made this particular product with an incredible ZeroFriction dual-bearing supported pick-up pin design. 

Pros:

• Fast retrieve 
• Incredibly smooth experience 
• Premium quality body 
• 9 ball bearings design 

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than other models 

6. Pflueger Trion Push Button Spincast Reel

The Pflueger Trion Spincast Reel is an easy addition to my list. This model offers plenty of high-quality features without the bigger price tag that might often be associated with premium quality. This reel can be purchased with the standard push button design, but most users prefer to opt for the push trigger model that behaves like a spinning reel in its overall performance. 

What I Like About It

This reel is made with a tough aluminum cone housing that protects your line and keeps tangles and other frustrating problems from occurring while you focus on catching your prey. This model has been around since the 1990s and Pflueger has only improved it repeatedly to meet the needs of anglers based on their feedback over the past three decades. 

The drag can easily be adjusted using a small wheel on the side of the reel and anglers will enjoy the smooth and quick 4.1:1 gear ratio of the Pflueger Trion. 

Pros:

• Smooth operation
• Standard push button or trigger model
• Tough aluminum material 

Cons:

• Line guide can have some issues 

7. Zebco Omega Spincast

Zebco is a name that has been as prominent as any brand in the fishing industry over the last few decades regarding high-quality spincast reels.

The Zebco Omega is the best value for money spincast reel that’s currently available on the market, thanks to its many high-quality features and capabilities. 

This reel introduces new technology that Zebco spincast reels have never had up until this point. The company’s engineers designed the Omega with 7 stainless steel bearings combined for an extremely smooth casting and reeling experience. Like so many other Zebco products, the Omega can be purchased relatively cheaply compared to some other products on my list. 

What I Like About It

It offers a ceramic line guide that handles various mono or fluoro style lines and an interchangeable handle that can be swapped to fit on either the right or the left side of the reel. This reel also features anti-reverse capability and a dual-adjustable drag that allows anglers to set their line pull at just the right level. 

A few other products on the market might out-perform this model when it comes to overall durability and performance.

Still, the Omega combines an array of solid features and an attractive price tag for an exceptional value compared to premium-quality spincast reels. 

Pros:

• Smooth 7 bearing system 
• Durable design 
• Ceramic line guide 
• Rapid change spool 
• 85/10 mono capacity 

Cons:

• Requires regular rinse and lubrication 

8. Abu Garcia Abumatic Spincast Reel

Anglers are usually well-acquainted with the Abu Garcia brand as it is one of the most well-known in the fishing industry regarding quality gear. This brand has carved a path toward the top of the field in a variety of different types of rods and reels and the Abumatic Spincast Reel is among the best spincast models you’ll find on the market. 

This reel is just a bit heavier than some of the other items on my list, but it makes up for that with its super-durable construction. The Abu Garcia Abumatic is made of tough aluminum, carbon material, brass, and other metal interior components. 

It might not be quite as smooth as some of the models we’ve listed, but the three-ball bearing system does the job with just about any type of fish. The brass gear and Dura Matrix drag system mean you won’t have to give up much ground against the hardest-pulling fish. 

This is the most durable spincast reel on the list. If you are particularly clumsy or worry that your kids will damage it, pick the Abumatic.

Pros:

• Tough design 
• 3.9:1 gear ratio
• Easy to use
• 3 bearings 

Cons:

• Heavier than most models 

9. Daiwa Underspin US XD Lightweight Spincast

Spincast reels don’t always have to be large and bulky items that are hard to pack in with the rest of your gear. The Daiwa Underspin US XD is made for anglers with a little more subtlety and touch on their approach.

This ultralight reel is perfect for anglers who like the ease and simplicity of having a spincast reel without having to sacrifice that prefer to use an ultralight rod and reel combo. 

What I Like About It

Daiwa is among the top brands in the fishing industry for good reason and the Underspin is easily one of the best spincast reels available. The bottom-mounted style makes it feel like a spinning reel and helps anglers focus more on feeling those small, quick bites when needed. 

It’s made with a simple, single ball bearing system complete with a rotating titanium line pickup mechanism for superb performance with light fishing line. This reel also comes with an adaptor that lets it be fitted to a wide variety of different style rods for the best overall experience. 

Pros:

• Ultralight experience 
• Low profile design 
• Single bearing interior 

Cons:

• Can be tough to mount to some rods

10. Zebco 33 Spincast Reel

My list of the best spincast reels just wouldn’t be complete without the Zebco 33. This spincast reel is a true classic that has helped untold amounts of anglers get their start in the sport and grow to love fishing thanks to its simple and reliable design. The Zebco 33 has been in production since 1954 when the company first introduced it. 

It only has one bearing inside, but the 3.6:1 gear ratio is more than capable of delivering all the retrieval ability you need to catch any type of fish species out there. It features a tough ceramic pickup pin that is known to function quite well despite taking a serious beating in some cases. 

What I Like About It

The Zebco 33 is all about durability and long ago established a reputation as one of the top spincast reel models of its kind. Anglers can set the drag using a small wheel on the side of the reel and the all-metal gears are tough enough to keep this reel together for many years when properly cared for. Best of all, this is one of the most affordable spincast reels on the market. 

Pros:

• Stellar reputation for reliability 
• Durable 
• Simple, easy-to-use design 
• Good value 

Cons:

• Not the smoothest spincast model 

Specification Comparison

Spincast Reel	Score	Gear Ratio	Ball Bearings	Mono Line Capacity
Zebco Omega Pro	5/5	3.4:1	7	85 yards of 6 lb
Daiwa Goldcast	4/5	4.1:1	1	75 yards of 8 lb
Pflueger President	4/5	3.4:1	5	70 yards of 8 lb
Daiwa Silvercast	3/5	4.3:1	3	75 yards of 8 lb
Zebco Bullet	4/5	5.1:1	9	90 yards of 10 lb
Pflueger Trion	4/5	4.1:1	2	90 yards of 8 lb
Zebco Omega	4/5	3.4:1	7	85 yards of 6 lb
Abu Garcia Abumatic	4/5	3.9:1	3	110 yards of 8 lb
Daiwa Underspin	3/5	4.1:1	1	85 yards of 4 lb
Zebco 33	4/5	3.6:1	5	110 yards of 10 lb

Spincast Reels Buyer’s Guide 

When looking to purchase a spincast reel, there are several characteristics you need to pay attention to to be sure that you’re getting a quality product. Spincast reels have a very different overall design when compared to conventional or spinning reels, so the following areas are important indicators of quality when it comes to spincast reels. 

Spincast reels are also known as a closed face reel or a push button reel.

I have also written an article explaining the situations that you would use a spincast reel that you might enjoy.

Specification	Recommended Value for Bass
Gear Ratio	5.1:1 to 6.2:1
Ball Bearings	3 to 6
Line Capacity (lb/yards)	8-10 lb / 100-150 yards
Line Retrieve Rate	20-25 inches per turn
Max Drag	8-12 lbs
Reel Weight	6-12 oz
Frame Material	Aluminum or graphite
Spool Material	Aluminum or graphite
Handle Material	Aluminum or EVA

Design and Construction 

The material that a spincast reel is made of is highly important as it will determine its overall durability and performance in many ways. Pay close attention to whether a spincast reel is made out of plastic material, or if it’s crafted from a more solid, metal or graphite material. 

Some of the spincast reels made especially for beginners are made of less durable plastic material—especially smaller models designed for kids. When judging whether or not a spincast reel’s outer housing will be tough enough to handle the rigors of fighting and reeling in larger-sized fish, it’s important to note whether the reel features aluminum or graphite housing material around the spool and internal components. 

Push Button vs Underspin Style 

Two main types of spincast reels are popular among the many brands that manufacture these types of reels. The push button style of reel is much more prevalent across the fishing industry as it can be operated by kids and anyone else with limited amounts of fishing experience. 

The underspin reel style is quite different as it features a spool and other mechanisms underneath the rod handle. This type of reel looks very similar to a spinning reel design and typically features a ‘trigger’ mechanism to engage the spool instead of a button that must be pushed. 

In either case, the casting method is relatively the same with each reel style. Anglers must first push the trigger or button down and hold it while making the cast, only to release the button or trigger immediately when the lure will be cast out using the rod. 

Pickup Pins 

Unlike a spinning reel, which uses a bale to gather the fishing line and properly spool it onto the reel, a spincast reel utilizes smaller pickup pins that function within the inner housing of the reel more complexly. These pins are covered and are not disturbed by any outside factors in the same way a spinning reel or even a conventional reel might be susceptible to. 

While this design is much easier for beginners to handle (since it does most of the intricate work for you), the pickup pins inside your spincast reel can only operate at a certain level. This means your retrieval rate will be dictated by the rate at which these pickup pins are capable of working inside the reel. While other types of reels can have a much faster retrieval rate, spincast reels are severely limited in this respect. 

If you’re concerned with getting a spincast reel that offers a faster retrieval rate, it’s important to look for a model that features more pickup pins inside its reel design. Another key factor related to retrieval is what the pins are made out of. Better quality spincast reels will often feature metal pickup pins that are stronger and will outlast pins that are made of plastic or composite material. 

Line Capacity 

Spincast reels don’t have quite the same amount of line capacity that spinning or conventional reels offer. Some premium spincast reel models can hold up to about 100 yards of fishing line, but this number will often depend on the specific pound test you’re using as well. 

The line capacity is one of the most glaring differences between spincast reels and other types of reels. Anglers also tend to shy away from using spincast reels because they are not conducive to being spooled with braided lines as it usually can’t be properly fed into the pickup pins and spooled back onto the reel itself during retrieval. 

Remember that your line capacity with any model spincast reel will significantly decrease as you move to heavier mono or fluoro lines. It’s very important to use only the types of fishing line that the spincast reel is rated for since using a too heavy line could result in tangled up inside the housing. 

Gear Ratio 

Anglers who generally prefer to use spincast reels understand that the gear ratio of a specific spincast model can truly be the most important factor in some cases. Most amateur anglers think of gear ratio only regarding line retrieval. Still, this factor also significantly affects how a lure runs through the water and whether or not a fish will find it attractive enough to take a bite. 

If a spincast reel is made with a low gear ratio, the reel may not be suitable for using certain lures like spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and other types of items that require a smooth, steady retrieval. If the gear ratio is too high, the lure will be zipped through the water too quickly and won’t have an opportunity to finesse any nearby fish into gaining their attention or even enticing a strike. 

A spincast reel rarely has a gear ratio that’s too fast, but it is very common to see them with a slower-than-average ratio. If you’re unsure of the right number to look for in relation to gear ratio, select a spincast reel with a gear ratio of no more than 4.5:1 and no less than 2.5:1. 

Bearings 

Bearings can make or break a spincast reel. Not having enough of them or a reel made with poor quality bearings will render the product much less effective at a smooth retrieval. The number of bearings might not always be the most important factor. It’s also crucial to ensure the bearings are in the right place or made of quality materials like stainless steel. 

If you’re looking into the finer details of a spincast reel and you’re having trouble finding out how many bearings it has, or what the bearings are made out of, this is usually an indication that the manufacturer is conveniently leaving out these details because the reel doesn’t have them or is made with cheap bearing material. 

Drag Adjustment 

Another part of spincast reels that is all too often overlooked is the specific drag adjustment mechanism. Many push-button spincast reels will feature a star drag adjustment, typically located on the handle of the reel and can be twisted to adjust the drag. 

More premium-quality spincast reels often feature a drag system controlled by a simple wheel or knob on the reel housing’s top or side. It’s very important to make sure you can properly adjust the drag on your reel as this is often quite literally a make-or-break factor when it comes to fighting large fish that are capable of pulling hard and stripping out the internal components of a reel that has a drag that’s set too high. 

Performance

The performance score is how well this product fulfills its primary purpose. Does it have all the features and optional extras you need to catch the target species? I also interview expert anglers on their experience to build a more comprehensive view of the performance under multiple conditions.

I take all reels down to my local freshwater lake for bass, or inshore fishing off the beach for redfish.

• Test 1: I confirm that the max drag meets the manufacturer’s specifications using a calibrated scale.
• Test 2: I test the maximum casting distance using a 1.0-ounce lure.
• Test 3: I test the accuracy by casting 10 times into a 3 ft diameter circle at 30 yards.
• Test 4: I check the versatility and the ability to handle multiple uses by field testing with 3 different lures and baits, by actually going fishing.

Durability

Durability refers to how long the product will continue functioning. I twist, bend, and break all the products to check their longevity. This score is for the construction materials, the workmanship quality, and the servicing requirements. There are also bonus points for manufacturers’ warranty.

For products I can’t test for long enough, I also consult experts who have been using them for decades to judge their longevity.

• Test 5: I pull it apart to check the grease and oil levels, how difficult it is to maintain, and whether sand or salt has deposited after use in saltwater.

Value for Money

The final aspect of the scoring system is the price or, more specifically, the value for money. Value for money is a comparison against the closest alternative products, both by the same manufacturer and other brands.

Overall Score

Finally, I average the three scores of performance, durability, and value for money to give the overall score of each product reviewed.

To see more details, please read the complete guide on how I test and evaluate fishing products.

Conclusion 

There’s no denying that spincast reels help take a lot of the guesswork out of handling a rod and reel and truly allow young and beginner anglers to enjoy catching fish without worrying too much about their equipment. There’s also nothing wrong with experienced anglers who prefer to rely on the simple and straightforward design and reliable performance these reels offer. 

A few other models didn’t make this list, such as the Zebco 202 and the KastKing Brutus.

If you’re new to fishing, selecting a closed face fishing reel is a great place to start your journey. However, if you’ve been fishing for several years and are still unfamiliar with just how these reels work on the inside, I hope this article will help enlighten you to the inner workings of the spincast reel and work to improve your knowledge and understanding of the sport as well.