The best spincast reels are easy to use and durable. Unlike spinning reels or baitcasting reels that require a more delicate touch, a quick lesson is usually all that’s required to get a new angler catching fish on their own with a spincaster. Also known as “push button” or “closed face” reels, these have kick-started many an angler’s passion for fishing.
But spincast reels aren’t just for beginners anymore. There are a growing number of serious models on the market; some are even aimed at tournament bass anglers. Here’s a look at some of the best spincast reels, whether you are just starting out or looking to clinch the amateur division in your local tourney.
Best Spincast Reel Top Picks
| Best Overall Spincast Reel: | Zebco 33 |
| Best Spincast Reel for Bass: | Zebco Bullet MG |
| Best Spincast Reel for Panfish: | Daiwa Underspin XD 40-CP |
| Best Budget Spincast Reel: | Zebco 404 |
Best Overall Spincast Reel
Zebco 33
Key Features
Gear Ratio: 4.1:1
Number of Bearings: 1
Weight: 9.3 ounces
Pros
- All-metal gears won’t slip under pressure
- Dual ceramic pickup pins won’t get worn down quickly
- Reasonable price point
Cons
- Only one bearing
It’s hard to think of a spincast reel that has been around longer than the Zebco 33. This reel offers an intuitive design that is easy to use and is strong enough to handle being dropped onto the dock. This classic offers the same feel that has been enjoyed by generations, but it’s updated with a 4.1:1 gear ratio, which means a 20% faster retrieve over previous models. The drivetrain is built with all-metal gears that provide rigidity, and spin the dual ceramic pickup pins without missing a beat.
While not infinite, the anti-reverse system has multiple stop points. The drag is adjustable using the top-mounted dial, easily putting the brakes on sunfish and all the other usual suspects. Zebco included their Bite Alert technology in this one, which can emit a loud clicking sound when a fish picks up the bait. So, even if your young angler is currently chasing frogs, they’ll know they have a bite.
Everything is capped off with a heavy-duty stainless-steel cover, though it should be noted that the threads can be a bit sticky at times. Reversible right/left retrieve makes this one easy to hand down when the time comes. It’s ready to fish right out of the package, pre-spooled with 10-pound-test Cajun line.
Best Spincast Reel for Bass
Zebco Bullet MG
Key Features
Gear Ratio: 5.1:1
Number of Bearings: 8+1
Weight: 10.9 ounces
Pros
- Fastest gear ratio in a spincast reel
- All metal construction
- Lightweight and strong magnesium body
- Instant anti-reverse
Cons
- Expensive
If you want a reel that can grow with your kids, or a high-performer that you can happily use yourself, this is it. The Zebco Bullet MG has features more akin to a baitcaster in a much easier to use format. Going for bass, catfish, walleyes or stripers? The Bullet has you covered without worries about tangles, wind knots, or backlashes. It’s all housed in a magnesium shell.
The star of the show is the fast retrieve — 5.1:1 — that allows you to work lures however you’d like: just grab the power handles and get after it. The retrieve is smooth, thanks to the nine bearings supporting the drivetrain. You can cross their eyes too, with an instant anti-reverse that turns light bites into hookups. All told, the Bullet MG puts out 12 pounds of drag; how’s that for a spincaster?
If you do hook a lunker, this reel can handle it. The Zebco Bullet MG is built using all-metal construction with a lightweight magnesium body and a forged anodized aluminum spinnerhead. Precision-machined brass gears stay in alignment even under the pressure of a good fish, ensuring you get it out of cover quickly.
The disk drag system is adjustable in small increments using the top-mount dial. You’ll pay for all this tech though, which is why it’s the most expensive reel on the list by far.
Best Spincast Reel for Panfish
Daiwa Underspin XD 40-CP
Key Features
Gear Ratio: 4.1:1
Number of Bearings: 1
Weight: 5.5 ounces
Pros
- Underlever design trains anglers for spinning reels
- Very light weight
- Handle can be swapped to change retrieve side
Cons
- Front drag adjustment can be temperamental
My younger sister was given a Daiwa underspin reel, the Crappie Spin, when our ages were measured in the single digits. She used that reel for most of her youth, catching countless fish on bait and lures. The design let her easily transition to a spinning rod later, and now that same reel is helping my son do the same. Filled with 4-pound-test mono, he can toss a bantam-sized spinner or slip float and corn combo halfway across the local pond.
The underlever and the ability to cast lightweight baits great distances are a hallmark of underspin reels, and Daiwa’s Underspin XD 40-CP is no exception. Slap this on a lightweight spinner or fiberglass fly rod, and do battle with bass, crappie, bullheads or whatever else is biting. The drag system, though slightly temperamental to adjust, is smooth enough to protect light lines.
My sister’s Crappie Spin has stood the test of time, but it has been replaced with updated models. The Underspin XD 40-CP is constructed with an aluminum body stuffed with metal gears that can handle any panfish with ease. A titanium nitride coating on the line pickup ensures a long life, and the oversized line aperture ushers line out in a hurry. Plus, this one won’t break the bank.
Best Budget Spincast Reel
Zebco 404
Key Features
Gear Ratio: 2.8:1
Number of Bearings: 0
Weight: 9.0 ounces
Pros
- Heavy-duty construction
- Built-in bite alarm
- Affordably priced
Cons
- Comes pre-spooled with heavy mono
Zebco’s 404 has been on the scene for years, built with the same quality as the company’s more expensive reels. It has all the features anglers expect from a Zebco spincaster, including a stainless-steel pick up pin and dial-adjustable drag that offers a surprising amount of resistance, plus the signature easy-to-use push button. It also features an audible bite alarm that should get your attention even if you missed the bobber going under, though you can turn this off if you’d prefer.
Heavy-duty construction stands up to rough handling and large fish. A 2.8:1 gear ratio pretty much limits this to bait duty, but it should provide enough leverage to winch even larger fish out of cover. And coming filled with 15-pound test, Zebco says you can even target saltwater species with the 404, but I would be wary about using any closed-faced reel around the brine, as they are notoriously hard to flush. Plus, 15-pound test mono is too heavy for many applications and can take a set quickly wrapped around the narrow spool.
The 404 uses bushings in place of bearings, so it’s not as smooth as others like the Daiwa Goldcast that is built with three bearings. That said, this should make it very durable, and it costs about a fifth of the Daiwa. You can’t change the retrieve side on this one, so be sure that right-hand retrieve works for you. If you need a sturdy reel that won’t break the bank, this is it.
Things to Consider When Choosing a Spincast Reel
When shopping for any type of reel, you have to decide if it fits the way you fish. Spincast reels are most often utilized by new anglers, thanks to their easy-to-use nature, but there’s no reason you can’t continue to use one once you’ve mastered the basics. Selecting a reel with quality components ensures it will last and stick with you while you grow as an angler. Look for gears and other components made of metal instead of polymer, for longevity.
Also need to consider the type of bait or lures you’ll be using. Many spincast reels have lower gear ratios, which makes them less than ideal to work faster lures with — you’ll be frantically turning the handle trying to rip buzz baits across the surface. This isn’t as important if you plan on fishing some form of bait, which usually involves a cast and wait approach. But if you’ll be casting and retrieving often, a gear ratio of 4.1:1 or higher is a good place to start.
A reel’s ball bearings are another consideration; they are less critical here than they would be in a revolving spool reel like a baitcaster, but the more bearings a reel has, the smoother its operation will be. If you plan on taking an active approach to fishing, like rapidly covering ground, look for a spincaster with at least one ball bearing.
Still not sure if a spincast reel is right for you? Read our guide to types of fishing reels and decide for yourself. If you need some pointers on casting, you can learn how to cast a fishing lure in our handy guide.
How I Selected the Best Spincast Reels
As the proud father of a 7 year old who loves spending time on the water, I recently found myself taking a deep-dive into the world of spincast reels. I wanted a reel that was easy to use, but would function as a serious fishing tool and not as a toy. It also had to be tough enough to stand up to the rigors of childhood. I hate having to buy things twice, so I wanted an something that will last long enough to be turned into a hand-me-down someday. Here are the criteria I examined to make my decisions.
Durability: Kids are tough on things. I looked at the materials and methods used to construct each reel, with an eye for potential weak spots. He probably won’t need to winch a five-pounder out of the grass, but I wanted to give my son a fighting chance if that occurred.
Price: I believe in paying a premium for items that will last, but I also don’t want to donate a fortune to Davy Jones if it ends up in the drink. So, I chose spincast reels that offered good value and weren’t exorbitantly pricey (with one notable exception).
Brand: I don’t consider myself to be a brand snob, but I looked for manufacturers that had a proven legacy of building spincast reels. Fortunately, there are a few clear winners on the market, and the companies behind them have been building reliable spincast reels for decades.
Final Thoughts on the Best Spincast Reels
Best Overall Spincast Reel: Zebco 33
Best Spincast Reel for Bass: Zebco Bullet MG
Best Spincast Reel for Panfish: Daiwa Underspin XD 40-CP
Best Budget Spincast Reel: Zebco 404
With so many models on the market, it can be hard to decide which is the best spincast reel for you. As with all things fishing, the right reel is determined by what you plan on using it for. But for most purposes, it’s hard to beat the Zebco 33. It will handle sunnies, perch, bass, bullheads and other pond dwellers with ease. Plus, time has proven it is durable enough to last season after season.
