Spincast fishing reels are also commonly called push-button reels. This is because when angler makes a cast the button on the back of the reel is pushed down. These are the easiest fishing reels to use and are commonly used by kids to learn how to fish. Zebco is the leading brand for spincast reels and the company has been making versions of the Zebco 33 since 1954.
For casting in freshwater there are two common types of reels used. Spincast reels and spinning reels. Spincast reels are also called closed face reels and are easier to use for novice anglers. To cast a spincast reel the button is pushed and held down to disengage and lift the rotor. The rod is then brought back and then cast forward. When the lure is moving forward the button is released which retracts the pickup pins and the lure is free to move forward. Once the lure hits the water, turning the reel handle engages the rotor and extends the pickup pins so the lure can be retrieved.
The reel and eyes face upward when using a spincast reel. This means that right-handed anglers will reel with their right hand. Spinning reels eyes and reels face downward. The means that right-hand anglers reel with there left hand and hold the pole with the right hand. Most spincast reels come setup for right-handed anglers. On most models, the reel handed can be switch to the other side of the reel for left-handed anglers.
Here Are the Best Spincast Reels
1. Zebco 33 Platinum Spincast Reel
| Model 25s |
Weighs 9.7 oz |
| Retrieves 22 in/turn | Line-capacity 95/10 yd/lb |
The Zebco 33 Platinum is a quality Spincast reel. It is constructed with an all-metal body, brass pinion gear, dual ceramic pick-up pins, anodized handle, and stainless steel top and bottom covers. The reel handle can be switched to work as a left-handed reel. It comes setup with the reel on the right side which is the proper setup for right-handed anglers.
Key features include microfine dial-adjust drag, 4 ball bearings, an instant anti-reverse bearing, and patented no-tangle design. The reel comes pre-spooled with a 10-pound fishing line. It has has a gear ratio of 4.1:1. This reel works great for catching, bass, pickerel, walleye, and catfish.
2. Zebco 33 Max Spincast Reel
| Model 33 Max |
Weighs 12.4 oz |
| Retrieves 16 in/turn | Line-capacity 100/20 yd/lb |
The Zebco 33 Max is a large baitcasting reel. This reel comes pre-spooled with a 20-pound monofilament line. When using a baitcasting reel to catch large bass and catfish this would be a good reel choice. It has a low gear ratio of 2.6:1. A drag rating is not specified for Zebco reels but the drag is sufficient for the line weight detailed on the reel.
The reel is made with a graphite frame, stainless steel covers, metal gears, and dual ceramic pick-up pins. A unique feature is the built-in bite alert which makes a loud clicking noise if a fish is pulling line off the reel. Other features include micro-fine dial-adjustable drag, one ball bearing, one quickest anti-reverse bearing, and patented no-tangle design. The reel handle can be swapped to work on the left side of the reel if the angler is left-handed.
3. Zebco 33 Spincast Reel 2022 Model
| Model 44 |
Weighs 9.3 oz |
| Retrieves 23 in/turn | Line-capacity 120/10 yd/lb |
This Zebco 33 is the latest 2020 release of the iconic Zebco 33 reel. It has a 4.1 gear ratio and retrieves 22 inches of line per turn of the handle. The handle can be switched to the left side of the reel for left-handed anglers. Color options for the reel include black, purple, and gold.
The reel is made with a graphite frame, stainless steel top and bottom covers, all-metal gears, and dual ceramic pickup pins. It has one ball bearing and an anti-reverse bearing. Key features include a built-in bite alarm, dial-adjustable drag knob, and patented no-tangle spool design. This is the standard spincast reel that works well to catch all types of freshwater fish. Below is a video demonstrating how to cast a spincast fishing reel.
Zebco 33 Telescopic Rod and Reel Combo
The Zebco 33 telescopic rod and reel combo is a popular spincast setup. The reel is the Zebco 33, Zebco 33 Micro, or Zebco 33 Micro triggerspin which are all reviewed in this article. The rod is telescopic and starts at 22.5 inches or shorter when collapsed and extends to 5-feet or 6 feet in length when extended. It has a medium or ultralight power rating which is a measure of the stiffness of the rod.
This Zebco reel and 6-foot fishing rod are good for small panfish and trout as well as large bass and catfish. Since the entire rod and reel are so small it works great to put in the car or a backpack. It is also a good reel to travel with on vacation or camping trip.
4. Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Reel with Rod
| Model 33 Micro |
Weighs 6.0 oz |
| Retrieves 16 in/turn | Line-capacity 90/4 yd/lb |
This Zebco 33 micro is just a smaller version of the full-size reel. It has a 4.3:1 gear ratio and retrieves 16 inches of line per turn of the handle. Features of the reel include a bite alarm, dial adjust drag, all-metal gears, and two ceramic pick-up pins. The handle can be switched to the left side of the reel for left-handed anglers.
The reel comes spooled with 90 yards of a 4-pound test monofilament line. Color options for the reel include black and gold. With 4 pound line, this reel is best for catching bluegill, crappie, trout, and average size bass. Weighing on 6 ounces this is a great reel for young kids.
5. Zebco 33 Micro Triggerspin Reel with Rod
| Model 33 MicroT |
Weighs 6.0 oz |
| Retrieves 16 in/turn | Line-capacity 90/4 yd/lb |
The Zebco 33 micro triggerspin reel has a trigger to engage and disengage the spool. With a normal spincast reel this is done with the press of a button. The reel itself has the same specifications as the standard Zebco 33 micro. Color options for the reel are black and gold.
It might seem like a trigger compared to a button release is not a big difference but it drastically changes the finishing style. With a spincast fishing setup, the reel and eyes of the rod face upward and the angler turns the reel handle with their dominant hand. With a triggerspin fishing setup, the reel is beneath the fishing-rod which is the same configuration as a spinning reel. The rod is held with the dominant hand but the handle is turned with the non-dominate hand when using a triggerspin reel.
Having kids learn to fish with a triggerspin reel makes it an easier transition when going to a spinning reel. However, spincast reels are fished in a similar way to baitcasting reels. To cast a triggerspin reel the trigger is pressed in and the line does not need to be held. When the rod is brought forward and the lure has forward velocity the trigger is released. The video below shows how to cast a triggerspin reel.
6. Zebco 33 Authentic Spincast Reel
| Model 33 |
Weighs 8.5 oz |
| Retrieves 19 in/turn | Line-capacity 110/10 yd/lb |
This is the classic Zebco 33 spincast fishing reel. It comes pre-spooled with 110 yards of 10-pound fishing line. The gear ratio is 3.6:1. This reel is made with top and bottom stainless steel covers, PVC knobs, a graphite body, and a die-cast metal handle. Key features of the reel include the ball bearing drive, quickest anti-reverse bearing, micro-fine drag control knob, and an improved line management system. The reel handle can be switched for left-handed anglers.
This reel was introduced in 2014 for the 60 anniversary of the reel. The 2014 model was manufactured until a new model was released in 2020. There have been many different models of the Zebco 33. I learned how to fish using the 1994 version of the Zebco 33. It worked well for casting Mepps spinners to catch bass at local lakes. To see all the versions of this reel check out the Zebco timeline.
7. Zebco Bullet Spincast Reel
| Model BX3 |
Weighs 13.9 oz |
| Retrieves 26 in/turn | Line-capacity 90/10 yd/lb |
The Zebco bullet is the highest quality baitcasting reel on the market. It has a gear ratio of 5.1:1 and retrieves 29.6 inches of line per turn of the handle. It is made with an all-metal body, brass gears, double anodizes aluminum cover, and two bearing supported pins to reduce friction. Key features include 8 bearings, an instant anti-reverse clutch, quick-change spool, and a spare spool with line. This is a good reel for all species of freshwater fish.
Using a braided line with a spincast reel is a controversial topic. Some people like it and some say that it does not work well. The trick is to use heavy braided line. This reel is rated for a 10-pound line and Zebco recommends using a 30-pound braided line. A 35-pound braided line would be the same diameter as a 10-pound monofilament line. The normal reason for switching to braid is to use a lighter thinner line. Since the braided line has to be thick to catch the pickup pins there is not a huge advantage to braid. If you are fishing for really big catfish or carp it might warrant using a heavy braided line.
The video below discusses the Zebco Bullet spincast reel in detail. The pros, cons, and specifications of the reel are discussed.
8. Zebco Big Cat XT Spincast Reel
| Model 80 |
Weighs 20 oz |
| Retrieves 19 in/turn | Line-capacity 110/25 yd/lb |
The Big Cat XT spincast reel has a low 2.6:1 gear ratio for catching large heavy fish. This is the largest spincast reel on the market. It comes spooled with 110 yards of 25-pound monofilament fishing line. The handle can be set up to work for right-handed or left-handed anglers.
Features include 3 ball bearings, an anti-reverse clutch bearing, dial adjust drag, and patented no-tangle design. The reel is constructed with a stainless steel front cover, all-metal gears, two ceramic line pickups, and a titanium-nitride plated spinner head. Catfish are the second most popular freshwater fish to target behind bass. This reel allows novice anglers and kids to be able to easily catch big bass, and catfish. Zebco also makes a Big Cat rod to go with this spincast reel.
9. Zebco 888 Spincast Reel
| Model 888 |
Weighs 19.5 oz |
| Retrieves 19 in/turn | Line-capacity 110/25 yd/lb |
The Zebco 888 is another large spincast reel. It comes pre-spooled with 110 yards of 25-pound monofilament line. It has a low 2.6:1 gear ratio and retrieves 19 inches of line per turn of the handle. The reel is constructed with a stainless front cover, all-metal gears, and two ceramic line pick-up pins. Key features include two ball bearings, an anti-reverse bearing, bite alarm, and magnum drag that is adjusted with a dial knob.
This reel is intended to target medium to large freshwater fish like hybrid striped bass, catfish, largemouth bass, northern pike, pickerel, and musky. Spincast reels allow young anglers a chance at these very popular gamefish. It is fun to have a story of catching a monster fish on a push-button reel. The trick is to use a steel leader if they have teeth and to not rush the fight. Big fish can make fast powerful runs but get tired just like any other fish.
10. Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Reel
| Model ZO3 |
Weighs 10.6 oz |
| Retrieves 19 in/turn | Line-capacity 85/10 yd/lb |
The Zebco Omega Pro ZO3 is a premium spincast fishing reel. It is made with machined aluminum covers, anodized aluminum spinner-head spool, all-metal gears, brass worm gear, and a die-cast metal body. The gear ratios is 3.6:1 which makes the retrieve rate 19 inches per turn of the handle. This reel can be set up as a left or right-handed reel.
The key features of the reel include triple cam multi-disk drag that is adjustable with the dial knob, 6 ball bearings, an instant anti-reverse bearing, and a soft-touch thumb button design. There is also a ZO2 version of the reel that weighs 8.1 ounces and comes pre-spooled with 85 yards of a 6-pound test monofilament line.
11. Zebco Omega Spincast Reel
| Model ZO3 |
Weighs 13 oz |
| Retrieves 16 in/turn | Line-capacity 85/10 yd/lb |
The Zebco Omega is the standard version of the Omega Pro. This version is a bit heavier but has a very similar performance. The Omega comes pre-spooled with 85 yards of 10-pound monofilament line. The Omega is made with an aluminum frame, aluminum covers, 6 stainless steel bearings, all-metal gears, three ceramic pick up pins, and soft rubber knobs.
Features include a quick change spool, a 2.9:1 gear ratio, and a multi-disk drag. This is a good all-around reel for catching all sizes of freshwater fish. A ZO2 version of the reel available which comes pre-spooled with 85 yards of 6-pound line and weighs 9.5 ounces. That would be a better reel for targeting trout and crappie.
12. Zebco Roam 3SZ Spincast Reel
| Model Roam |
Weighs 8.7 oz |
| Retrieves 19 in/turn | Line-capacity 110/10 yd/lb |
The Zebco roam has the specs of a typically spincast fishing reel. It has a 3.6:1 great ratio and retrieves 19 inches of line per turn of the handle. These reels come spooled with 110 yards of 10-pound monofilament line.
There are three ball bearings within the reel and a quickset anti-reverse bearing. The reel is made with a graphite frame, stainless steel front cover, soft-touch button, and soft-touch knobs. This is a small light reel that is good for kids to use to catch both small and large freshwater fish.
13. Zebco The Lady 202 Girls Fishing Reel
| Model 202 |
Weighs 6.2 oz |
| Retrieves 15 in/turn | Line-capacity 110/10 yd/lb |
This Zebco Lady 2020 rod and reel combo comes with everything needed to start fishing. The reel comes pre-spooled with 110 yards of 10-pound monofilament line. It has all-metal gears, a dial to adjust the drag, and a stainless steel pickup pin. This reel is only for right-handed anglers and can not be changed to a left-hand retrieve. There is also a Zebco 2020 spincast combo in red that would be a good rod and reel for boys.
This comes as a combo with a 5 foot 6-inch two-piece fishing rod. The rod had a medium-light power and moderate fast action which is good for catching small to average size freshwater fish. It also comes with 44 pieces of fishing tackle so you have everything needed to start fishing. Tackle includes 2 bobbers, 18 small hooks, 5 swivels, 3 lead split shots, 1 spin jig blade, 3 jig heads, 4 swimbait bodies, and 8 curly tail jig bodies. The kit does not have a tackle box so you will need to find a way to keep the tackle organized.
Zebco Splash Boys Spincast Rod and Reel Combo
| Model Spalsh |
Length 6-feet, 2-Piece |
| Retrieves 18.5 in/turn | Line-capacity 110/10 yd/lb |
This Zebco splash comes as a rod and reel combo. The reel is a basic spincast fishing reel with a push-button design so kids can easily cast with the pole. It comes spooled with a 10-pound fishing line. The rod is 6-feet in length and breaks down into two-pieces for traveling.
The rod power is medium and the action is moderate. Color options are blue, green, orange, and purple. This combo will work to catch lots of types of fish from small bluegill to large bass. The rod and reel only weigh 12.8 ounces so this will work even for young kids. For toddlers the Zebo 202 listed above is a better option or a shakespeare youth fishing rod.
14. Pflueger President Spincast Reel
| Model 6USCX |
Weighs 9.0 oz |
| Retrieves 14.5 in/turn | Line-capacity 90/6 yd/lb |
| Model 6SCX |
Weighs 8.6 oz |
| Retrieves 14.5 in/turn | Line-capacity 90/6 yd/lb |
| Model 10SCX |
Weighs 11.2 oz |
| Retrieves 18.5 in/turn | Line-capacity 75/10 yd/lb |
This Plueger President spincast reel comes in two sizes 6 and 10. The size 6 also comes in an underspin version that is technically a triggerspin fishing reel. In the underspin configuration, the reel is under the rod-like an open-faced spinning reel. A spincast reel is on top of the rod.
The handle on all the reels can be switched from one side to the other. These reel come setup for right-handed anglers. The reels also come spooled with a monofilament fishing line. Although many people choose to re-spool the reels. Make sure to use fishing line diameters that are within the specification of the reel.
The reel is constructed with an aluminum frame, aluminum top cover, and dual titanium pick-up pins. It also has 5 ball bearings and an instant anti-reverse bearing. The size 6 reel is great to spool up with a 6-pound line and fish for trout, bass, panfish, and crappie. Fishing with the size 10 is good for catching large bass.
15. Pflueger Trion Spincast Reel
| Model 6U |
Weighs 6.4 oz |
| Retrieves 14.5 in/turn | Line-capacity 90/6 yd/lb |
| Model 10U |
Weighs 10 oz |
| Retrieves 18.5 in/turn | Line-capacity 75/10 yd/lb |
The Plueger Triton is a spincast reel with an underspin configuration. There are commonly called triggerspin reels. A size 6 and 10 reel is also available in the standard spin-cast push button configuration. The specifications are the same for the push button and underpin reel based on the size. An aluminum handle is used and can be swapped to the opposite side of the reel for left-handed anglers.
Key features of the reel include two titanium pick-up pins, aluminum top cover, and 2 ball bearings. This reel is very similar to the Plueger President but is a bit lower in cost. The underpin reel configuration is a good way for kids to learn how to fish with a spinning reel.
16. KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel
| Model 30 |
Weighs 9.88 oz |
| Retrieves 15.75 in/turn | Line-capacity 160/10 yd/lb |
The KastKing Brutas is a quality spincast fishing reel. It has a high gear ratio of 4.0:1 and retrieves 15.75 inches of line per turn of the handle. The handle is interchangeable from the right side of the reel to the left side of the reel for left-handed anglers. Braided line can be used on this reel. It is recommended to use about 150 years of 30-pound braided line.
The reel is made with an aluminum top cover, steel rotor, two stainless steel pick-up pins, Teflon drag washers, zink alloy spool, graphite frame, graphite thumb bar, and an aluminum handle.
This is one of the few baitcasting reels that provides a drag rating. The max drag of the reel is 11 pounds which is pretty strong. It has 5 double-shielded ball bearings and an anti-reverse bearing. I do not know of any spincast reel rated for saltwater but this reel has shield bearings an and would likely hold up better than other reels.
17. Daiwa Goldcast Spincast Reel
| Model 80 |
Weighs 9.2 oz |
| Retrieves 18.3 in/turn | Line-capacity 75/8 yd/lb |
| Model 100 |
Weighs 9.9 oz |
| Retrieves 20.8 in/turn | Line-capacity 80/10 yd/lb |
| Model 120 |
Weighs 12 oz |
| Retrieves 21.3 in/turn | Line-capacity 100/12 yd/lb |
This Diawa Goldcast spincast reel comes in three sizes. The reel comes as a right-hand retrieve and can be changed to the other side of the reel for left-handed anglers. These reels come pre-spooled with monofilament fishing line.
The reel is made with a rigid metal body, metal top cover, metal gearing, and tungsten line pickups. Key features of the reel include oscillating level wind spool, multi-disk drag, optimized line aperture, and one ball bearing. The drag has fine adjustment settings using the drag knob on the top of the reel. These are good all-around spincast fishing reels for normal freshwater fishing conditions.
About Spincast Reels
Spincast Reels
Spincast reels are a close faced reel design where the spool is fixed and the line is added to the spool with a spinning rotor. Since the spool is fixed the line comes directly off the spool like a spinning reel. This allows for further casting than a baitcasting reel and is less likely to backlash and tangle. These are both nice features for young and novice anglers. Spincast reels are oriented on top of the fishing rod which is also true for baitcasting or conventional fishing reels. This means the handle on the reel is turned with the angles dominate hand.
There is a reel with the same internal design as a spinning reel called a triggerspin reel. This reel is orientated underneath the fishing reel like a spinning reel. For this reason, it is also called an underspin reel. The handle of an underspin reel is turned with the angler’s non-dominate hand. The fishing rod is held with the dominant hand and this allows for easy one arm casting. Triggerspin and spincast reels are the easy kind of reel to use when casting and retrieving lures and baits.
Spincast Handle Swap
Spincast Fishing reels come with the handle on the right side of the reel. This is the proper handle orientation for right-handed anglers. Some spincast reel handles are right and only and can not be changed to the left side. However, most spin-cast reels can be swapped to the right side.
Triggerspin or underspin reels come with the handed on the left side of the reel which is also the proper orientation for righthanded angels. All of the triggerspin reels can be changed to the right side for left-handed anglers.
The video below shows how to change which side the handle is located on for the Zebco Bullet spincast reel. The process to change the reel position is very similar for all spincast and triggerspin fishing reels.
Spincast Drag
There is typically not a drag rating on spincast reels. This is because the reel typically only works using one size of a monofilament fishing line and the drag is sufficient for that line strength. The KastKing Brutas does have a drag rating of 11 pounds and has a Teflon drag washer on each side of the zink spool. It is helpful to know the drag rating when using a braided line. Most spincast reels use felt washers but high-end reels can use composite washers.
Spincast and close face reels drag is adjusted with a dial adjust drag knob. This is different than a baitcasting reel which typically has a star drag system. Conventional reels use either a star drag or a lever drag. The dial drag is turned clockwise to increase the tension and counter-clockwise to decrease the tension. Most spincast reels use 10-pounds of drag or less. It is important to not set the drag above 50 percent of the line strength. The drag can be checked with a pull-scale. Most people check the drag by pulling line off the reel by hand and estimating how much force is on the line.
Spincast Brake Release
On a spincast reel, there is a rotor and spool just line on a spinning reel. However, the rotor is on top of the rod for a spincast reel. There is an anti-reverse bearing or clutch on a spincast reel just like most other fishing reels.
When the button is pushed on a spincast reel or trigger is pressed on a triggerspin reel the brake is disengaged. What is really happening is the rotor is lifting up from the spool exposing the fishing line. The line does not come off the reel yet because the pickup pins are stopping it. When you cast the button or trigger is released which retracts the pickup pins and allows the line to come off the spool. When the angler starts to reel there is a clicking noise. This is the rotor dropping over the spool and pickup pins extending from the rotor. Now as the rotor spins the line will be spun onto the spool.
Spincast Line Types
Spincast reel almost always comes pre-spooled with monofilament line. Many people choose to take the old line off and add a new line. This is because the line on the spool may be old and brittle. Also sometimes the line may have grease or oil on it since the reel is new. The new fishing line diameter should be the same or very similar to the old diameter.
Spincast reels are sensitive to the diameter of line used. This has to do with how the rotor fits over the spool and how the pickup pins catch the line to spin it onto the spool. Braided line can be used on some spincast reels but need to be close to the diameter specified for the monofilament line. A fluorocarbon line can be used if the line diameter is 4 pounds or less. If the fluorocarbon line is too thick and stiff it will not cast well because of how the line comes off the spool.
Triggerspin Close Faced Reel
A trigger spin reel has the same design as a spincast reel. The difference is the method to engage and disengage the rotor and pickup pins. With a standard spincast reel this is done by pressing down on the thumb bar bottom on the back of the reel. When using a triggerspin reel a trigger is pressed to lift the rotor and the trigger is released to let the line will come off the spool.
Spincast Line Capacity
Spincast line capacity will typically be marked on the outside of the reel. If it is not printed on the reel look up the value based on the model and year of the reel. It will typically be about 100 yards of 4-pound 6-pound, 10-pound, or 25-pound monofilament line. It is important to not overfill the spool because the line will be more likely to tangle. If the spool is underfilled it will not cast as far. A braided line can be used but should be close to the line diameter of the monofilament line. This means the line strength will be much higher for a braided fishing line.
Frequently asked Questions
How to re-spool a spincast reel?
To re-spool a spincast fishing reel, first unscrew the top cover of the reel. Next, remove any remaining line from the reel. Check the reel to determine the proper line weight and the number of yards the spool can hold. Place the new line through the top cover of the reel. Take the end and wrap it around the spool of the reel and tie a fishing knot.
A basic fish knot, unit-knot, or even two overhand knots will work. Cut off and excess tag line. Then pull the line tight while screwing the top cover back on the reel. Reel the new line onto the reel. It is good to measure how much line is going on the reel so the spool is not over-filled or under-filled. Finally, run the line from the reel through the eyes of the poll and tie on a fishing lure or bait.
How do you cast a spincast reel?
To cast a spincast fishing reel start with the lure about 2 feet from the tip of the rod. Then push and hold down the button on the reel while holding the reel with the right hand or both hands. Bring the rod back and then forward quickly. When the lure is quickly moving forward release the button and the lure will travel in the intended direction.
Just after the lure hits the water switch the rod into the left hand and start to reel with the right hand. When you start to reel and there should be a clunk noise as the rotor goes back over the spool and the button should pop back out. The reel mechanism is now engaged and the lure or bait can be reeled in.
Can you use a braided line with a spincast reel?
Yes, you can run a braided line on a spincast fishing reel. It can be susceptible to tangles if the spool is overfilled. For this reason, it is recommended to not completely fill the spool. Because of how the line pickups work on a spincast reel an equivalent diameter braided line should be used. This means if the reel is rated for an 8-pound monofilament line a 30-pound braided line should be used.
The Zebco bullet is a good reel to use with a braided line. It has ball bearing line pickups and is made to run with braided line. Another good reel to use with a braided line is the Kastking Brutus. Both of these reels work best with monofilament lines but a heavy braided line can be used. This would most commonly be needed when fishing for very large catfish.
Are there left-handed spincast reels?
Most spincast fishing reels can be set up to work as right-handed or left-handed reels. Almost all reels come from the factory as right hand retrieve reels. However, with a flat head screwdriver, the handle can be swapped to the left side of the reel. A spincast reel is similar to a baitcasting reel and conventional fishing reel in that it faces upward on the rod and the handle of the reel is turned with the angler’s dominant hand. If you are left-handed it is important to make sure the reel handle can be swapped to the left side of the reel. I do not know of any spincast reels that only work as a left-handed reel.
What is the difference between a spincast reel and a triggerspin reel?
A spincast reel is also called a push-button reel or closed faced reel. Triggerspin reels are a type of close faced reel and are also called an underspin reel. The internal components of these reels are very similar. How the reel rotor is disengaged is different though. On a traditional spincast reel a button on the back of the reel is pushed down to disengage to the rotor. A triggerspin reel has a trigger that pressed down using the index finger.
The fishing style is actually completely different for these two types of reels. A spincast reel sits on top of the rod and the handle is turned with the dominant hand. A triggerspin reel is placed underneath the rod and the handle is turned with the non-dominate hand like a spinning reel. When using a triggerspin reel the rod is held with the dominant hand and can easily be cast using only one arm.
Who makes the best spincast reel?
Companies that make spincast reels include Zebco, Plueger, Kastking, and Diawa. The Zebco bullet is the highest quality spincast reel on the market. When fishing for big fish the Zebco Big Cat XT and Zebco 888 are the largest strongest spincast reels. However, the biggest strongest reel is not the best for every situation.
The Zebo 33 micro is a small spincast reel that is best for young kids. It weighs just 6 ounces and comes spooled with a 4-pound test line. This is perfect for catching bluegill, sunfish, perch, crappie, and trout. If the person fishing prefers holding the rod with their dominant hand an underspin close faced reel would be a good reel choice for novice anglers. Eventually, fishermen should become proficient using a ultralight spinning reel or baitcasting reel.
What is the best Zebco 33 reel?
Zebco the company has been making versions of the Zebco 33 since 1954. Many people have a favorite year and they all do perform slightly different. In the most recent year, there is a Zebco 33 platinum, Zebco 33 max, Zebco authentic 33, Zebco 33 micro, and Zebco 33 micro triggerspin reel. The biggest and strongest reel is the Zebco 33 max. If you are just talking about the best quality the best reel is the Zebco 33 platinum. The best reel for kids is the Zebco 33 micro. If you like the spinning reel style of casting the Zebco 33 micro triggerspin reel is best.
What kind of reel is a Zebco?
Zebco is a fishing reel company and not a type of reel. However, when most people say a Zeco reel they are talking about a spincast reel. A spincast reel is also called a close faced reel or a push-button reel. Zebo also makes a triggerspin reel which is another type of close faced reel and is commonly called an underpin reel.
Zebco the company also makes conventional reels, spinning reels, and fishing rods. The company is the world-renown for there classic spincast fishing reels.
What is a closed faced reel?
A closed false fishing reel is a spincast reel or triggerspin reel. An open face fishing reel is a spinning reel or baitcasting reel where the spool is exposed. The advantage of a close faced reel is that fingers never have to touch the fishing line. To cast a button or trigger is pressed down and released. These are the best reels for kids and novice anglers. The disadvantage of these reels is they do not work well with thin braided line and they do not have the same level of lure control during a cast as a baitcasting reel. Also, these reels do not typically have as strong of drag as other types of fishing reels. That being said these are great reels for kids and make for a fun enjoyable fishing experience.
What are the parts to a spincast reel?
Spincast reels have parts very similar to other types of fishing reels. The top cover of the reel is typically made of metal and has a front hole for the line to exit the reel. On the bottom of the cover, there are threads to secure the cover to the frame. If the cover is off the top exposed part is the rotor which has one or more pick-up pins sticking out the sides.
Under the rotor is the spool. On one or both sides of the spool, there are drag washers. Within the body of the reel, there is the main shaft and main gear. On the back of the reel, there is a button which is also called a thumb bar. The reel handle can connect to the main gear from either side of the reel. Two-handle knobs are used to turn the reel. Finally, on the back of the reel, the reel seat is what connects the reel to the fishing rod.
What is the best Zebco spincast reel for kids?
The best Zebco spincast reel for young kids is the Zebco 33 micro. It is a small lightweight reel that weighs only 6.0 ounces. The reel holds 90 yards of a 4-pound test line. This is perfect for catching bluegill, sunfish, perch, and trout using a small bobber. The Zebco 33 micro is also available as a triggerspin reel that also works great for kids. This allows for easy one-handed casting and gets children fishing with the style and a spinning reel.
For older kids, 6 years old and up any spincast reel will work well. The best reel will depend on what fishing is being targeted. For big fish, the Zebco Max, bullet, 888, or Big cat XL are all great options. If older kids want to use an underspin reel configuration the Plueger Triton is a high-quality reel that is great for bass fishing.
What is an underspin reel?
An underpin reel is a close faced reel that has a trigger that is pressed with the index finger to cast. The underpin reel sits under the fishing rod in a similar configuration as a spinning reel. The internal design of an underspin reel is the same as a spincast fishing reel.
Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. Cody strives to provide detailed information about the best fishing gear and tactics to help both novice and experienced anglers have a more productive and enjoyable time on the water. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing!