The spincast reels are widely popular because they are easy to learn and maintain. With the right spincaster, you need a little practice to archive a perfect cast. The only question is how to choose the right model, and what features should be considered before purchasing? Let’s go over all you need to know to buy the best spincaster.
When to choose a spincaster?
I recommend spincast reel for kids, teenagers and adult beginners because the easy-to-use design is usually a priority. With high-quality reel, you will not suffer from backlashes and spend hours dealing with line twist and tangles. An important takeaway is to learn when to push the button to let out the line. It takes a few tries to obtain this skill.
The most suitable fish species are small and middle-sized such as panfish, crappie, redfish, bass, smallmouth, and paddlefish. You may go after flathead cats and bluecats, but if your trophy is too large, it will be hard to land. The spincasters have less powerful drag system than baitcasters.
Choose a fishing lure according to your target species. Spincasters go well with live baits, small and medium lures.
Brands and warranty
When choosing a manufacturer pay attention to its history, reputation, product quality, and feedback from customers. Do not buy no-name reels from China or Malaysia. If you already have bought one don’t be surprised when they fell apart at the second fishing session.
In the top picks above, I mention three reliable brands:
- Zebco – the inventor of spincast reels.
- Daiwa – long history, high-quality traditions.
- Pflueger – modern production and affordable prices.
All provide a standard 1-year limited warranty and have primarily positive feedbacks from anglers. Another reason for recommending them, is the reel prices. They are quite affordable.
Weight
The average weight of spooled reel is about 12 ounces. If you want to cast and retrieve for long hours, try to find the lightest model possible. From my list is Daiwa Goldcast reel.
Open-faced vs. closed face design
There are two types of spincasters: open-faced and close-faced. In the table below, I summarize their key features.
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Both types have fans and haters. Choose according to your preferences. If a person is just starting up, I recommend open-faced models, because there will be tackled line in the beginning. With the proper maintenance, close-faced models are great for any angler’s level.
Gear Ratio And Retrieval Rate
The gear system multiplies your power. If you turn a handle once, the gear will spin the spool several times. For example, if your reel has 4.1:1 GR like Daiwa Goldcast, for each handle rotation you will get 4.1 spool rotation. The gear helps you to pull a fish from the water.
There is no universal scale; you might question which gear ratio is low and which is high. If you read fishing blogs, you have probably already noticed it. The table below will help you to choose the right GR.
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The highest GR has Daiwa Goldcast and the lowest Zebco Omega ZO3.
Most of the spincast reels are versatile. However, the overall construction, especially the drag system, don’t allow them to handle super-massive fish.
The gear ratio influence on retrieval rate. The rate shows how many lines will go back to spool for each handle rotation. For example, 3 Daiwa Goldcast models have 18.3 inches, 20.8 inches, and 21.3 inches RR. This means that every time you turn a handle, the spool accommodates the described length of line.
Low gear ratio means a slow retrieval rate. The higher the gear ratio, the faster the retrieval rate. So, if you want to retrieve fast, choose models from the upper part of the table. If slow, the Zebco Omega ZO3 will be a great choice.
Ball bearings
Ball bearings reduce friction, and the higher a number of bearings, the smoother the cast. The Zebco Omega Pro and Zebco Omega ZO3 have 6+1 bearings, which is more than other models. The material of bearing also means a lot. They should be metal or ceramic, not plastic. The best option is resistible to corrosion stainless steel.
Button vs. Underspin
When you push the button or pull the trigger on your reel, you release the line from the spool. When you have enough line, you remove your finger from the button or stop pulling the trigger. The lure or bait will fly to your cast direction. Both systems work the same way. However, for push-button reels, you need a baitcasting rod, for underspin – spinning rod.
Reels with triggers are called underspin. In the following table, I show you the systems of each model.
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Line Type and Capacity
The average line capacity of a spincaster is from 240-360 feet. They often come pre-spooled. If you want to use different types of lines, choose a model with a changeable spool.
The line capacity is a tech spec, consisting of two numbers. For example 12/100. The first number shows test results, how many pounds the line can withstand before breaks. If you prefer to catch heavy fish, pay attention to this indicator. The second number is the line length in feet. If you practice long casts or often cut the line, you will need a line with more length.
The line capacity varies in every reel series. For example, Daiwa Goldcast has 8/75, 10/80, and 12/100 LC. Now, when you know what this spec means, you can change the model and the series according to your needs.
Drag System
There are two types of drag systems in the reels:
- Start. It mounted outside near the rod and it is easy-to-operate.
- Internal. It is located under the reel cover. You can find it by a small protruding edge.
Both systems can work perfectly well. However, I recommend models that have multi-disk drag, such as Zebco Omega ZO3, Zebco Omega Pro, and Daiwa Goldcast. These models have enough power to handle furious fish.
Other important features to consider
I suggest choosing a spincaster that has these helpful features.
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These features are crucial if you are looking for a beginner-friendly reel.
FAQ
How to Cast a Spincast Reel?
Follow these instructions:
- The line should be reeled in until your lure is 6 inches from the rod tip.
- Hold the rod along the back of the reel. Place your thumb on the button along the rear. Find the indentation where your index finger should be.
- Stand facing the area where you are going to fish and position your body so that the side that’s not holding the reel is more oriented towards that location.
- Don’t hold the reel upright while casting, as it will be stiff. Position the rod so that the reel is pointing up.
- Press and hold the button. Make sure you hold the button firmly so that it doesn’t fall off too much. If it does, pull up and do it again.
- Begin to bend your casting arm by lifting the rod until the tip is slightly off vertical.
- Move forward and sweep the reel until it’s at eye level. It’s around the 11 o’clock position.
- Release the button, and this should move the bait to the desired location. You have to time this properly: if you release the button too quickly, it will go up; if you wait too long, the bait will sink right in front of you.
- Once your bait has landed at the desired location, press the button.
Are Spincast Reels Actually Worth It?
Spincast reels have been around since the 1940s, and this type still remains popular among fishermen and anglers. The reason spincast reels are still around is that they are reliable and very easy to use. When operated correctly, spincast reels perform well and serve for many years. It’s important, however, to learn the features of each type of reel first so that you can fish well with it.
Which Rod Is the Best for Spincasting?
In case you’ve just got started with spincasting, Zebco Spincast Fishing Omega Reel is the rod you’re looking for.
Zebco, the inventor of the spincasting reel, has been paving the way forward in spincasting technology since its inception. With the Omega reel, they introduced the first 7-bearing spincast reel, which still remains a serious competitor in the market at a reasonable price.
The ceramic line guide helps to reduce friction and soften some of the notorious line bends that end up happening with any spincast reel. The Zebco Omega reel reduces this problem due to the low friction ceramic guide. Besides, you’ll be able to switch the retrieve handle to the left or right-hand configuration, as is the case with most reels.
Which Fishing Lines Are Best for Spincast Reels?
Monofilament Fishing Line
Monofilament fishing line (also called mono) is the most popular line for spincasting. It’s not expensive, it ties well, and it works well in most environments. It also has a high stretch ratio, so it’s suitable for setting hooks and for topwater.
When you’re working with a 10-pound test, you need to make sure it works well and will catch a lot of fish, including perch, zander, and catfish. You can often catch coldwater fish like trout and small fish like bluegill and crappie with a smaller line, as little as 2-6 pounds.
Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Fluorocarbon fishing line (also called fluoro) is actively gaining popularity among bass anglers because it’s virtually undetectable underwater, withstands more wear than mono, and is usually thinner than the equivalent pound test of mono.
Fluorocarbon line is a great choice if you want to put a light lure deeper or if you’re going to jig. For anything under 12 pounds, you should find that it performs well on a good spincast. Don’t forget to moisten the knots before tightening the reel, including the knot you make in the spool.
Braided Fishing Line
Braided fishing line is pretty old-fashioned, but some people still insist on using it. It doesn’t stretch and is quite difficult to tie. While braided line has a great reputation for being strong and unlikely to break, you should remember that it’s not particularly transparent either.
When setting the braided line, you may find that it digs itself deep into the spool and jams easily. To work around this, you should use low drag settings. Braided line is only suitable for experienced anglers who have a high-gear ratio reel.
The main advantage of braided fishing line is that it is very thin, so you can use a high test line weight without any problems. This is especially useful if you are looking for larger fish, such as northern pike or muskie.
Who Are Spincast Reels Best for?
Spincast reels are a great choice for beginners, as these reels make the casting process easier, reducing line twists. Using a spincast, reel you won’t have to deal with tangled lines or a backlash found in baitcast designs, which is a common problem for other fishing reels.
Final thoughts
All the reels from the top pick list are definitely worth your attention. My favorite models are these two:
- Zebco Omega ZO3 for its ideal casting.
- Daiwa Goldcast for its impressive mechanics and lightweight.
I hope that you have learned a lot from reading my article. With all your new knowledge, you will be able to conquer the market and find the spincast reel perfect for you.
