Spincasting Reels Explained

Spincasting reels are also known as "closed face" or "push button" reels. They are the least expensive fishing reels and very easy to use. They are pretty much trouble free and can be cast in smooth, long arcs. I would recommend this reel for beginners.

There are two kinds of spincasting reels. The most common are the ones that sit on top of a casting rod and use a push button to release and stop the line payout. The other is a fishing reel that sits under a spinning rod and uses a trigger to control the line.

The main portion of the spool is encased in a "nosecone" like covering and it remains in one place while a pick-up pin spins around catching the line and winding it back onto the spool. When casting the pin retracts and the weight of your lure pulls the line out through the small hole at the front of the reel. Because the spool is fixed and doesn't move, the chance for a backlash is less since it can't over-spin causing that awful "birdnest" with your line that is often associated with a baitcasting reel.

The gear ratio in a spincasting reel is somewhat limited compared to spinning reels and baitcasting reels. They usually fall somewhere between 2.5:1 and 4.5:1. The gear ratio is how many times the line will wrap around the spool for every revolution of the handle. The higher the number the faster the retrieve. The lower numbers have more power though. Think of it kind of like the transmission in your car.

Due to the fact that the spool is narrow and shallow, the line capacity can be an issue with these reels

When buying a spincasting reel make sure that you don't buy the least expensive one as they probably have inferior gears and an unreliable drag system. Some of the newer reels have improved dramatically over the years and can rival spinning reels and baitcasting reels in toughness and longevity.

The number of bearings in the reel affect how smooth the reel operates. The more bearings the better. Spincasting reels usually have between two and six bearings.

Depending on the size of the reel, line of 4 to 8 pound test can be used and are suitable for panfish, trout, small bass and small catfish. If you step up a size you can use 8 to 14 pound test to go after larger panfish, bass, trout, catfish. Most spincasting reels are able to be used with the majority of freshwater lures.

Most parents start there children out with spincasting rod and reel combos because they are so easy to use. But anglers of all ages use spincasting reels and probably more fish are caught each year using this design than any other. That's because these fishing reels are not only easy to use, but they are inexpensive and available just about anywhere you look.

Daiwa Goldcast

For the ultimate in spincasting performance, go for the gold! Daiwa Goldcast Spincasting Reels. 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. Its ease of use and reliable performance make it an excellent all-around choice for almost any type of fishing. You simply won't find a better, more dependable Spincasting Reel.
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Zebco Platinum Triggerspin

The Platinum series takes Zebco's proven Authentic 33,11 and 11T to a new level of performance and durability. Featuring more refined features like a precision-machined metal body, 4 and 5 ball-bearing drive systems and Continuous Anti-Reverse, we think you'll agree, the Platinum series is one of our highest performing and most durable spincast reels ever built.
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Abu Garcia Abumatic Superline

Abu Garcia® Abumatic® SuperLine Spincast Reel NEW! The legendary ABUMATIC™ spincast reel that was completely engineered for SuperLines and housed in an an all water protected package. Titanium nitride front cone rotor and line guide. Ultra-smooth spool drag system. Five bearing DuragearTM Drive with instant anti-reverse. Dual rotating swing-arm titanium nitride pickup pin. This reel is both Fresh and Saltwater ready and comes pre-spooled with 14 lb. Berkley® Fireline®. Features: Ball Bearings 5 Gear Ratio 3.6:1 Line Capacity 14/100
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Zebco Omega 2

Durable, all-metal construction and smooth operation. The Zebco Omega 2 Spincast Reel: 3X positive line pick-up system; Level wind oscillating spool system; Quick-change spare spool; Diecast aluminum body and reel foot; Continuous Anti-Reverse; Aircraft aluminum covers; Triple cam multi-disk drag; Ceramic line guide and pick-up pins; Power crank reversible handle; Sealed soft-touch rubber thumb button. Fishing Type: Light, Bearings: 6BB + 1RB, Line Capacity: 3.4:1, Line Pick-Up: 80 yds. / 6 lbs.
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