The spincast reel is perhaps one of the most widely utilized reels in the world. Its versatility is just unmatched that even seasoned fishermen know its value.
Spincast reels are simple, convenient, and yet very efficient. It’s also a pretty budget-friendly reel to start with but durable enough to wield for many fishing trips.
We know how easy it is to get overwhelmed with the many choices for spincast reels today. But that’s exactly what we are here for, to help you make a sound decision. This is our comprehensive research and review for the best spincast reels for saltwater.
If you want our quick opinion though, the Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Fishing Reel definitely stands out above the crowd. Overall, it’s got superior quality and many features & functions you’ll definitely benefit from.
Take your pick, we’re certain you’ll find what you’ve been looking for right here.
What are spincast reels?
Spincast reels are probably one of the simplest and easiest reels to use. That’s why it’s fit for beginners and children alike. It comes with a simple push-button mechanism for toggling between free spool and locked settings.
They normally possess drag adjustment settings. This setting will help you control the resistance fish feels when you’re grappling with it. All of these mechanisms are safely secured inside a plastic casing.
How to choose a quality spincast reel?
- Choose the correct reel size and gear ratio
- Choose the right material it’s going to be made of
- Choose the right drag system
- Choose the right bearing design
Comparison Factor
| Spincast Reel | Size/Ball Bearings | Weight (oz) | Mono Cap (yds/lb) | Gear Ratio | IPT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zebco Omega Pro | 30 | 10.6 | 85/10 | 3.4:1 | 19 |
| KastKing Brutus | 5 (BB) | 9.88 | 5 (Max Drag) | 4.0:1 | 15.75 |
| Zebco 33 | 2 (B) + Clutch | – | 120/10 | 4.1:1 | – |
| Zebco Bullet | 8+1 (BB) | 13.9 | 90/10 | 5.1:1 | 29.6 |
| Pflueger PRES10SCB President | 6 lbs. (Max Drag) | 8.6 | 90 | 3.4:1 | 14.5 |
| Zebco 808 | – | 19.2 | 145/20 | 2.6:1 | 19 |
| Zebco 404 | – | 9 | 90/15 | 2.8:1 | 17 |
| RUNCL Spincast Reel | 7+1 (BB) | 11.18 | 17.6 (Max Drag) | 4.0:1 | 15.7 |
| 9. Magreel Reel | 5+1 B | 5kg/11lb (Max Drag) | 6lb/ 110yards | 4.3:1 | – |
Best Spincast Reel for Saltwater Product Reviews
1. Zebco Omega Pro – Best Spincast Fishing Reel
The Zebco Omega is our top pick because it’s durable, feature-packed, and such a smooth operator. It’s one of the most versatile and reliable spincast reels at its price point.
With its 7 bearings, anti-reverse technology, 85/10 mono capacity, and dual paddle handle, it’s quite a catch!
“Click here to get the discount price of Zebco Omega Pro“
Features and Benefits:
- Extremely Versatile: This reel is not only meant for beginners. It’s meant for catching larger species like bass, walleye, striper, and catfish.
- Powerful: Considered by some as the world’s best spincast. It’s durable, made of aluminum and solid metals. Also, with a rubber seal and line guide made of ceramic.
- Smooth operator: The 7 ball bearings facilitate effortless operation. This is a reel for pros and amateurs alike.
Specifications:
- Reel size: 30
- Weight (oz): 10.6
- Mono cap (yds/lbs): 85/10
- Gear ratio: 3.4:1
- IPT: 19
- Bearings: 6+1
This spincast reel has features that enable both beginners and experts alike to use it. There’s no need to worry about backlash with this reel at all. Both light and heavy lures cast properly too.
They are generally easy to utilize but the premium features will allow for an all-around fishing experience.
Pros
- Withstands saltwater effectively
- Less to no chance of getting tangled
- Long lasting
- Very good price
- Meant for all skill levels
Cons
- Low gear ratio
- Slow line recovery
- Handle comes loose prematurely
Recommended size: 30
“The best spincast reel of all time!”
2. KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel – Best for Budget
The KastKing Brutus is one of the most highly regarded spincast reels today. You can’t quite reconcile the rave reviews it’s getting if you look at its price point but the hype is real!
Smooth and durable, and pretty decent line recovery speed.
“Check out the best price of KastKing Brutus on here.”
Features and Benefits:
- Supreme handle:The double paddle handle is made out of aluminum and comes with rubber grips. It’s reversible which will help you out tremendously when it matters.
- Impressively durable: Armed with 5 double shielded stainless steel ball bearings. It’s built for smooth performance.
- Superb performance: It can grab slack line rather quickly for you to set up the hook immediately for another cast.
Specifications:
- Gear Ratio: 4.0:1
- Max Drag (LB): 11
- Ball Bearings: 5
- Reel Weight (OZ): 9.88
- IPT: 15.75
State of the art design comes with a very smooth line opening. The honeycomb design is quite beautiful but also very functional too. It comes with 11 pounds fingertip drag system and a quick-release thumb switch for ease of operation.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Durable build
- Sleek aesthetics
- Ambidextrous design
- Good weight
Cons
- Could use a bit more recovery speed
- Can’t handle as much tension as it claims
- Bearings grind prematurely
Recommended size: 30
“Great value for money!”
3. Zebco 33 – The Top-rated Spincast Fishing Reel
High on ratings and packed with features, that’s the Zebco 33 for you. All metal gears that’s got decent line recovery speed and are very user-friendly. This spincast is for every angler aspiring or seasoned.
“Check out the best price of Zebco 33 on here.”
Features and Benefits:
- Bite Alert: Comes with an audible clicker to let you know if a fish takes your bait.
- Reversible handle: Left or right operation? No worries, beginners come and try it out!
- Full-metal gears: Extremely durable for its price with solid construction.
Specifications:
- Application of Use: Light/Medium/Heavy
- Gear Ratio: 4.1:1
- Mono Capacity (yds/lb): 120/10
- Bearings: 2 + Clutch
A very versatile spincast reel this is. It’s meant for all fishing applications, light to heavy. And for sure, it’s also meant for beginners and seasoned anglers alike. Great mono capacity and comes with a pre-spooled durable line.
Pros
- Very versatile
- Tough build
- Great value for money
- Highly rated
- Bestseller
Cons
- Could use a bit more recovery speed
- Aesthetics need a bit more flair
- Tangles sometimes
Recommended size: 30
“This reel is the darling of the crowd.”
4. Zebco Bullet Spincast Fishing Reel – The Most User-friendly
A little bit on the premium side of things the Zebco Bullet is also quite highly rated. It’s a bit pricey, yes, but it’s an investment that’s completely worth it.
It looks sleek and its main asset is that it’s constructed with superiority. This is one tough spincast reel for sure.
“Check out the best price of Zebco Bullet on here.”
Features and Benefits:
- Superb mechanism: This reel comes with 8 ball bearings plus a clutch. They are precision machined and brass gears with a triple-cam dial disk drag. Together with its all-weather handle, this reel will make it tough for any fish to escape.
- Built to last: All metal construction with forged aluminum. Top that off with a double anodized cover then you have yourself a tough as nails reel.
- Fast line recovery: With a gear ratio of 5.1:1, it’s worth every penny.
Specifications:
- Weight: 13.9 ounces
- Gear ratio: 5.1:1
- Bearings: 8+1
- Mono cap: 90/10
- IPT: 29.6
The Zebco Bullet is considered the fastest spincast reel the brand has ever made. That’s 29.6 inches of line in one revolution. That’s made possible by the all-weather grip and all-metal ball bearings. You may also change the spool rather quickly with its design.
Pros
- Very durable
- Will weather saltwater easily
- Corrosion-resistant
- Smoot operator
- Very fast line recovery
Cons
- A tad expensive
- Beginners might find it pricey
- Not ideal for kids
Recommended size: 30
“Fast and tough!”
5. Pflueger PRES10SCB President Spincast Fishing Reel
If you worry about corrosion then you must give the Pflueger President a try. This reel is meant for saltwater and with its aluminum frame, it shall help you thrive.
Also with a tough front cone design with dual titanium pins meant for easy line pick up. This is as wear-resistant as it gets.
“Check out the best price of Pflueger PRES10SCB President on here.”
Features and Benefits:
- Versatile: This affordable spincast reel is meant for seasoned and amateur anglers alike.
- Smooth operator: Minimal friction guaranteed with 5 ball bearings.
- Tough but comfortable: Aluminum and titanium combined for precision and toughness. Add a comfortable knob on the mix and everything seems perfect.
Specifications:
- Capacity: Mono 90 yards/6lb
- Max Drag: 6 lbs.
- Gear Ratio: 3.4:1
- Inches-Per-Turn: 14.5
- Weight : 8.6 ounces
Pros
- Very tough build
- Smooth drag system
- For all skill levels
- Comfortable handle
- Very good price
Cons
- Very slow recovery line
- Low gear ratio
- Not for larger fish
Recommended size: 6
“Superb corrosion-resistant quality reel.”
6. Zebco 808 Saltwater Spincast Fishing Reel
If you’re looking for a feature-packed spincast reel then look no further than the Zebco 80. It’s one of those reels that anyone in the family can enjoy. From mom to dad to the children.
That means that it’s versatile enough and meant to teach someone the ropes of angling but also keep veterans entertained.
“Check out the best price of Zebco 808 on here.”
Features and Benefits:
- Bite Alert: Not just audio but also visual notifier that you’ve got a bite.
- Pick up pins: Comes with dual ceramic pick-up pins for longer life, smooth retrieve, and abrasion resistance.
- Solid drag: The adjustable magnum drag in this reel can go up against stronger fish species.
Specifications:
- Reel weight (oz): 19.2
- Mono cap (yds/lb): 145/20
- Gear ratio: 2.6:1
- IPT: 19
The next reel that we’re going to review is going to be the 404. This one is basically the best of that line of reels the brand has produced. It’s got all the features pumped up. So if you want the best then get this one.
There’s a significant price difference for sure. This is for heavy-duty applications.
Pros
- Versatile design
- For all skill levels
- Can take on larger fish
- Ambidextrous design
- High mono cap
Cons
- Low gear ratio
- Very slow line recovery speed
- Not very smooth
Recommended size: 80
“A total workhorse and meant for heavy-duty stuff.”
7. Zebco 404 – Best Premium Spincast Fishing Reel
The Zebco 404 is the most affordable spincast reel on our list. Given that it’s priced so modestly we must admit that it’s quite a surprise when it performed like it did when we gave it a shot.
It’s so easy to utilize, has a no-tangle design, and so we think it’s best for youngsters to handle.
“Check out the best price of Zebco 404 on here.”
Features and Benefits:
- Bite Alert: The reel will notify you if you’ve caught a bite.
- No-tangle design: Don’t expect any messy tangles at all if you operate this reel that’s just how it operates.
- Anti-reverse: This feature makes it even more beginner-friendly. No backlash to worry about.
Specifications:
- Reel weight (oz): 9
- Mono cap (yds/lb): 90/15
- Gear ratio: 2.8:1
- IPT: 17
This version is definitely inferior to the 808 but it’s definitely more affordable. The price point is perfect for this reel is best as a gift for your youngster. Let them learn and enjoy using this reel and they’ll treasure the experience.
Pros
- Decent drag power
- Very affordable
- Durable for the price
- Sleek aesthetic
- Ergonomic handles
Cons
- Very low gear ratio
- Right hand retrieve only
- Non-existent ball bearing system
Recommended size: 40
“A reel perfect for beginners.”
8. RUNCL Spincast Reel – All-around fishing Reel
We’re getting into the underdog territory right now. And while the RUNCL Spincast is not as popular as a Zebco, this reel is still worthy of your time.
When it comes to features, it may be up to par with the Zebco Omega, our top pick. But let’s where it differs.
“Click here to get the discount price of RUNCL Scpincast Reel”
Features and Benefits:
- Dual pickup: Grabbing your fishing line fast and getting it ready for another cast.
- Solid bearings: 7+1 bearings are composed of 4 stainless steel and 4 ordinary ones that work together for smooth operation.
- Versatile handle: The reversible handle is no doubt going to help you out in tough situations. Also, give much-needed comfort for all day usage.
Specifications:
- Gear Ratio: 4.0:1
- Max Drag (LB): 17.6
- Ball Bearings: 7+1BB
- Reel Weight (OZ): 11.18
- IPT: 15.7
This spincast reel is meant for longer casts. It’s also built for deeper waters so it’s perfect for saltwater for sure. It’s a pretty competitive reel given its price and that it’s not as well known.
It’s quite versatile, a smooth operator, and comfortable to wield. If you’re tired of the same old brands then give this a try. It’s got all the right features for you to take advantage of.
Pros
- Features up to par with known brands
- Good price point
- Meant for all skill levels
- Definitely for deep waters
- Smooth drag system
Cons
- Could use some faster line recovery
- Not as durable as advertised
- Not quite suited for action fishing
Recommended size: 30
“A not so popular yet premium quality reel.”
9. Magreel Spincast Fishing Reel – Best for beginners
Last but not least is the Magreel spincast which we think is also a gem. Looks really sleek in its red colored designed this might be an underdog but a high-performing one.
Ambidextrous operation, smooth bearings, and fast line recovery. Definitely worth checking out.
“Check out the best price of Magreel on here.”
Features and Benefits:
- Ambidextrous operation: It’s pretty user-friendly. Beginners will appreciate its versatility.
- Superb pickup system: It pulls loosens lines conveniently and fast. No winding and knotting and you’ll be on your way on casting another.
- Fast line recovery: With a gear ratio of 4.3:1, this reel recovers line fast and helps you in tough situations.
Specifications:
- Bearing: 5+1
- Speed Ratio: 4.3:1
- Max Drag: 5kg/11lb
- Mono Capacity: 6lb/ 110yards
The Magreel is like the toned-down version of the RUNCL spincast reel. It’s also an underdog but it’s not that far behind in terms of features.
It’s got 5-double sealed bearings made of stainless steel so it is a smooth operator too. It can be both left and right hand retrieved which isn’t common for not so popular reels. It’s also fast at line recovery which is very impressive.
Pros
- Fast line recovery
- Good line capacity
- Ambidextrous operation
- Tough drag system
- Perfect for beginners
Cons
- Not as durable as advertised
- Handle not that tough
- Line tangles sometimes
Recommended size: 30
“An underdog but very decent reel.”
Read Our Product Reviews: Best Fly Reel Under $50
Lets Watch a Video!
Why Spincast Reel?
Spincast reels are very versatile super simple to use. They rarely cause tangles and they are very affordable yet perform like premium reels. So, pick wisely!
The Myth
Some say that spincast reels are meant for kids but that can’t be more further to the truth. Veteran anglers will use a spincast reel whenever necessary. And yes, even in bass fishing.
Things to consider before buying a spincast reel for saltwater
Material
Most of the best spincast reels for saltwater are made of aluminum. The rest are made of graphite but there are also some that are made of magnesium.
Aluminum is deemed more durable than graphite. But others would also agree that magnesium has the best of both worlds in terms of battling saltwater and be corrosion-resistant.
Gear and Bearings
The gear ratio informs us of how much line is picked up in a 360-degree turn or its reel speed. The higher it is, the quicker your spincast reel will be. A gear ratio of 3.4:1 to about 4.9:1 is pretty ideal. Anything higher than that is considered very fast for heavier applications.
When it comes to bearings the more the better. The Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Fishing Reel has 7 which is very impressive.
Drag System
The drag system is quite important in giving you the chance to reel in your bite. There are two types of drag systems, external and internal. None of which is better than the other, it’s up to your preference.
Size and Weight
A spincast reel that’s about 10 ounces is ideal, especially for beginners. The size depends on its line capacity. If the spincast reel can hold about 80 to 120 yards then that’s good enough.
Instant Anti Reverse
An anti-reverse system helps the drag system to let you back reel. This feature is a must-have.
Take Up Pins
Take up pins help you retrieve line fast. Ideally, a spincast reel should have more than 1.
Recommend the best spincast rod and reel, line and lure to buy
1. Rod and reel
Zebco 33 Gold Spincast Reel and 2-Piece Fishing Rod Combo
A pretty affordable rod and reel combo that’s especially easy to utilize. It may not be the fastest spincast reel but it sure does perform smoothly. It also comes with a comfortable natural cork grip for all day usage.
2. Line
SpiderWire Stealth Braid Fishing Line
If you want to cast far and want to use a fishing line that’s ultra-durable then this is for you. It comes with a color lock technology that won’t fade anytime soon. It also comes in moss green for low visibility.
Click here & watch the video review!
3. Lure
TRUSCEND Fishing Lures
This 8-segment lifelike lure is going to be essential if you want to catch a haul. It is 3D realistic and armed with bass vibration that will help you catch a variety of species.
Click here & watch the video review!
FAQs
What is the difference between a spincast, spinning, and a baitcasting reel?
You know all about the spincast reel by now. So, a spinning reel is basically an open-faced spincast reel. A baitcasting reel though can hold heavier lines and meant for heavy-duty angling due to its design.
What is the Difference between Saltwater and Non-Saltwater Spincast Reels?
The main difference would be on the material that they are made from. Saltwater can be brutal so your spincast reel also needs to adapt to such elements.
What are the major advantages and disadvantages of a spincast reel?
Spincast reels are versatile, affordable, and can be handled by beginners. But, they are not for fishing out larger targets.
What are the signs of an excellent spincast reel?
A spincast should be durable, easy to use, and accommodates left and right handling of it. Also, offers no backlash.
What are Saltwater Spincast Reels Good for?
They are perfect for natural baits and artificial lures. Excellent in slower presentation for they have lower gear ratio.
Which Brand of Saltwater Spincast Reels is the Best?
Zebco and KastKing are two of the best brands for saltwater spincast reels to date.
What’s the Best Gear Ratio for Saltwater Spincast Reels?
A ratio of around 4.9:1.
Why are Spincast Reels Good for Beginners?
Because they are affordable, easier to handle, and safe.
What Lures Should I Use With Saltwater Spincast Reels?
Use light and slower lures.
What Type of Rod Should I Use With Saltwater Spincast Reels?
You should get casting rods to use for your spincast reels.
Final Thoughts
It’s important that you pick the best spincast reel for saltwater based on your needs and specifications. Our list should serve as your ultimate guide. Whichever you pick, you’ll surely benefit greatly from it.
The Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Fishing Reel is a top choice. But the KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel does not lag far from behind and is more budget-friendly.
Wield only the best as you learn the ropes of angling!
Cheers!
