Are you looking for the best spincast reel?
Probably one of the easiest reels to use and great for beginners is the spincast reel. However, with so many different ones on the market it can be difficult to choose the right one for you.
For that reason we have put together this post to help you identify the best option.
Let’s take a look at a few…
What is the best spincast reel?
Here is a quick preview of our top 5 options, please continue reading for more details below.
- Zebco Omega ZO3PRO
- Pflueger President
- Zebco ZO2PRO
- Daiwa Goldcast
- Abu Garcia Abumatic 170
Zebco Omega ZO3PRO

- Gear Ratio 3.6:1
- Retrieval Rate: 19 inches
- Mono Capacity (yards/lbs): 85/10
- Pre Spooled: 10lb test
- Anti Reverse
- Weight: 10.6 oz
Spincast reels are supposed to be simple, however Zebco took it up at notch with the Zebco Omega ZO3PRO. This reel is an amazing addition to any angler’s tackle box.
Sitting slightly to the higher end of spincast fishing reels, the ZO3 features a sturdy die-cast aluminum body and an unbelievably smooth stainless steel 7 bearing system that really allows for the line to just glide out of the reel and right into the water.
The ZO3 is a perfect spincast reel for the left-handed anglers out there too as it switches, with ease, between left and right-handed retrieves.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more on a spincast, the ZO3 won’t let you down and it is definitely well worth the purchase due to the attention to detail and precision that it’s made with.
While I’d recommend this sturdy piece of engineering especially for more proficient young anglers as well as if you for someone fishing for the very first time.
However, because of the great design, I would even recommend more experienced anglers themselves to think twice before passing up this reel.
Pflueger President
- Gear Ratio 3.8:1
- Retrieval Rate: 18 1/2 inches
- Mono Capacity (yards/lbs): 90/8, 75/10, 65/12
- Pre Spooled: 10lb test
- Anti Reverse
- Weight: 11.2 oz
The next on our list, is the Pflueger President. While this spincast reel will cost you a little less money than other reels, it doesn’t sacrifice quality or performance to get to a lower price point.
This is definitely a great purchase for younger kids that are more likely to drop and dirty their reel, the Pflueger President makes use of a 4 ball bearing spin system as well as an extra instant anti-reverse bearing to make sure your reel acknowledges your decisions immediately.
Even though containing almost half the amount of bearings as the ZO3 discussed above, the President is still a shockingly smooth cast while also being able to cast substantial distances with little effort required.
Just like the ZO3 this reel features mostly aluminum components which make it both strong and light, again perfect for younger anglers. I’d certainly have to recommend this reel for kids who are just getting into fishing as a method of ensuring that they have the best time fishing.
What is the difference between the Pflueger President Spincast 10 and Pflueger President Spincast 6?
You won’t notice much of a difference in price, but you will notice a difference in specs. The President 6 comes with 6lb monofilament line, it has a gear ratio of 3.4:1 and a retrieval rate of 14.5 inches per turn.
Lastly, it is a little bit lighter than the 10 weighing in at 8.6 ounces.
On the other hand, the Pflueger President 10 comes pre-spooled 10lb monofilament line. It has a 3.8:1 gear ration and a retrieval rate of 18.5 inches. It weighs in at 11.2 ounces.
Daiwa Goldcast

GC80 Model
- Gear Ratio 4.1:1
- Retrieval Rate: 18.3 inches
- Mono Capacity (yards/lbs): 75/8
- 1 Ball Bearing
- Anti Reverse
- Left/Right Retrieve
- Weight: 9.2 oz
Having a difficult time choosing between the Zebco ZO3 and the Pflueger President? The choice has just become even more difficult with the Daiwa Goldcast on the market.
This reel is the perfect marriage of cost efficiency and quality. A truly great reel at an extremely affordable price, the Goldcast is perfect for anglers who are serious about their fishing but also serious about the strain it can have on their back pocket.
After looking at the specs of this reel I know exactly what you are thinking. How can a spincast reel with a single ball bearing make your list of the best spincast reel? Don’t let that single ball bearing fool you. The Goldcast could possibly have one of the smoothest drags that you’ll ever come across on a spincast reel.
Another great feature to the Goldcast is that it was built to last. Described by many as “built like a tank” the Goldcast is seriously made to last you many fishing seasons to come. This comes as no surprise as it is produced by the company dubbed “Durable Daiwa”.
Daiwa has a reputation for delivering solid reels and the Goldcast is no different.
This reel also features a few extra frills that differentiate it from many others on the market, such as its especially large aperture for smooth casting, a fast 4.1:1 gear ratio, rotating tungsten carbine line pickup and best of all the Daiwa reputation of making great reels.
If you are looking for a spincast reel that is reliable and practically indestructible, the Daiwa Goldcast is a great option to have in the boat.
Zebco ZO2PRO

- Gear Ratio 3.6:1
- Retrieval Rate: 19 inches
- Mono Capacity (yards/lbs): 85/6
- 6+1 Ball Bearing
- Anti Reverse
- Left/Right Retrieve
- Weight: 8.1 oz
Another great option is the Zebco ZO2PRO. Just like the ZO3, the ZO2 is built on a very sturdy die-cast aluminum body and adjusts for both left and right hand retrieves.
The ZO2 Pro is an extremely durable and sturdy design that isn’t likely to break down on you.
Along with its reliability comes the incredible smooth drag system and smooth reeling that make for blissfully easy fishing for beginners.
The ZO2 really is perfect when it comes down to getting the most bang for your buck, even including an awesome 7 bearing system just like the ZO3. A great purchase for any angler out there due to its variety of features.
Abu Garcia Abumatic 170

- Gear Ratio 3.9:1
- Retrieval Rate: 25 inches
- Mono Capacity (yards/lbs): 140/12
- 3+1 Ball Bearing
- Anti Reverse
- Weight: 12.5 oz
If you are a regular reader on my blog, you have come to learn that I like Abu Garcia reels. I feel like they make solid reels and they design them with the fishermen in mind. It comes as no surprise then that I would add an Abu Garcia spincast reel to this list.
This last reel that I would like to consider briefly is the Abu Garcia Abumatic 170.
The Abumatic is built to last from a die-cast aluminum body and front cone that have been machined to perfection. Following along with doing what spincasts do best Abu Garcia’s Abumatic is an exceptionally easy to use and cast reel that makes getting into the sport an easy transition for anyone.
The Abumatic 170 uses Abu Garcia’s celebrated Carbon Matrix drag system that makes for an incredibly smooth drag experience. The Abumatic really makes for a reel for anyone that would like to start fishing before moving onto the more difficult baitcasting reel.
Enjoy the following video on the Abu Garcia Abumatic 170:
Now the most difficult question…Which Reel Should I Get?
When it comes down to it, in reality, it is all about personal preference and needs. For the more advanced spincaster the Zebco Omega ZO3PRO is great, for a small child or fishing newbie the Daiwa Goldcast, the Abu Garcia Abumatic 170 and President are all solid choices.
However, if the cost isn’t too high for you, I think the Zebco ZO2PRO is the best option for both beginners and experts due to its cost-effective brilliance.
What do you think is the best spincast reel? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
You may enjoy reading the following links on spincast reels:
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