Things To Consider Before Choosing A Spincast Reel

choosing a Spincast reel! Spincast reel is the go-to choice for beginners. The entire reel mechanism is sturdy and easy to use. Almost all of us have used the spincast tackle set up at some point in our angling saga.

Not only it is super easy to use, but it also comes with an affordable price tag.

These following ideas were extracted evaluating from hundreds of spincast reel reviews from actual users.

Handy Hint: To read more about fishing reels, visit our other article about budget reels Under $200 [full review here] and 5 pflueger reels [full review here]

Identifying The Best Reel:

Multi-disc drag system.
Aircraft-grade aluminum cover ( if possible ).
All metal gears with at least 4-7 bearing drive ( Always choose quality over quantity ).
Ergonomic design with oscillating spool.
Multi-disc drag system.
Instant anti-reverse bearing.

Identifying The Best Spincast Rod:

Medium powered, fast action spinning rod ( A balanced approach ).
Graphite, Fiberglass or Carbon blank ( Depends on your budget ).
Soft cushioned anti-slip handle.
Ergonomic & lightweight design.
Stainless steel hook keeper and guides.
Corrosion-resistant.

I evaluated these points so you can get a basic idea to get your next best spincast reel without going through the entire article.

Let’s elaborate on the basic characteristics of both Spincast rod and reel below so every one of us, especially those new anglers can interpret the right idea.

Handy Hint: To read more about fishing reels, visit our other article about 5 kastking reels [full review] and line to put on a reel [full blog]

Spincast Rod

These are the kind of blanks, that is particularly designed to accommodate a Spincast reel. Here a Spincast rod is designed to hold a Spincast reel right above the handle into the reel seat. There’s also a typical forefinger grip trigger and a few rings attached from top to bottom. Some spincast rod can be used with both Spincast and baitcasting reel. But you won’t be able to tackle big fish with a Spincast reel. Because they tend to have less power than a dedicated casting rod.

Baitcasting Vs Spincast (Key Differences)

The main difference between these two types of the rod is friction. A casting rod lets the line run smoothly making long and manual controlled casting easier. But the spin cast rod makes friction as the line runs along with its curved down eyelet design.

Spincast Reel

Both spinning and spin-cast reel has familiar anatomy. The slight difference indicates a fixed spool with line comes off in loops. Unlike baitcasting reel which acts as a winch, spincast reel has an enclosed shell that either be plastic, metal or other material. For this particular design, it is also known as the ‘closed face’ reel.

How Do You Cast A Spincast Reel?

It’s fairly easy to cast a Spincast reel to compare to a baitcaster. In a Spincast rod, the biggest difference between the spinning rod is the reel seat location. With the spincast rod, the reel seat is just above the pistol grip and in the spinning rod, it sits below the rod.

Bring the rod slightly back while keeping fingers on the trigger. Don’t forget to hold down the button on the spincast reel at the same time. Now all you have to do is snap the rod forward and release reel switch right after the cast. You’ll see the lure shoot from the reel and also feel the friction which controls the cast distance.

Advantages of a Spincast tackle set up

It has an affordable price tag. You can use it hard and even allow a few of them to damage off without draining your pocket.
The general operation of a Spincast tackle set up is fairly easy to use compared to those other two set up.
There are models offering both rights and left dominated hand operations. Some models even come with reversible handles for both sides.
You can expect even a decade long lifetime with a quality spincast reel.
You can use an ultralight test line with a spincast tackle set up for those two-four pounder fish.
You won’t face frequent knots in your fishing line when using spincast reel. But when it does, not only it’s harder to correct but also detect as well.

Disadvantages of spincast tackle set up

You won’t be able to use heavy line nor tackle a big fish with a spincast set up. For this, it was labeled as the fishing rod and reel for the beginners.
You’ll have to work hard to keep the line consistent and uniformed on the spool.
Once your fishing line is plagued with Knott or lose line, you’ll need to remove the cover to correct that.
Since we’re stuck with using a flight line, you won’t have a good drag system at your disposal.

Spincast reel maintenance

I know spincast is a cheap fishing solution but still, you shouldn’t misconduct your hard-earned dollars.

Here are a few tips to keep your fishing rod and reel in pristine condition.

Rinse it with clean and freshwater every couple of weeks depending on the type of fishing activity you do. This will wash away any outside sediments and sand particles that can build up into your bearing and interfere later on.
Doing some maintenance work on a Spincast reel is super easy. You need to remove the reel covers first. Then keep on dissembling center shaft, clutch ring, crank bearing spinner head, etc. Use mild dishwashing liquid and a small toothbrush or small paintbrush to scrape off foreign sediments.
Once the scrubbing is complete, give those components a little freshwater wash. Keep them wrapped in a paper towel so the moisture can be absorbed. Then use light oil graded for small ball bearings to lubricate all the moving parts before put everything back together.

Is spincast reel only suitable for beginners?

In a straight answer, absolutely not. I’ve seen some avoid anglers still casting with a spincast and landing bass weigh in at least 3-4 pounds. It all comes down to personal preferences. At this one time, roughly 3 years ago, I went to visit an online friend in Bear County, Idaho. We went for a spin at the Bear lake. His grandpa joined us and to my utmost surprise, landed more fish than us using a Spincast reel.

Conclusion

I’m not saying that you have to choose a Spincast reel for your first fishing experience. I’ve seen people started right away with a baitcaster. Even I started casting with a spin caster nearly 2 decades ago.

The bottom line is, Spincast reel has come a long way since it was commercialized in 1949. Better ergonomic design, durable and premium material, closed face mechanism, etc has made the spin cast reel a go-to choice for the beginners and anyone who want to cast an ultralight line.