A high-end spincast reel and rod can help you have an epic fishing day whereas, the wrong combo could make it quite frustrating. While you can spend hundreds of bucks on a rod and reel separately, most people prefer getting the best spincast combo for a lot less price. Furthermore, the combos are designed to be compatible with each other and provide the best experience with high accuracy.
Choosing the right product depends on several factors such as the technical specifications of the rod and reel both. These are rod length and action, gear ratio, the braking system of the reel, and more. Before choosing any product, make sure to check the spincast combo reviews as well. This will tell you if the combo is suitable for your desired nature of fishing.
When it comes to the best spincast combo, I have stayed with numerous top brands. However, the top three best spincast rod and reel combos according to me are the Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Combo, Zebco Big Cat Spincast Combo, and Zebco Roam Spincast Combo. All of these combos come at a fair price range for the features they offer. With these combos, you will get versatility, comfort, power, durability, and much more.
Best Spincast Combo – Quick Answer List
- Zebco Omega Pro Combo – Best zebco spincast combo for freshwater
- Zebco Big Cat Combo – Best spincast combo for catfish
- Zebco Roam Combo – Best spincast combo for the money
- Zebco Bullet Combo – Best fast-action spincast combo
- Zebco Omega Combo – Best spincast combo for trout
- Zebco Delta Combo – Best beginner spincast combo
- Zebco 808 Saltwater Combo – Best saltwater spincast combo
- Zebco 33 Gold Combo – Best ultralight spincast combo
- Ugly Stik GX2 Spincast Combo – Best youth spincast combo
- Zebco 33 Combo – Best micro spincast combo
- Zebco Rhino Combo – Best Zebco combo for river fishing
- Zebco 202 & 404 Combos – Best spincast combo for bass
- PLUSINNO Kids Combo Kit – Best spincast combo for kids
- Zebco Rambler Combo – Best spincast combo kayak fishing
- Zebco Dock Demon Combo – Best budget spincast combo
Best Spincast Rod And Reel Combo – Reviews
1. Zebco Omega Pro Combo – Best Zebco Spincast Combo For Freshwater
Specifications
- Material: Graphite
- Gear Ratio: 3.4:1
- Fishing Technique: Spincast
- Hand Orientation: Left, Right, Ambidextrous
- Rod Length: 6 ft. 6 in.
Starting with my favorite spincast fishing combos. The Zebco Omega Pro comes with a 6.6 ft. rod and a retro-style reel. The graphite rod is quite durable moreover, its fast action allowed me to catch some large species such as bass, catfish, and striper. The closed-cast reel with an adjustable disc drag system offered optimum comfort during line drag and retrieval.
Because of the pre-spooled line, testing waters became easy. The line capacity of 85/10 yds/lbs. the mono line is quite impressive. This combo lacks saltwater protection hence not suitable for it. You can check the Zebco 808 Saltwater Combo instead as it is designed for saltwater fishing.
Pros
- Ultra-high abrasion resistance
- Soft-touch thumb design
- Robust fast-action rod
Cons
- Not suitable for saltwater
Verdict
Offering high usability with anti-reverse technology and speedy retrieval, this model from Zebco is an incredible choice for medium to heavy species in freshwater.
2. Zebco Big Cat Combo – Best Spincast Combo For Catfish
Specifications
- Material: Blend
- Gear Ratio: 2.6:1
- Fishing Technique: Spinning, Casting
- Hand Orientation: Interchangeable
- Rod Length: 7 ft., 8 ft. 2 in.
This combo features longer rods in two different lengths. I tried the 7 ft. rod with moderate action and needless to say, it performed beyond my expectations. The medium-heavy rod is designed to hold up to 50 lbs. test line. I wanted to test this out for catfish and luckily, it enabled me to catch a couple. For effortless fishing, the all-metal reel came pre-spooled with a 25 lbs. line.
Though it had a smooth retrieve, it comes with a 2.6:1 gear ratio which I found quite low for my professional experience. If you use braided line with this reel, it is likely to damage the pickup pins. So, better stay with the mono, it offers an amazing casting too.
Pros
- Tough rod
- Works well with up to 8 oz. lures
- Can load up to 125-130 lbs. line
Cons
- Not recommended for braided line
Verdict
Zebco never disappoints with its quality of performance and this model is no exception. Whether you want to catch catfish or largemouth bass, this reel will do it all.
3. Zebco Roam Combo – Best Spincast Combo For The Money
Specifications
- Material: Fiberglass
- Gear Ratio: 3.6:1
- Fishing Technique: Spincast
- Hand Orientation: Interchangeable
- Rod Length: 6 ft.
Featuring a moderate action, the 6 ft. long rod makes reeling in species like panfish, bass, and more extremely convenient. Since it is a medium-sized reel, I was able to load a maximum of 12 lbs. of line. The ComfortGrip handle has been a savior to my all-day-long fishing activities.
Speaking of the reel, it comes with a 3.6:1 gear ratio which enables a decent retrieve rate. The best thing about this reel is that there were no tangling issues even once during my 6-month field testing. Being a cheaper reel, it comes with less durability and no saltwater protection. A higher-end alternative to this reel would be Zebco 33 Gold Combo.
Pros
- Available in different colors
- Smooth retrieve with dual-ceramic pick-up pins
- Adjustable drag system
Cons
- Lacks saltwater protection
- Pole quality could be better
Verdict
If you want a spincast combo that fits the casual fishing requirements then the Zebco Roam Combo is a great choice at a fair price.
4. Zebco Bullet Combo – Best Fast-Action Spincast Combo
Specifications
- Material: Blend
- Gear Ratio: 5.1:1
- Fishing Technique: Spincast
- Hand Orientation: Interchangeable
- Rod Length: 6 ft. 6 in., 7 ft.
Designed to provide great power, the Zebco Bullet combo comes with heavy-duty graphite rods. I tested the 6’6” variant and was stunned to see how comfortable it is, thanks to the Winn grips. With the fast action of the rod, I could feel even the slightest nibbles and I absolutely loved it.
The reel on the other hand is durable and offers great casting distance. I tried the combo in freshwater for bass fishing and encountered no issues. The triple-cam dial-adjustable disk drag promises maximum comfort while using. If you cannot invest in such an expensive reel, look for pocket-friendly options like Zebco Dock Demon Combo and Zebco Roam Combo.
Pros
- Great for numerous medium to heavy fish
- Amazing casting
- Super comfortable grip
- Suitable for saltwater
Cons
- Pricey
Verdict
Overall, this combo is designed to offer superior performance. Rightly so, its amazing features enabled me to reel in several fish like perch, big bass, pike, and bowfins easily.
5. Zebco Omega Combo – Best Spincast Combo For Trout
Specifications
- Material: Graphite, cork
- Gear Ratio: 3.4:1
- Fishing Technique: Spincast
- Hand Orientation: Interchangeable
- Rod Length: 5 ft. 6 in., 6 ft.
The solid graphite rod with cork handle not only looks great but works amazingly too. Since I wanted to catch trout, I tried the 5’6” rod with medium-light action. Fortunately, it lived up to my expectations and also helped me catch decent-sized bass and panfish aside from trout. Moving on to the closed-cast reel, it is designed to offer a 3.4:1 gear ratio.
According to my experience, the line it came pre-spooled with didn’t have a great memory. So, I loaded it with 8 lbs. mono line and didn’t encounter any issues. Being a size 20 reel and having low gear ratio, it wouldn’t work best for larger ones. If you plan on harvesting bigger fish then check out the Zebco 33 Combo.
Pros
- Offers great power
- Superb casting with mono line
- Durable construction
Cons
- Unsuitable for larger fish
Verdict
Excel your spincasting skills with the Zebco Omega combo. Whether you want to catch small trout or medium-sized bass, this rod and reel combo can manage to get you all.
6. Zebco Delta Combo – Best Beginner Spincast Combo
Specifications
- Material: Graphite
- Gear Ratio: 3.9:1
- Fishing Technique: Spincasting
- Hand Orientation: Interchangeable
- Rod Length: 5 ft. 6 in., 6 ft. 2 in.
One of the most amazing editions by Zebco, this model is an excellent choice for beginners. The rod sizes are pretty decent which new anglers can easily manage. My 8 years old brother easily pulled in crappie and small panfish with this medium-light power rod. Just like the other Zebco models offer, this reel also ensures great casting distance with smooth retrieval.
I used this reel for lightweight jigs and was able to catch medium-sized bass, porgies Grinnell, and crappie. I found the pole less durable as compared to other options which wouldn’t be a problem for beginners. For better durability, you can look for some premium options such as Zebco 33 Combo.
Pros
- MaxTac grip makes the rod super comfortable to use
- Dial adjustable drag
- Can work with 80 lbs. braided line
Cons
- Doubtful rod durability
Verdict
When it comes to the best spincast combo for beginners, this product works tremendously. From all the right features to easy usability, Zebco Delta never disappoints.
7. Zebco 808 Saltwater Combo – Best Saltwater Spincast Combo
Specifications
- Material: Blend
- Gear Ratio: 2.6:1
- Fishing Technique: Spincast
- Hand Orientation: Interchangeable
- Rod Length: 7 ft.
Looking for a spincast combo that does the job even in the roughest saltwater? Look no further. The medium-heavy Zebco 808 rod withstands pressure effortlessly. I had tested this combo for half a year and caught channel cat, pier, Pacific Mackerel, carp, and more.
For the reel, I replaced the line it came with and spooled with a CX premium P line since I wasn’t enjoying the limited casting distance it offered. Doing so improved the casting distance miraculously. The durable corrosion-resistant construction and stainless steel ball-bearing make the reel usable in saltwater.
Pros
- Brilliant quality for saltwater fishing
- Built-in bite alert
- Powerful and adjustable magnum drag
Cons
- Limited casting distance with pre-spooled line
Verdict
Considering all the top features that the Zebco 808 comes with, it is safe to say that this is the best spincast combo for saltwater. Beginners are also encouraged to try this reel because of its ease of use.
8. Zebco 33 Gold Combo – Best Ultralight Spincast Combo
Specifications
- Material: Metal
- Gear Ratio: 4.1:3
- Fishing Technique: Spincast
- Hand Orientation: Interchangeable
- Rod Length: 5 ft., 6 ft., 6 ft. 5 in.
I planned to go on some trips for small species fishing and took along the Zebco 33 Gold Combo. As expected, this ultra combo was an ideal choice. It provided ample power to catch lightweight species including trout, half-pound bass, and panfish. The reel on the other hand offers an effortless fishing experience, thanks to the smooth retrieval and reasonable casting.
Engineered with MicroFine dial-adjustable drag, The pre-spooled line is compatible with all kinds of lightweight lures and prevents tangling. Since the rod is ultralight, it doesn’t work well with medium to large fish so, make sure you only use it for decent-sized species.
Pros
- Smooth casting
- 90/4 yds/lb mono capacity
- Decent gear ratio
Cons
- Too flexible for medium to large-sized fish
Verdict
I absolutely loved the overall performance of the reel and rod combo, thanks to its Micro Triggerspin. Moreover, the ultralight rod is super efficient for smaller species.
9. Ugly Stik GX2 Spincast Combo – Best Youth Spincast Combo
Specifications
- Material: Blend
- Gear Ratio: 3.8:1
- Fishing Technique: Spincast
- Hand Orientation: Ambidextrous
- Rod Length: 5 ft., 6 ft.
The Ugly Stik GX2 is designed to provide a great fishing experience to younger people with less experience. The 2-piece rod comes in two sizes for ease of use. My younger cousin used the 5 ft. rod and was happy with how lightweight and convenient it was to use.
Speaking of the reel, it is not as great as the rod however, works fine for amateurs with decent casting. My cousin encountered issues with the drag system and rough retrieval. However, when we pulled out the line and spooled it, the issue was fixed for that fishing session.
Pros
- Reasonable casting distance
- Suitable for young beginners
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Inefficient drag
Verdict
If you are a beginner and looking for a less-priced spincasting combo with decent features and performance, the Ugly Stik GX2 is an amazing choice.
10. Zebco 33 Combo – Best Micro Spincast Combo
Specifications
- Material: Blend
- Gear Ratio: 2.6:1
- Fishing Technique: Spincast
- Hand Orientation: Interchangeable
- Rod Length: 5 ft., 6 ft., 6 ft. 5 in.
Featuring a micro design, the Zebco 33 is incredibly user-friendly. The fishing pole is sturdy and its moderate fast action allowed me to catch everything from medium porgies to large catfish and bass.
The reel comes with a larger gear ratio as compared to its predecessor models and I found it nearly 20% faster at retrieval. It came pre-loaded with a 4 lbs. Cajun line which didn’t give great casting distance. However, after replacing it with 8 lbs. mono line, I observed amazing improvement.
Pros
- EVA rod handle for all-day comfort
- Hassle-free retrieve
- No-tangle design for smooth operation
Cons
- Cajun line doesn’t offer good casting
Verdict
When it comes to fishing medium to large species while staying at max comfort, the Zebco 33 comes to the rescue, It offers a plethora of great features and is priced right.
11. Zebco Rhino Combo – Best Zebco Combo For River Fishing
Specifications
- Material: Heavy-duty cross-weave
- Gear Ratio: 2.9:1
- Fishing Technique: Spincasting
- Hand Orientation: Interchangeable
- Rod Length: 6 ft.
I wanted a spincast combo for river fishing for so long and heard some good reviews about this product. During my field testing, the 6 ft. rod offered enough power to fight medium to large fish such as 10 lbs. catfish and fairly large crappie. The reel came with a super smooth retrieve and efficient drag system with easy adjustability.
I caught numerous fish with the Zebco line that the reel comes pre-spooled with. Fortunately, it was robust enough to reel in large species as well. I was unable to use this reel in saltwater because it lacks corrosion-resistant or other saltwater protectant properties. The best choice for saltwater fishing is the Zebco 808 Saltwater Combo.
Pros
- Reasonable
- Great for large fish
- Durable cross-weaved rod
Cons
- Might not work well in saltwater
Verdict
This model served as the best spincast combo to fish in the Colorado River. Great power and convenience are what this reel offered at a very reasonable price point.
12. Zebco 202 & 404 Combos – Best Spincast Combo For Bass
Specifications
- Material: Fiberglass
- Gear Ratio: 2.8:1
- Fishing Technique: Spincast
- Hand Orientation: Right hand
- Rod Length: 5 ft. 6 in.
This product includes two combos i.e., Zebco 202 and 404. The rod size is the same for both combos and I tried both. Speaking of the reels, both offer a 2.8:1 gear ratio. For the 202 combo, I used the same 10 lbs. line that came pre-spooled. With this reel, I was able to catch my favorite largemouth and striped bass along with walleyes and panfish.
I used the 404 combo for saltwater fishing and I must say it is the best spincast rod and reel combo for bass. From tremendous power to greater line capacity, this reel resulted in an amazing experience. If you are a left-hand angler, you might want to check out other options such as Zebco Omega Pro Combo or Zebco Rambler Combo.
Pros
- Efficient moderate-fast action
- Dial adjustable drag for comfort
- No backlash or tangling issues
Cons
- Only available in right-hand retrieve
Verdict
Do you want a reel combo that makes catching your favorite bass fun? Look no further than the Zebco 202 and 404 models. Both combos are equally brilliant in terms of features and performance.
13. PLUSINNO Kids Combo Kit – Best Spincast Combo For Kids
Specifications
- Material: Plastic, Ethylene Vinyl Acetate
- Fishing Technique: Spincasting
- Hand Orientation: Right hand, Left hand
- Rod Length: 3 ft. 94 in., 4 ft. 92 in., 5 ft. 91 in.
My younger siblings always wanted to try fishing on their own and hence, I got this kids combo kit for them. While on a vacation in Florida, my 5-year-old sister tried the weightless rod and faced no trouble using it. She used the 3 ft. 94 in. rod which was super comfortable to use, thanks to the EVA handles.
For better convenience, the reel comes pre-spooled and has a push-button design. The soft fishing lures were not only cute but actually helped in catching small 4 lbs. bass, panfish, and trout. It offers easy casting and comes with padded foam handles for better comfort. The plastic float bobber is not very durable but does the job fine.
Pros
- Quick 1-minute setup
- Casts far and smooth
- Contains everything an angler kid needs
- Superb quality
Cons
- Float bobber is not highly durable
Verdict
What else could be a better gift for your little anglers that an entire spincast combo kit? This reel has impressed me beyond my imagination with the tremendous quality, usability, and performance
14. Zebco Rambler Combo – Best Spincast Combo For Kayak Fishing
Specifications
- Material: Blend
- Gear Ratio: 3.9:1
- Fishing Technique: Spincast
- Hand Orientation: Interchangebale
- Rod Length: 5 ft. 3 in.
One of my friend’s brothers tested this combo while we were kayak fishing and he loved its performance. The moderate action 5’3” rod has medium power hence, is suitable for decent-sized species. Moreover, the rod weighs extremely light, making it easy to use for beginners. The reel came with an 8 lbs. Zebco line which restricted the casting distance.
Therefore, my friend replaced it with a 150/60 yds/lbs SpiderWire mono line. The difference in the casting distance is past what they expected. He was able to reel in, a bunch of 10 to 15 lbs. catfish, 4 to 5 lbs. bass, and a few trout, bluegill, and perch. The drag might not work efficiently unless you make the appropriate adjustments.
Pros
- Affordable
- No-tangle design
- Convenient assembly
- Handles numerous medium fish easily
Cons
- Drag system requires right adjustments
Verdict
Nothing is as pleasing as seeing the young anglers entering the world of fishing. With the features and performance of this reel, they can explore different waters and enjoy kayak fishing.
15. Zebco Dock Demon Combo – Best Budget Spincast Combo
Specifications
- Material: Fiberglass
- Gear Ratio: 2.6:1
- Fishing Technique: Spincast
- Hand Orientation: Right hand
- Rod Length: 2 ft. 5 in.
What else could be better than getting a low-priced combo that comes with great performance and exciting colors? This moderate-action and medium-power rod was a great choice for reeling in medium-sized fish including my favorite bass, walleye, and panfish.
I encountered tangling issues with the line that came pre-spooled with the reel. However, I replaced it with 15 lbs. mono line and resolved the issue. The casting distance was great and I caught some smaller fish with this combo as well. These include brook trout, yellow perch, and bluegill.
Pros
- Great for a variety of fish
- Easy to manage for beginners as well
- Great value for the money
Cons
- The pre-spooled line is prone to tangling
Verdict
When it comes to buying a budget choice, anglers are concerned about the overall performance. Thankfully, this model from Zebco ensures impeccable performance for small to medium-sized species without compromising on the quality.
Related Guides on Spincast Fishing
Buying Guide – How to Choose Best Spincast Rod And Reel
Getting your hands on the best spincast combo involves considering some key factors. These tell you a lot about how a particular reel will perform according to your requirements.
Rod Length
Rods with longer lengths are capable of casting at farther distances however, these generally have less casting precision. On the other hand, spincast rods with shorter lengths are tremendously accurate but you will get the compromising distance.
If you plan on fishing in larger lakes where you know it isn’t possible to find fish at short distances, go for longer rods. The casting rods with greater length are also suitable for surf fishing.
Whereas, while you know the exact spots with loads of fish, short-length rods would work brilliantly. Rods less than 6 ft. are known as short and those measuring greater than 7 ft. are known as longer rods.
Rod Action
It determines the flexibility of a rod and the point where it will start bending when under load. There are five categories of rod action i.e., slow, moderate, moderate-fast, fast, and extra-fast. Slow and moderate rods bend 40 to 50% of the total rod’s length and offer great casting distances. Moderate-fast action rods have nearly 30 to 40% of flexibility with decent casting.
However, the fast and extra fast action rods are the stiffest of them all. These flex very slightly from the tip end i..e, 15 to 20%. That said, these are best used for heavier species. Moreover, these rods are highly sensitive to vibrations, bumps, and thumbs.
Gear Ratio
Regardless of your experience, it is important to understand the gear ratios that a reel offers. Since it refers to the number of turns the spool takes per every complete handle crank, higher gear ratios account for faster retrieval.
The standard gear ratio for a spincast reel is between 5.0:1 to 6.0:1. So, if a reel has a 5.0:1 gear ratio, its spool will take 5 complete revolutions per one full crank of the handle. The average rate is great for medium-sized species and a good choice for new anglers.
Drag System
Typically, a spincast reel boasts a disk drag system that ensures optimum comfort during line drag. Make sure your reel comes with an adjustable drag system via a knob. The best spincast combo with the most efficient drag system is Zebco Rhino Combo. It features the Rhino-Tough roller-adjustable drag system which ensures maximum smoothness and comfort.
Fishing Environment
While many anglers overlook this feature, it is essential to determine the type of fishing environment you will choose. Remember, spincast reels and rods are unsuitable for offshore fishing. However, you can use these for inshore fishing to catch smaller species.
So, make sure to check the compatibility of each combo prior to the purchase. Some of the top choices include Zebco 808 Saltwater Combo for saltwater fishing and Zebco 33 Gold Combo for river fishing.
FAQs
Ans: Yes, you can use a fluorocarbon line with spincast reels. However, the line must be lightweight i.e., under 8 lbs. While a larger line is also usable but results in subpar casting distance and is highly prone to tangles.
Spincasting reels are best used to catch species like lightweight bass, walleyes, trout, and panfish.
Yes, casting rods and spincast reels make a great combo. The casting rods are designed exclusively to fit all spincasting and baitcasting reel models.
Conclusion
All in all, the best spincast combo will only be the one that tick-checks all your requirements. If the combo works fine for your crappie fishing, you would call it the best one. However, if the same reel fails to catch a catfish, your perspective would completely change.
That said, the best spincast fishing rod and reel combos might vary from person to person. However, if you check the reviews of people who used the reels in similar conditions as you desire, you might find the right product.
According to my experience, the best spincast combo for me is the Zebco Omega Pro Spincast Combo. It worked impressively in a variety of fishing environments and helped me catch multiple species. I loved how it came pre-spooled and is extremely comfortable during line drag.
