Spinning reels are a very popular style among the angling community.
These reels have a couple of different modifications that can be included, triggers being one of the more prominent.
They’re often known as “underspin” reels. This article will highlight five of the best trigger spinning reels available today.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Spinning Reels With Triggers
- OUR TOP PICK: Pflueger President Spincast Fishing Reel
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Zebco/Quantum 33MTKA Triggerspin Reel
- Pflueger Trion Spincast Reel
Comparison of the Best Spinning Reels With Triggers
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What Does a Spinning Reel With a Trigger Do Differently?
There are pretty minor differences between a traditional spinning reel and a reel with a trigger. Unlike a standard spinning reel, which uses a bail wire and then a finger to hold the line in place to cast, a spinning reel with a trigger requires the angler to hold down a trigger after the bail wire is opened. The angler releases the trigger when ready to cast.
Many “spincast” models are simply spinning reels with push-buttons, but they often have a protective case around the line to prevent line tangles and twists.
How to Choose a Spinning Reel With a Trigger
When looking to buy a new spinning reel with a trigger, it’s important to keep some things in mind. All great trigger reels will have several underlying qualities in common.
Material Quality
When it comes to any piece of fishing gear, it’s very important to ensure that your product is created with high-quality materials that can last season after season.
Search for a spinning trigger reel that doesn’t use any plastic or other low-quality materials in construction because those are likely to break under the pressure of a fish.
You should also consider corrosion-resistant reels if you plan on using your trigger reel in the ocean.
Weight and Balance
When looking for spinning reels with a trigger, it’s likely you’ll want it to be pretty lightweight, especially if it is for a child or a beginner. Reels that are constructed with graphite tend to weigh less than those that utilize metal or aluminum. You should also ensure that your reel will balance well with your rod— ignoring the balance of the two can have a serious effect on your control and overall fishing performance.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
- Materials: The materials the reel is made of.
- Weight: The actual weight of the reel.
- Hand Orientation: Which dominant hand the reel is made for.
- Bearing Type and Material: The number or type of bearings inside the reel and also the bearing material.
- Gear Ratio: This tells you the number of times the reel spool turns with each crank of the handle.
- Maximum Drag: The amount of force the reel can withstand without the line slipping.
- Line Compatibility: Which line types the reel is meant to be used with.
Review of the Best Spinning Reels With Triggers
In order to help you choose the best potential pick, we’ve put together a list of some great products available on today’s angling market. Check it out below!
Best Overall:
Pflueger President Spincast Fishing Reel
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most anglers who purchased the President Reel from Pflueger were impressed with its abilities as a reliable spin caster. Many commented that they believe this is the best option on the market today, thanks to its durable materials and super-smooth casting. The main complaint has to do with the design size.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The President Spincast earns the top spot on our favorites list because we agree with the buyers; this is one of the best, if not the best, option for a spinning trigger reel on the market today. We admire the heavy-duty construction and its consistently effective performance on the water.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a great option for anglers who are looking for a heavy-duty option in a spin caster. Although spin casters are commonplace in the angling world, it’s not always easy to find one that has the power to pull in larger fish— the President Reel from Pflueger defies this stereotype.
What Could Be Improved and Why
One issue that some users complained about was the size of the reel. Some said that it was a little too heavy to work well for a child's pole and others complained that the design was not versatile in terms of which rods it could fit onto comfortably. Make sure that your rod is suited for this reel before purchasing.
Bottom Line
With many different qualities that make this an attractive buy, the President Spincast Reel from Pflueger is a very easy recommendation from us. With the strength to pull in fish of all sizes without being too bulky or complicated, this is, overall, a great trigger spinning rod.
Product Specs
Material:
Aluminum
Weight:
0.68 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
5 Stainless steel ball bearings
Maximum Drag:
6 lbs
Line Capacity:
Mono 90 yds/6lb
Best for the Money:
Zebco/Quantum 33MTKA Triggerspin Reel
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who purchased the Triggerspin Reel from Zebco were excited by its general performance, but especially by the special features that are included. Buyers praised the bite alert system as well as the anti-reverse, which they said were both easy to adjust and simple.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Zebco is a great brand for trigger spin reels and we love this particular pick because we think it is an incredible value for all anglers. This may not be the frilliest spin casting reel on the market, but it does offer some great additional features that make it competitive with luxury reels.
Who Will Use This Most
This is a great spin caster for beginners or kids. There’s virtually no learning curve, so it is accessible to anglers of all skill levels. This is especially good for beginners, however, because it comes pre-spooled with a line so they don’t have to deal with figuring out that aspect.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Unfortunately, many spin casters are prone to line twisting because of the pre-spooled line or the opening of the reel, and this particular model is also subject to that. It may be a good option to replace the line with something a little more durable and heavy-duty.
Bottom Line
When it comes to spin casters and trigger reels, this model from Zebco is a great pick for anglers on a budget or kids just starting out. It comes at an exceptional price and is overall, a great quality product.
Product Specs
Material:
Metal gears with Graphite frame
Weight:
0.4 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
2 + Clutch
Maximum Drag:
12 lbs
Line Capacity:
Mono 4 lb/100 yd
3. Pflueger Trion Spincast Reel
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers of the Pflueger Trion Spincast Reel were, for the most part, pretty pleased by this little reel’s performance. Anglers praised its comfortable and functional design and claimed that it felt like it was high-quality and well-constructed. The main complaint was about the length of the handle.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We had to include the Trion Spincast Reel because it is small but mighty. While it may not be able to handle trophy fish, the compact design is a good choice for fishing for larger panfish and can pack a punch in a battle with a feisty fighter. We also appreciated the fact that it was created with high-quality materials.
Who Will Use This Most
We’d recommend this reel to anglers on a budget or beginners. The price is super-reasonable for the quality, so it’s a good option for those not looking to spend a lot of money. It also provides great action for fishing panfish, if those are your species of choice.
What Could Be Improved and Why
While this is, overall, a pretty solid reel choice, there are improvements that could be made with the handle design. Many anglers say that it’s a little too short, making the reeling process longer than it needs to be.
Bottom Line
Aside from some small design flaws, the Pflueger Trion Spincast Reel is a great little model that can pack a punch in a fight with a panfish. Not only is it reliable and consistent, but it is reasonably-priced, too.
Product Specs
Material:
Stainless steel, Aluminum
Weight:
0.63 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
2 stainless steel ball bearings
Maximum Drag:
10 lbs
Line Capacity:
Mono 90/8 75/10 65/12
4. Zebco 33 Gold Micro Triggerspin
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
For the most part, recent buyers of this Zebco reel appreciated the value of this little reel for the price. Anglers were mostly buying these reels in packs, keeping the others as backups. They appreciated the surprisingly good casting ability but were unimpressed with the durability.
Why it Stands Out to Us
While these may not be the most durable reels, they provide great casting ability overall, which is why we include them on our list. They’re also super cheap, which makes them a good option to buy multiples and replace when they run out of steam.
Who Will Use This Most
These are great reels to give to a kid for their first angling experience. Because they’re not super expensive, you don’t have to worry about bumps and bruises, and they come in convenient multiple packs that can be easily replaced.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Like some other Zebco reels, these aren’t the greatest in terms of versatility. The style and size cannot fit on all rods, so make sure yours is suited for it before purchasing. There are also some durability issues, as they aren’t made with the highest quality materials.
Bottom Line
Though these Zebco reels may not be the highest-quality pick on the market, they get the job done and look good while doing it. They are simple and effective and a great choice for a kid’s first reel.
Product Specs
Material:
Graphite
Weight:
0.65 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
3 ball bearings
Maximum Drag:
12 lbs
Line Capacity:
Mono 100 yds/ 10 lbs
5. Shimano Spin Reel Clam
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who purchased the Shimano Clam Reel were happy with its performance as a spinning trigger reel, with many being impressed with the value for the price compared to reliability. Buyers praised its easy adjustment systems and the overall sturdy weight and feel. Some were less impressed with the clicking noise that shows up when reeling.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Shimano is a very reliable company when it comes to angling gear, and the Clam Reel is no different. We placed this particular model on our list because we were excited by its solid performance when it came to casting and retrieving, which is speedy and smooth. We also appreciate the high-tech drag system.
Who Will Use This Most
This reel has a little bit of a learning curve associated with some of the features, so this wouldn’t be the first recommendation for a beginner or a child, but for anglers with a little more experience, this is a great spinning trigger reel. It delivers some great special features at an even better value.
What Could Be Improved and Why
One annoyance some anglers commented on was the fact that the reel has a clicking sound when reeling, which, if fishing at night, can spook potential catches. This model is also prone to line tangles if you use low-quality line, so make sure to add a heavy-duty monofilament.
Bottom Line
Aside from some pretty minor issues, the Clam Reel from Shimano is a great choice for anglers with a little more experience looking to expand their reel collection. This pick can handle a variety of species and techniques.
Product Specs
Material:
Graphite
Weight:
1.13 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Maximum Drag:
15 lbs
Line Capacity:
10/20 Size 40 Reel
Conclusion
Now that you know a little more about the ins and outs of spinning reels with triggers, hopefully, you feel inspired to make the best choice for your angling style and technique. It may seem daunting, but you can’t really go wrong with the picks from our list. Happy fishing!
