Best Push Button Fishing Reels

Ever felt that frustrating tangle when you cast? Or maybe you wish fishing was just a little bit easier, especially when you are just starting out? Many anglers, both new and experienced, face the challenge of finding the perfect reel that works smoothly and reliably. Push button fishing reels promise simplicity, but sorting through all the different models can feel like a chore. Which ones actually work well? Which ones will last?

Choosing the wrong reel can lead to lost fish and wasted time on the water. We understand that frustration! That is why diving into the world of push button reels matters. This guide cuts through the confusion. By the end of this post, you will know exactly what makes a great push button reel and how to pick the best one for your next fishing adventure.

Get ready to simplify your casting and improve your catch rate. Let’s explore the top features and models that make push button fishing truly enjoyable.

Top Push Button Fishing Reels Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve, Durable All-Metal Gears, Stainless Steel Pick-up Pin, Pre-Spooled with 10-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Black, Clam Packaging

EASY-TO-USE: The Zebco 202 spincast reel features a patented no-tangle design and simple push-button mechanics that are anchored to the body of the reel for ease of use and a much more solid feel. The spincast reel is a fishing favorite and is great for both beginners and experienced anglers
SMOOTH & ALL-PURPOSE: This size 30 spincast reel is constructed with all-metal gears and a 2.8:1 gear ratio for a silky-smooth retrieve. Featuring a dial-adjustable drag and quickset anti-reverse to stop your handle from moving backward and create a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish when reeling in your catch
TOUGH YET SLEEK: Featuring a durable, tough-yet-sleek design, the famous 202 spincast reel will look and perform great, keeping you reeling in fish all day long. The long-lasting stainless steel pick up pin does not wear over time and is corrosion resistant making it the perfect material to hold up for many fishing adventures to come
READY AND RELIABLE: This reel features a right-hand retrieve and is pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco fishing line so you can start catching panfish, trout, walleye, or bass right out of the package
TRUSTED: Since 1949, Zebco has been inviting people to explore the outdoors. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials

Bestseller No. 2

KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel,Reversible Handle for Left or Right Casting.

HIGH PERFORMANCE – The heart of a good Spincasting Fishing Reel is in the line pick up system. KastKing Brutus Spincaster reel features a stainless-steel, Dual Pickup system that grabs slack line quickly so you can quickly be ready to set the hook or make another cast.
HIGH SPEED - With 4.0:1 gear ratio, KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing reels will pick up line faster and save time in between casts. More importantly, you catch up quickly with fish that may make a run directly at the angler and eliminate slack in your line to increase catch rate.
SMOOTH AND DURABLE – Brutus Spincast Reels are built for smooth performance with 5 Stainless-Steel, double shielded ball bearings that make this the smoothest bullet reel available today.
REVERSIBLE HANDLE – Unlike most spincasting reels, the KastKing Brutus push button fishing reel features an amazing aluminum, reversible, double paddle handle with durable rubber grips that can quickly and easily be changed from left- or right-hand retrieve by simply removing the handle retainer cap and moving the handle to the opposite side of the reel. This important feature means that you can have just one spincast reel that best fits any anglers fishing style.
PRE-SPOOLED WITH PREMIUM MONO LINE – The KastKing Brutus Spincaster style spinning reel has 33% more fishing line capacity than competitive push button reels, which means you can make longer casts, fish for more species in deeper water conditions, and simply have a better fishing experience. It even comes pre-spooled with 160 yards of 10 lb test KastKing Premium Monofilament fishing line so it’s ready to go fishing right out of the box. Great as a trout fishing reel or bass fishing reel.

SaleBestseller No. 3

Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 10 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Built-In Bite Alert, Durable All-Metal Gears, Pre-Spooled with 4-Pound Zebco Cajun Line, Silver/Black

EASY-TO-USE: The Zebco 33 Micro spincast reel brings an elevated fishing experience to a trusted spincast reel. The size 10 fishing reel features a lightweight graphite frame, stainless steel covers, a MicroFine dial-adjustable drag, and boasts a patented no-tangle design making it easier for both beginners and experienced anglers. The built-in bite alert simply and precisely uses an audio indicator to alert anglers of activity below the water
EFFORTLESS FISHING: Zebco's Quickset anti-reverse clutch stops your handle from moving backwards and creates a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish when reeling in your prized catch. It features a changeable right or left-hand retrieve and comes pre-spooled with 4-pound of Zebco Cajun line so you’re ready to fish sooner
SUPERIOR DESIGN: This spincast reel features premium all-metal gears, a 4.3:1 gear ratio, and dual ceramic pick-up pins that will ensure a buttery-smooth retrieve, extended life, and ultra-high abrasion resistance to make every fishing experience a memorable one
VERSATILE USE: With a mono line capacity of 90/4 yds/lbs, this reel offers smooth performance and unrivaled durability. Ideal for targeting light species from panfish to trout and more
TRUSTED: Since 1949, Zebco has been inviting people to explore the outdoors. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials

SaleBestseller No. 4

Zebco 888 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 80 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Built-in Bite Alert, 2.6:1 Gear Ratio, Pre-spooled with 25 lb Zebco line, Silver

EASY-TO-USE: Clean, smart and sleek design, the Zebco 888 spincast reel features a patented no-tangle design, simple push-button mechanics, an oversized handle knob for ease of use and is great for both beginners and experienced anglers
HEAVY DUTY: This size 80 spincast reel is ready for extreme fishing conditions, constructed with an anti-corrosive stainless steel front cover to endure tough fishing environments, all-metal gears with a 2.6:1 gear ratio, and 3 bearings (2 + clutch) for a silky smooth and consistent performance
BUILT-IN BITE ALERT: You will be amazed by the audio indicator to alert anglers of activity below the water. Bite alert can easily be switched on or off
SMOOTH & POWERFUL: Utilize the powerful dial-adjustable Magnum drag and the instant anti-reverse features to stop your handle from moving backward and create a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish when reeling in your prize catch. This reel is ambidextrous with the convenient changeable right- or left-hand retrieve option and pre-spooled with 25-pound Zebco fishing line so you can start catching catfish, striper and saltwater fish sooner
TRUSTED: Since 1949, Zebco has been inviting people to explore the outdoors. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials

Bestseller No. 5

Zebco 33 Platinum Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, 4.7:1 Gear Ratio, Pre-spooled with 10 lb Zebco Cajun Line, Silver

EASY-TO-USE: The Zebco 33 Platinum spincast reel features a patented no-tangle design. Featuring a dial-adjustable drag and QuickSet anti-reverse to stop your handle from moving backward and create a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish when reeling in your prize catch
ULTRA-DURABLE PERFORMANCE: The durable 33 Platinum reel is truly a showstopper. It comes equipped with stainless steel covers, an all-metal body and gears. The size 30 spincast reel features a 4.7:1 gear ratio for a silky-smooth retrieve.
SUPERIOR DESIGN: Featuring a durable, tough-yet-sleek design, the 33 Platinum spincast reel will look and perform great, keeping you reeling in fish after fish all day long. Designed with 4 stainless steel ball bearings and a GlideLine ball bearing to reduce friction and get the most efficient line retrieval
READY AND RELIABLE: The top-of-the-line Zebco 33 Platinum is perfect for hauling in everything from panfish and walleye to bass, catfish and more. This spincast reel features a changeable right- or left-hand retrieve and is pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco fishing line so you can start hauling in big ones sooner
TRUSTED: Since 1949, Zebco has been inviting people to explore the outdoors. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials

Bestseller No. 6

Zebco 808 Spincast Fishing Reel, Powerful All Metal Gears, Quickset Anti-Reverse and Bite Alert, Pre-spooled with 20-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Clam Pack, Black

EASY-TO-USE: The Zebco 808 spincast reel features a patented no-tangle design and simple push-button mechanics that are anchored to the body of the reel for ease of use and a much more solid feel. The large 808 reel is a fishing favorite and is great for both beginners and experienced anglers to fish all day with ease
SMOOTH & HEAVY-DUTY: This size 80 spincast reel is ready for extreme fishing conditions, constructed with all-metal gears and a 2.6:1 gear ratio for a silky smooth and consistent performance that will stand tough for many fishing adventures to come. Designed with long-lasting materials like the ceramic pick-up pin that reduces friction from heavy wear and is resistant to line abrasion compared to softer materials used in competitor reels where the line friction can cause grooves in the pick-up pin to form which can cut your fishing line
BUILT-IN BITE ALERT: You will be amazed by the built-in bite alert designed to alert anglers of activity below the water. Bite alert is a mechanical system that disengages the anti-reverse of the reel and engages a clicker to create a sound when line is being taken out so you will not be mistaken when your next trophy is on the line
POWERFUL PERFORMANCE: Utilize the increased power of the dial-adjustable Magnum drag and the quickset anti-reverse features to stop your handle from moving backward and create a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish when reeling in your prize catch. This reel is ambidextrous with the convenient changeable right- or left-hand retrieve option and pre-spooled with 20-pound Zebco fishing line so you can start catching catfish, striper and saltwater fish sooner
TRUSTED: Since 1949, Zebco has been inviting people to explore the outdoors. Zebco products are warranted for a period of (1) year from date of original retail purchase against defects in workmanship and/or materials

Bestseller No. 7

Shakespeare Synergy TI Spincast Reel, SYN2TI10B

2 Ball bearings
Stainless steel front cone and rear cover
Gear driven, adjustable multi-drag system
Insta-Grab dual pick-up pins
Right or left retrieve

SaleBestseller No. 8

Pflueger President Spincast Reel, Size 10 Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Aluminum Spool, Dial Drag System

PERFORMANCE MEETS VALUE: Pflueger President spincast reels offer smooth operation derived from quality components. This balanced reel design will become a reliable ally when you're out on the water.
SIZE 10 SPINCAST REEL: Features an aluminum frame and cone with dual titanium pins for a durable but lightweight spincasting reel. The handle and soft touch knob are suitable for Right/Left handed anglers.
GEAR RATIO of 3.8:1 provides a smooth fishing experience. Features an Aluminum spool.
SPOOL APPLIED DIAL DRAG with a max drag of 10lb | 4.5kg to help tire out the fish, so you can reel in the catch. The 5 ball bearing system plus Multi-Stop ensures smooth operation for any fishing experience.
LINE CAPACITY: Mono Capacity yd/lb: 90/8 75/10 65/12 for optimal casting distance and accuracy.

The Ultimate Buying Guide for Push Button Fishing Reels

Push button fishing reels offer a simple and fun way to cast. They are great for beginners, kids, and casual anglers. These reels make casting super easy. You just press a button and throw! Before you buy one, you need to know what makes a good reel. This guide will help you pick the perfect one.

Key Features to Look For

When shopping for a push button reel, a few features really matter. These features help you enjoy your fishing trip more.

1. Ease of Use (The Button Mechanism)

Smooth Action: The button should press down easily and release the line without snagging. A sticky button means frustrating casts.
Locking Feature: Some reels have a button lock. This keeps the line from accidentally letting out while you are waiting for a bite.

2. Line Capacity and Strength

Line Capacity: Look at how much fishing line the reel can hold. If you fish in deep water or need long casts, you need more capacity.
Drag System: The drag is what keeps a fish from pulling all your line out when it fights. Even simple reels need a decent drag setting. A smooth, adjustable drag is much better than one that just locks up.

3. Durability and Build

Reel Size: Reels come in different sizes (e.g., 1000, 3000). Smaller reels are lighter and better for smaller fish and younger kids. Bigger reels handle stronger fish.
Gear Ratio: This tells you how fast the reel retrieves the line. A higher number (like 6.2:1) means faster reeling. For general use, a middle-of-the-road ratio works well.

Important Materials

The materials used in the reel greatly affect how long it lasts and how smoothly it works.

Body Construction

Plastic (Composite): Most budget-friendly push button reels use strong plastic bodies. This keeps them very light, which is great for small hands. However, plastic can break if treated roughly.
Aluminum: Higher-quality models might use aluminum components, especially in the spool or frame. Aluminum lasts longer and resists bending.

Internal Parts

Bearings: Bearings help moving parts spin smoothly. More bearings usually mean a smoother reel. For push button reels, look for at least two stainless steel bearings.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Not all push button reels are made equal. Pay attention to these details to avoid a low-quality purchase.

What Makes Quality Better?

Corrosion Resistance: If you fish in saltwater, the reel must be made of materials that resist rust. Stainless steel parts are important here.
Easy Adjustments: Quality reels let you easily change settings, like the spool tension, without needing tools.

What Reduces Quality?

Flimsy Buttons: If the button feels weak or bends easily when pressed, the internal mechanism might fail quickly.
Cheap Line: Sometimes, manufacturers put very thin, low-quality line on the reel from the factory. You might want to replace this line right away for better performance.

User Experience and Use Cases

Push button reels shine in certain situations. They are not meant for heavy-duty deep-sea fishing, but they excel at fun, casual trips.

Best Use Cases

Beginner Anglers: Kids and people new to fishing love these reels. They reduce the chance of annoying backlashes (tangles).
Panfish and Trout: These reels are perfect for catching smaller fish like bluegill, perch, and small trout in ponds or slow streams.
Dock Fishing: If you are just casting off a pier or dock for fun, the simplicity is unbeatable.

When using them, remember to always keep the button pressed until you are ready to cast. A smooth overhand motion works best for distance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Push Button Reels

Q: Are push button reels good for catching big fish?

A: Generally, no. They are best for smaller fish like panfish or bass under 5 pounds. Big fish often need the stronger drag systems found on spinning or baitcasting reels.

Q: Do I need to oil a push button reel?

A: Yes, all reels need some care. You should use a light reel oil on the moving parts, especially after fishing in saltwater. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for specific lubrication points.

Q: What is the main difference between a push button reel and a spinning reel?

A: A spinning reel has an open spool, and the line comes off in coils. A push button reel has a closed spool, and you press a button to release the line for casting.

Q: Can I use any type of fishing line on these reels?

A: Most push button reels come pre-spooled with monofilament line. You can usually switch to fluorocarbon, but avoid very thin braided lines unless the reel is specifically designed for them, as they can sometimes slip too easily.

Q: How do I prevent tangles with a push button reel?

A: Tangles usually happen if you cast too hard or if the spool tension is too loose. Try casting with moderate force. If the line spins out too fast, tighten the small tension knob near the handle slightly.

Q: Are these reels easier to clean than other types?

A: Yes, they are usually simpler to maintain. Since the mechanics are less exposed, dirt and sand are less likely to get inside the main gears.

Q: How long should the line last on a new reel?

A: Fishing line degrades over time due to UV light and use. It is best practice to replace the line every one to two years, even if you do not use the reel often.

Q: What is the spool tension adjustment for?

A: The spool tension adjustment helps control how fast the line leaves the spool during the cast. If it’s too loose, you get a bird’s nest tangle. If it’s too tight, your cast will be very short.

Q: Do I need a special rod for a push button reel?

A: No. These reels usually mount on standard light or medium-action spinning rods. The rod should match the size of the reel.

Q: Where should I store my push button reel when not in use?

A: Store the reel in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Never leave it in a hot car trunk, as high heat can damage the plastic parts and the line.