Good Morning,

 

I am looking for some recommendations. I have fish however i've been on a long break. Currently im getting back into it... Is there anything wrong with close faced reels like I love the zebco 33 i was thinking about looking at the KastKing Brutus and Plueger President reels. As a note I am not trying to hit a 5" lilly pad 40 yards out over a log and under willow tree. LOL just trying to get it into the area.
My questions are

1. Are the above good reels? What should I be looking at? Whats wrong with a closed face reel?
2. I have spinning reels but like whats a good mid-range reel and rod thats not a hot mess. What kind of actions and wieght do i need?
3. Can your pair a baitcasting rod and a spincast reel?
4. Also why do some rod have split grips is there a reason? I perfer them as storing is easier for various reason. 

As some background we live in WI... My daughter (6) is happying pulling bull-gills as am I, we all love crappie/panfish, Big Catfish are a huge bonus. Walleye are Even Better. The only one in the family who targets bass fish is my son (14) who thinks he's Johny Morris Jr. but generally spends more time untangling his line and fustrated than anything else. We typical fish from shore and generally through out a minnow/worm on a couple of our line and then to keep them busy i throw rooster tails that they run just to keep them busy. fyi generally the 6yro catches the most fish in the family. I think there is something about the dancing in the water while she is fishing that brings them in... 
 

Several members on here recently spoke highly of the Zebco bullet including @bulldog1935 who fishes quite a range of reel’s and although it was bought for his father it’s worth looking up the thread. Unfortunately I forget the title or who started the thread. Now that I typed all that out I think it might be the Zebco Omega😬

As @Eric 26 alluded to, both the Zebco Bullet and Omega are excellnt spin cast reels. You gonna have to dig deep in your pockets for either one but they are both quality pieces.

Spinning reels shouldn’t be causing a mess, close the bail by hand Don’t use the reel to close the bail, that often creates loops in the line.

Closed face spin casting reels are limited by the line choices, suggest 8 to 10 lb mono only.

Straight longer handle bait casting rods are not a good choice for spincasters, the older style pistol grip handles work well.

The UnderSpin (Trigger) Spincast reels work good on spinning rods as they hang down on the rod like a spinning reel.

Tom

@Eric 26 - after researching, finding '11 model Omega Pro discounted 50% on Amazon was enough for me to buy two.  These were for my dad (95), who can't cast a baitcaster any more.  

 

Beginning with Delta, Zebco spools oscillate to improve line handling and cast distance.  

Bullet is high-speed pick-up, but Omega Pro is 3 oz lighter weight.  

 

Both my daughters began fishing Zebco UL-1, current equivalent is Zebco 33 Micro.  

 

I have three kids that I introduced fishing to.

 

The only spincast combo I ever purchased was a Scooby Doo one for my daughter who was maybe 3.

 

My boys first poles they ever touched were spinning combos. It doesn't take much to get used to.

 

IDK, just me.

What's really easy is leading girls to fly fish - girls treat it like music instead of aggression.  

Never snag, never knot, never fall in, never complain.  

 

+1 on the zebco bullet or omega. Totally different level of quality than the old plastic ones.  And if you can swing the MG versions they are a lot lighter. The non-MG bullet is "

• Reel Weight (oz): 13.9

That's a lot for me, much less a kid. 

 

 

On the spinning reels, penn, pflueger, daiwa, okuma, lews etc are all fine and some are in the mid $50 range on amazon. Shopping around a little here is worth the time. I can't see a reason to buy a kastking vs others I mentioned. Generally though this space is going to be pretty competitive and unless it's a sale, the given price points will likely perform very similarly. 

 

To your question about spinning reels on baitcast rods, no. But spincast reels work great on them. 

 

And split grips are entirely preference vs any real functionality. If you are asking about two-piece rods, yeah they work fine. 

 

One caution - you are going to want to replace the line on the spincasters within the first month. It's marginal stuff. Just get a spool of 8 or 10lb big game, it'll last you a long time. 

I have both the omega and the bullet…. Both are great reels, the omega is in the truck, for that spot ya find when out on the road.

The bullet has a faster retrieval, I love using it for skipping. Both of mine are the size 20, they are easier to palm and have handled everything I’ve put them through. 
Nothing wrong with the 33, it is a “tried and true reel”, many, many of fish have been caught on them. I still one of those too.

Talk of big heavy Zebcos and snoopy/tigger combos is misleading our OP.  

His question is about fishing with kids.  

I mentioned Zebco 33 Micro - this means something.  

Zebco 33 is fine.

I have a Daiwa Silvercast 120 and a Daiwa Gold Cast 100 paired to medium 7’ Berkeley Lightning Rods. My main Zebco 33 is paired with a 7´ MF Daiwa Tatula XT rod. 
 

All have Trilene XL in either 8 or 10 lb test. Biggest thing with spincast is dont overspill them if they ask for 100 yards put 80 on. 

Spincast reels = Kix cereal

On 6/24/2025 at 10:43 AM, jsmackle said:

Also why do some rod have split grips is there a reason?

Looks cool.  It let's the rod maker expose the blank and add accents to the exposed blank area such as winding checks, paint, decals ect.  

Greetings @jsmackle, and others,

Spin cast reels are a nice alternative for simplified operation. As a recreational angler I don't want to work too hard at recreating. I've been using spin cast reels for several decades of angling adventures. They have suited my style of catching fish. I used them frequently in my younger years. These days I have other alternatives which better suit my ultra light ambitions. I will still pull out my Zebco Omega Pro from time to time to taunt fish.

 

I'll have a go at getting you information you asked for.
These days it is really difficult to find a 'bad' reel. There are different price points for the different features and levels of quality. It is really based on your opinion if something does or doesn't meet expectations. Realize the lower cost units are ment to be available and will simply function at that basic level. A better build quality is going to cost more. A Zebco 33 is at most every retailer at a modest price. I'v'e got many of them and a few are over 35 years old and are cherrished for all the great experiences and memories. Similarly, my Zebco Omega Pro is at the upper end of the Zebco quality offering and is a great option if your budget allows or if you seek that level of performance. It has many features the lower cost Zebco reels don't. The Zebco web site will tell you all about it. 

 

I have not found much wrong with the closed face, spin cast reels. Again, if you seek a simplified operation than it is helpful. There are only a few higher end, higher quality spin cast reels that will be as smooth as other style of reels with ball bearings. The added cost is due to materials like those ball bearings rather than polymer bushings that will provide a different level of user experience. This is where your wallet and ambition will guide your selection. 

 

These days I do use spinning reels frequently because of my preference for ultra lite fishing. So my selection of reels and rods are based on that type of fishing. Using your description of the family's angling ambitions, it appears a medium lite, or medium moderate spinning combo with a length that works for you could be helpful. This is one of the most common spinning combos available at your local retailer. This past spring I bought several low cost spinning combos that ranged from $10 - $25 and had a great time with each of them taunting trout till it got too warm. Then I messed with the bass, bluegill, and catfish with them too! So all good, even at that modestt investment. I used them just as they came from the store and had fun. Yes, I have much better equipment but it was something different to try and say I did it. 

 

OK, like any tool, proper operations is helpful for a good experience. There is a lot of helpful information on this forum on how to best use a spinning reel. 
 

Pairing a spin cast reel on a casting rod can work. You may find different performance wiht differnt rod actions. A too stiff rod may not cast as easy or as comfortable. Others have address the "broom handle" aspects where you have great strength but getting a good cast is a challenge without some flex. 

 

What I've noticed as a factor with the different rod handles is the overall weight. Generally, if you want a lower weight package, the split handle configuration uses less material, thus lower overall weight. This can be important as a handling quality. If you intend to hold the fishing rig for several hours it may be helpful to minimize fatigue using a lighter weight setup. Then there is the consideration of sensitivity, to help you feel what is going on. This is difficult if the rig is heavy. As for the "cool" factor well that is up to you and your style of angling. Some like the split grip for using a two handed casting technique. 

 

Just $0.02 put in to help in understanding. Your mileage may vary as you determine what you want and your budget will allow. I'm sure there are plenty of retailers and stores happy to assist you. All the best to you and family, best fishes! Be well, Cheers!