Humanity has a long and rich history of fishing, with archaeological studies appearing to show that both Homo habilis and Homo erectus were fishing up.
To a mind-boggling 500,000 years ago! Despite these discoveries.
It is believed that fishing really developed into a more organized practice some 40,000 years ago with the appearance of Homo sapiens.
The first use of fishing rods is believed to be around 4000 years ago, and this necessary tool for survival has grown to become a huge industry in the modern world.
Not only do people fish for sustenance, now many people fish for pleasure and seek the joy of challenging themselves against the might of nature and its water-dwelling creatures.
These days, there is an astounding range of manufacturers providing fishing equipment for all ages, abilities, and different fishing environments or conditions.
From sea fishing for mighty marlin to catching little gudgeon in streams, there is fishing gear out there to suit everyone.
One of the most important advances made in fishing technology has been the use of and development of reels.
These gave anglers more control over the fishing line, greatly improved the range in which they could fish, and vastly improved the ability of anglers to catch fish.
The first commercial spincast reels came out in 1949 and the technology has of course come on leaps and bounds in that time.
Triggerspin reels, also known as underspin reels, offer an improved level of control and handling for the angler, as well as greatly improving the ease and efficiency of casting.
They are often used by novice anglers to allow them to develop their casting technique before they move onto different reel types.
Read on to discover the Best Spinning Reels with Trigger as we break down their strengths, weaknesses, design, and features.
Zebco 33 Gold Micro Triggerspin Reel
In 1949 the first commercial spincast reels were released by the Zero Hour Bomb Company (ZEBCO) and the Denison-Johnson Reel company.
With such a long and celebrated history of producing high-quality reels, it’s no surprise that Zebco continues to be an industry leader and trendsetter today.
Many anglers will probably have learned to fish using one of the company’s classic reels, such as the Zebco 808 or the original Zebco 33.
The Zebco 33 Gold Micro Triggerspin Reel is, quite simply, an awesome and well-rounded reel that is suitable for novice and experienced fishermen alike.
A well-designed, quality build using premium materials, it is constructed from stainless steel and graphite, which gives the reel durability and longevity.
The reel features all-metal gears for strength and reliability, showing that all aspects of the construction process were carefully thought out.
The design remains lightweight despite its impressive durability, making it easy to transport and allowing the angler to fish for longer periods.
It’s easy to use and feels smooth in the cast thanks to the combination of its trigger release, 3-bearing drive, and Instant Anti-Reverse clutch.
The patented QuickSet™ instant Anti-Reverse clutch aids the angler by stopping the handle from spinning out of control when dealing with more challenging and bigger fish.
The patented no-tangle design takes the frustration away and allows novice fishermen to easily learn the techniques required for a successful day of fishing.
The built-in Bite Alert can be turned on or off. When on, it is an audible clicker that alerts the fisherman that a fish has taken their bait, and it’s time to strike.
The design is ambidextrous and can be adjusted for either right or left-handed anglers.
The reel comes with a one-year warranty to protect against any technical problems and is an example of the company’s strong customer care policies.
Pros
- Industry-leading manufacturer
- Quality design, construction, and materials
- QuickSet™Anti-Reverse clutch
- Built-in bite alert
- One-year warranty – Great customer care
Cons
- Careful and regular maintenance is needed to maintain optimum performance
KastKing Summer & Centron Spinning Reel, Size 4000 Fishing Reel
KastKing was founded in 2013 and despite their relative inexperience compared to some manufacturers.
They have quickly grown to become one of the finest manufacturers of reels and fishing gear in the world.
The company is based in New York, whilst they are also well established in both China and Hong Kong.
One thing the brand is well known for is its budget-friendly approach, as they look to make fishing available to more people, irrespective of their financial status.
The Summer and Centron ranges consist of a variety of different reels that are suitable for different fishing environments and challenges.
This allows the buyer to ensure they are finding the best reel for their individual needs and ability.
Constructed using aluminum and graphite, the design is sleek, compact and the frame is impressively lightweight, whilst the reel is loaded with additional features.
The reel is hardy and durable thanks to the corrosion-resistant main shaft and aluminum spool, whilst the pinion gear system is precision machined.
The reel also features a quality computer balancing system to improve the angler’s experience.
The reel feels silky smooth thanks to being lightweight and, of course, the nine plus one high-quality ball bearings.
And it features an instant stop one-way anti-reverse bearing to greatly aid the fishermen when landing their prize.
There is improved drag power due to the Superior Drag System, another great feature that provides powerful assistance to the angler.
The design is also ambidextrous and able to be adjusted for the convenience of both left and right-handed fishermen.
Pros
- Durable and corrosive resistant construction with graphite and aluminum
- Lightweight and compact design
- Superior drag system
- Good variety of sizes in the range
- Instant-stop anti-reverse bearing
Cons
- Some features require manual operation, making it a bit more complicated for novice anglers
Pflueger PRES10SCB President Spincast Fishing Reel
Pflueger was founded in Akron, Ohio all the way back in 1880! This esteemed brand has built a reputation for premium quality.
And they are now indisputably one of the biggest names in fishing gear in the world today.
As with all of their products, the PRES10SCB President reel is constructed from only the highest quality of materials.
With a forward-thinking design, and comes loaded with fantastic features.
The aluminum frame guarantees precise and reliable gear alignment as well as durability, weather resistance, and stability.
The front cone is fashioned from machined aluminum, making it both lightweight and dependable.
The design is also ambidextrous which allows for quick and easy adjustment between left and right-handed use.
Its 5 bearing system uses corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings, which reduces rolling friction and ensures smooth and snag-free use.
The water-resistant dual titanium pins greatly improve line pick-up and offer strength and consistent performance.
A great feature is the instant anti-reverse one-way clutch ball bearing for instant hook sets, improved handling, and easier landing of even the most resilient of fish.
The soft-touch rubber knob greatly improves grip, comfort, and control, which is especially important in rainy conditions.
Pros
- Esteemed brand recognition and a sterling reputation for quality
- Machined aluminum cone and handle
- Soft-touch rubber knob for improved handling
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings
- Instant anti-reverse one-way clutch
Cons
- Some anglers report that the release button is easily damaged and will require repairing or replacing
Daiwa Underspin-XD Series
Daiwa has been producing spinning reels since 1955 and has gone on to firmly establish themselves as industry leaders.
The company was founded in Japan, a nation renowned for its technical excellence, forward-thinking design, and for employees taking pride in their work.
The Underspin-XD Series reels can conveniently be adjusted for easy use for both right and left-handed anglers thanks to the ambidextrous design.
It features a smooth and powerful drag that is easily adjusted via the rear dial, allowing on-the-fly adjustment with one hand, which is especially helpful in landing larger fish.
The Soft Touch handle grip is a welcome feature, as it makes gripping the reel feel more comfortable and controlled, especially in wetter conditions.
This reel is made for working hard and dealing with the most challenging of environments.
It is constructed with Hardbodyz Rigid aluminum alloy for fantastic durability and weather resistance.
The gears are also constructed from metal for improved performance and reliability.
The addition of a titanium nitride line pick-up reduces line wear, allows for easier reeling in, and makes casting smoother and simpler thanks to its oversized line aperture.
It comes in a range of sizes to ensure its use in varied fishing situations.
Pros
- Lightweight design for ease of use
- Durable and corrosive resistant construction with aluminum alloy
- Smooth drag with easy rear dial adjustment
- Titanium nitride line pick-up
- Rugged metal gears
- Smooth ball bearing drive
Cons
- Some reports of issues with the tangle-prevention mechanism
Pflueger Trion Spincast Reel
With Pflueger having been in the fishing gear industry for some time, it’s no surprise that a second of their reels feature on our list.
Although there is a wide range to choose from, we’ve opted for the Trion Spincast range due to their popularity and reputation.
Constructed from durable and hard-wearing stainless steel and aluminum, this reel is ready to go in the most difficult of weather conditions.
The front cone is made of machined aluminum, as is the aircraft-grade aluminum handle with Dual Titanium Pins for strength and stability.
The handle also features a soft-touch knob, which improves grip, handling, and control in even the wettest of weather conditions.
It is designed for an easier line pick-up due to the high-grade water-resistant materials
It features a two-bearing system constructed of corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings.
This greatly increases the reel’s potential life span and offers smooth and incredibly efficient use and handling.
The spool applied drag also improves the angler’s control and makes using the reel even more efficient.
Pros
- Brand reputability
- Incredibly durable construction for improved lifespan
- Machined aluminum cone and handle
- Soft-touch knob for improved handling
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings
Cons
- Doesn’t feature an anti-reverse bearing, so catching bigger fish might be more challenging
Buyer’s Guide
Triggerspin Reel vs Traditional Reel
The traditional open-faced spinning reel requires the angler to use their finger to keep the line tight as they prepare their cast and go through the motion before releasing at the peak.
Traditional closed-face spin-cast reels make casting a little easier thanks to the thumb-activated bail, which doesn’t require the same level of skill as the open-faced.
The forefinger-operated trigger on triggerspin reels opens the bail and holds the line in place until the trigger is released.
This makes the casting process much easier and allows even novice anglers to quickly improve their skills.
Factors To Consider Before Buying
What Kind Of Fishing Will You Be Doing?
The first thing to consider is what kind of fishing will you be doing? This refers to the kind of fish being targeted, the location one might fish, and the environmental factors.
For general angling, be it in a river, at a fishery, or open water fishing, triggerspin reels are a brilliant option.
For more specialized fishing such as big game fishing or ice fishing, anglers will need more specific gear designed with those challenges in mind.
Construction Materials
As you will already have seen from the reels reviewed in this article.
Most triggerspin reels are constructed out of a range of incredibly high-quality materials such as stainless steel, aluminum alloy, and graphite.
These materials are lightweight, durable, and often corrosion and weather-resistant, so they continue to work well in all manner of weather conditions.
Reels using a lot of plastic are likely to require replacement parts and more consistent maintenance, as they can be easily damaged by both use and environmental factors.
It’s commonplace that high-quality reels will include a warranty as a sign of respect to the customer and the manufacturers’ confidence in the quality of their products.
What Other Fishing Equipment Do You Use?
Like with all things in life, balance is key when it comes to fishing and selecting the correct gear for the perfect fishing setup.
Fishing requires the use of several different pieces of equipment, with even a basic setup consisting of a rod (or pole), a reel, fishing line, hooks, and either bait or a fishing lure.
Although most of it is now designed to be lightweight, when you factor in all the equipment this can feel quite heavy, especially after a long day’s fishing.
The lighter your fishing setup, the easier it will be to fish for longer durations.
Whilst it will save important energy the angler can use to keep warm in the cold or for improved strength when trying to land particularly challenging fish.
Although anglers want their gear to be as lightweight as possible, it’s still critical that the equipment is durable and can withstand consistent use.
An angler should look to strike a balance between the weight and durability of their equipment.
Be sure to pair lightweight rods with lightweight reels, such as those constructed with graphite, to ensure that the rod doesn’t feel particularly weighed down at the reel.
This would cause difficulties in the casting technique and could feel uncomfortable after a few casts. If an angler is fishing for larger species of fish, then a stronger rod will be essential.
This also allows for heavier and more durable reels to be used, as they won’t damage the rod or negatively affect balance during casting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Triggerspin Reel?
This is a reel with a “trigger” feature that is designed to greatly improve the casting ability of the angler, offering consistent control and a smoother release.
They are also known as underspin reels due to the reel hanging beneath the rod, as opposed to on top of the rod, like many traditional reels.
Why Choose A Triggerspin Reel?
The trigger is controlled by the forefinger, instead of the thumb, which allows greater control and improves the efficiency and technique of casting.
This also allows the thumb to offer additional grip and support on the rod itself, which greatly improves balance and control.
This puts less strain on the angler’s wrists and forearms and should allow them to fish for longer durations and to massively increase their catch rate.
Many of the triggerspin reels on the market are also incredibly good value.
As they are cheaper than some alternatives whilst still being jam-packed with fantastic and useful features and additions.
As manufacturers look to offer improved performance, they are adapting each aspect of the reel in detail.
Now many models feature upgraded gear retrievals, more efficient drag systems, and improved grip, as well as using machined metals throughout their construction.
What Are The Four Types Of Fishing Reel?
There are four types of fishing reels used today, which are spincast, baitcasting, spinning, and fly reels.
Each is designed with specific environments or challenges in mind, and as such, each offers its own unique advantages and disadvantages.
Final Thoughts
There you have it, folks — 5 of the very best spinning reels with triggers for your viewing and fishing pleasure.
Any one of them could be just the addition to your setup that you’ve been looking for. Do yourself and your catch rate a favor, and pick one up today!
Just be careful to pick the one that’s most suitable for the type of fish you’re going after, their habitat, your established gear, and any significant environmental factors. Happy fishing!
