Does it come with line?

It ships pre-spooled with 90 yards of 15 lb monofilament, so it's ready to fish out of the package.

Why is the retrieve slow?

The 2.8:1 gear ratio trades speed for simplicity and torque, which is fine for the casual fishing this reel is built for.

What can I catch with it?

Panfish, small bass, catfish, and general light freshwater species on cut bait, worms, or small lures.

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Beginner Classic Zebco 404 spincast reel

Zebco 404 Spincast Reel (Size 40)

4.4 (2,173 Amazon ratings)

The classic push-button spincast reel: all-metal gears, pre-spooled with line, and ready to fish at a budget price.

$13.59

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Pros & Cons

Very affordable and pre-spooled, ready to fish
Simple push-button operation ideal for beginners and kids
Durable all-metal gears and reinforced graphite frame
Built-in bite alert and no-tangle design
Low 2.8:1 gear ratio gives a slow retrieve
Right-hand retrieve only, not reversible

Key Specs

Type: Spincast Reel
Gear Ratio: 2.8:1
Max Drag: 15 lbs
Weight: 9.6 oz
Line Capacity: 90 yds / 15 lb (pre-spooled)
Gears: All-metal
Best For: Beginners & kids

At a Glance

Estimated from published specs and Amazon buyer ratings. Not based on hands-on testing.

Ease of Use

4.8/5

Durability

4.4/5

Reliability

4.5/5

Simplicity

4.8/5

Value

4.6/5

Overall Rating4.4/ 5

Why It Stands Out

The Zebco 404 is the reel a generation of anglers learned to fish on. All-metal gears and a reinforced frame shrug off rough handling, the no-tangle push-button design keeps frustration low, and it arrives pre-spooled with 90 yards of line. For kids, first-timers, or a knockaround reel for the tackle box, it's a durable bargain that just works.

All-metal gears

Push-button simplicity

No-tangle design

Budget-friendly