Ever felt frustrated when your fishing line snags unexpectedly? Many anglers face this problem, especially when using certain reel types. Closed face fishing reels, sometimes called spincast reels, offer a simple solution to tangled lines. They are popular because they are easy to use, making them a favorite for beginners and families.
However, choosing the perfect closed face reel can still feel tricky. Do you need a smooth drag system? How important is the gear ratio for your style of fishing? With so many models available, finding one that fits your needs without breaking the bank can be a real headache. You want reliability without the complexity of other reel types.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore what makes a great closed face reel tick. You will learn exactly what features matter most for different fishing situations, from panfish to small bass. By the end, you will feel confident picking out a reel that makes your next fishing trip more enjoyable and less tangled.
Top Closed Face Fishing Reel Recommendations
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
- WIDE APPLICABILITY: The reel is simple to operate and super easy to use, this push-button reel is suitable for any age or level of fishing experience. The frosted textured exterior gives this fishing reel an attractive look, and the excellent performance and ease of use make this quality Spincasting reel great value for money.
- High Speed: Sogayilang spincast fishing reel fetured 3.9:1 high gear ratio,You can pick up line faster and save time between casts. What's more, you can quickly catch up to fish that may be coming directly at the angler, eliminating slack in the line and improving catch rates.
- Left-right hand Interchangeability: The Sougayilang push button fishing reel features a stunning aluminum reversible handle with a comfortable rubber grip that allows you to quickly and easily change left or right handed fishing styles to suit your handing habits by simply removing the handle retaining cover and moving the handle to the other side of the reel.
- LOW-PROFILE DESIGN: The low-profile design of the new Sougayilang Spincast Reel (aka Bullet Reel) is perfect for small hands and young anglers. The reel body fits snugly into the reel handle, reducing hand fatigue and torque when reeling in, and the fishing reel body is lightweight. Makes casting easier. The handle is also comfortable for easy grip. Also a great entry level fishing reel for teens and kids.
- PRE-INSTALLED PREMIUM MONOFILAMENT LINE : The Sougayilang Spincast reel is ready to use right out of the box because it comes pre-loaded with 10LB premium monofilament line. Simply attach the reel to your rod, tie on the right lure or bait, and you're ready to start fishing! The Sougayilang Spincaster Fishing Reel is a great choice for catching trout, catfish or small bass. We hope you have a great fishing experience with this fishing reel!
- TOUGH PERFORMANCE: The Zebco Delta size 30 spincast fishing reel has a durable all-metal construction, dual ceramic pick-up pins, a solid brass pinion gear, and an anodized aluminum front cover for tough performance. This reel is braid ready and has increased drag capacity for strength in intense situations
- EASY-TO-USE: Equipped with an interchangeable right- or left-hand retrieve, this reel is easily customizable to fishing preferences. Zebco's Delta reel comes with Zebco's patented no-tangle design and GlideLine ball bearing for efficient line retrieval. It is conveniently pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco line and the Instant Anti-Reverse clutch stops your reel handle from moving backwards in order to create a solid hookset in the mouth of a fish when reeling in your prized catch
- EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: This spincast reel features a comfortable soft-touch thumb-button design with 7 bearings (6 + clutch), an oscillating quick-change spool, a 3.6:1 gear ratio and a retrieve rate of 19 IPT (inches per turn) for a smooth and reliable retrieve. The dial-adjustable drag has a max drag capacity of 20-pounds for the strength needed to reel in those big fish
- VERSATILE APPLICATION: With a mono capacity of 100/10 yds/lbs, and the ability to hold up to 100-yards of 30-pound braided line, this reel is perfect for medium species such as walleye and bass. You'll love every fishing adventure for years to come with the Zebco Delta
- 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
- 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
- EASY-TO-USE: The Zebco 404 spincast reel has been a mainstay for anglers for years. This reel features a patented no-tangle design making it easy to use 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
- LEGENDARY PERFORMANCE: The legendary heavy-duty performance and durability of the reel is utilized to reel-in bigger lures and bigger fish. The durable material of the stainless steel pick up pin does not wear over time and is corrosion resistant making it the perfect reel to outlast even the toughest weather conditions
- HEAVY-DUTY & SMOOTH: This size 40 reel is constructed with all-metal gears and a 2.8:1 gear ratio for a silky-smooth retrieve and consistent performance that will stand tough for many fishing adventures to come. Meant for the right-handed anglers, this heavy-duty reel features a right-hand retrieve and is pre-spooled with 15-pound Zebco fishing line so you can start catching bigger fish right out of the package
- TOUGH YET SLEEK: Utilize the convenient dial-adjustable 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. Featuring a tough-yet-sleek design the 404 spincast reel will look and perform great
- 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
The Ultimate Buying Guide for Closed Face Fishing Reels
Closed face reels, often called spin casters, are great for new anglers or those who want a simple, tangle-free experience. These reels keep the line protected inside a casing. This design makes casting easy and prevents frustrating line snarls. This guide helps you choose the right one for your fishing adventures.
Key Features to Look For
When you look at different closed face reels, a few features really stand out. These points determine how well the reel performs and how long it lasts.
- Reel Size: Reels come in different sizes (e.g., 1000, 3000). Smaller sizes work best for light fishing, like catching panfish. Bigger reels handle heavier lines and larger fish better. Match the reel size to the type of fish you plan to catch.
- Gear Ratio: This number tells you how fast the reel retrieves the line. A higher ratio (like 5.1:1) pulls the line in faster. A lower ratio offers more cranking power for fighting bigger fish.
- Drag System: The drag lets line out when a strong fish pulls hard. Look for a smooth drag system. A jerky drag can snap your line.
- Line Capacity: This is how much fishing line the reel can hold. Make sure it holds enough line for the waters you fish in.
Important Materials
The materials used in the reel greatly affect its strength and weight. Good materials mean your reel will last longer.
Most quality reels use a mix of materials. The body is often made from strong graphite or aluminum. Graphite is very light, which reduces arm fatigue during long fishing days. Aluminum is tougher and resists bending better. The internal gears are usually brass or stainless steel. Stainless steel gears resist rust better than brass, especially if you fish in saltwater.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several factors separate a top-tier reel from a budget option. Paying attention to these details improves your fishing success.
Quality Boosters:
- Ball Bearings: Ball bearings help the moving parts turn smoothly. More quality ball bearings (usually stainless steel) mean smoother casting and retrieving. Aim for at least three bearings for basic use.
- Anti-Reverse Switch: This feature locks the handle from turning backward instantly. This is crucial when setting the hook hard into a fish’s mouth.
Quality Reducers:
- Plastic Components: Reels with many internal plastic parts break down faster under stress. Check reviews to see if plastic parts are mentioned as failure points.
- Poor Finish: If the exterior paint or finish looks cheap, the internal protection might also be lacking. This can lead to quick corrosion.
User Experience and Use Cases
Closed face reels shine in specific situations because of their simple operation.
Best Uses:
- Beginners: Because the line is protected, tangles are rare. This lets new anglers focus on casting technique rather than line management.
- Bait Presentation: These reels work very well when you need to drop bait straight down, such as when fishing vertically from a dock or a boat.
- Light Tackle Applications: They are perfect for catching smaller fish like bluegill, crappie, and trout.
The user experience with a closed face reel is usually very straightforward. You press a button, swing the rod forward, and release the button to cast. The line comes off the spool easily. However, they usually do not cast as far as open-faced spinning reels, which is something to remember when fishing long distances.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Closed Face Fishing Reels
Q: Are closed face reels good for catching big fish?
A: Generally, no. They are best for small to medium-sized fish. Big fish can overpower the drag systems found on most closed face models.
Q: Do closed face reels tangle easily?
A: No, this is their main advantage! The line stays protected inside the housing, which almost eliminates the frustrating loops and bird’s nests common with other reels.
Q: Can I use closed face reels in saltwater?
A: Some models are specifically made for saltwater, but most standard ones are not. Saltwater requires corrosion-resistant materials like stainless steel bearings. If you fish in the ocean, check the reel’s specifications carefully.
Q: How do I cast with a closed face reel?
A: You press the cast button down, hold it, swing the rod forward toward your target, and release the button right before the lure hits the water. It is a simple push-and-release motion.
Q: What is the ideal line type for these reels?
A: Monofilament line is the most common choice. It is smooth and works well with the internal mechanics of the reel.
Q: How often should I clean my closed face reel?
A: If you use it often, clean it lightly after every few trips. If you fish in dirty or salty water, you should clean and lightly lubricate the moving parts more frequently.
Q: Is a higher gear ratio always better?
A: Not always. A high gear ratio retrieves line fast, which is good for lures that need speed. A lower ratio gives you more torque (pulling power) needed for heavy fish or thick weeds.
Q: What does the “anti-reverse” feature do?
A: The anti-reverse stops the handle from spinning backward when you try to pull the line in. This lets you pull back instantly to set the hook.
Q: Are closed face reels heavier than open-faced reels?
A: Often, yes, because of the protective casing around the spool. However, modern graphite models are becoming much lighter.
Q: How do I adjust the drag setting?
A: Most closed face reels have a small knob, usually on top or near the front of the reel housing. Turning it clockwise makes the drag tighter (harder for the fish to pull line); counter-clockwise makes it looser.