Have you ever felt the thrill of a big fish fighting on your line, only to have your reel snag or fail at the crucial moment? Choosing the right fishing reel matters a lot. Many anglers struggle to pick between the many different types of reels available today. Closed fishing reels, sometimes called spinning reels, offer a unique balance of ease of use and reliability. However, knowing which one fits your style and budget can feel confusing.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will break down exactly what closed reels do best and why they remain a favorite for beginners and seasoned fishermen alike. You will learn the key features to look for, understand the advantages over other reel types, and discover how to match the reel to the fish you are chasing. Get ready to stop guessing and start catching more fish with confidence. Let’s dive into the world of closed fishing reels and find your perfect match.
Top Closed Fishing Reels Recommendations
- 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
- 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 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
- 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
- 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
- EASY-TO-USE: The Zebco 808 Saltfisher spincast reel features an oversized handle knob 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 saltwater reel is a fishing favorite and is great 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
- SMOOTH & SUPER DUTY: This size 80 spincast reel is ready for extreme saltwater 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 dual ceramic pick-up pins that reduce friction from heavy wear and are resistant to line abrasion compared to softer materials used in competitor reels where the line friction can cause grooves in the pick-up pins to form which can cut your fishing line
- TOUGH YET SLEEK: Featuring a tough-yet-sleek design and a durable corrosion-resistant construction, this 808 Salt Fisher reel will look and perform great in even the harshest saltwater environments. The stainless steel hard chrome plated spinner head and stainless steel ball bearing drive keeps out unwanted water and dirt to prevent corrosion within the reel
- 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 with the next tug on your line. This reel is ambidextrous with the convenient changeable right- or left-hand retrieve option and is pre-spooled with 20-pound Zebco fishing line so you can start catching monster fish like the catfish, redfish, in shore 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
- EASY-TO-USE: The Zebco 33 micro trigger spincast reel brings an elevated fishing experience to a trusted spincast reel. The size 10 fishing reel features a lightweight graphite frame, a stainless steel cover, 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
Your Guide to Choosing the Best Closed Fishing Reels
Closed fishing reels, often called spinning reels or spincast reels, are excellent tools for many anglers. They keep the line protected inside the reel housing. This design makes them easy to use, especially for beginners. This guide will help you pick the right one.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a closed reel, look closely at a few important parts. These features decide how well the reel works for you.
- **Gear Ratio:** This number tells you how fast the reel retrieves line. A higher number (like 6.0:1) means faster retrieval. A lower number (like 4.0:1) gives you more power to pull in big fish. Pick the ratio based on what you fish for.
- **Ball Bearings:** Ball bearings help the reel turn smoothly. More bearings usually mean smoother operation. Look for at least three or four quality bearings.
- **Drag System:** The drag lets the line slip out when a fish pulls hard. This stops your line from breaking. Check if the drag is smooth and easy to adjust.
- **Line Capacity:** This is how much fishing line the reel can hold. Make sure it holds enough line for the size of fish in your area.
Important Materials
The materials used in the reel affect its strength and weight. Strong materials last longer.
Most good closed reels use **graphite** or **aluminum** for the body. Graphite is very light, which reduces arm fatigue. Aluminum is stronger and resists bending better. For the internal gears, **stainless steel** or **brass** gears offer the best durability. Avoid reels with too many plastic parts inside; they break easily.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Quality matters a lot in fishing gear. Good quality means a reel lasts many seasons.
**High quality** reels feature sealed bearings. This stops water and dirt from getting inside and causing rust. They also have smooth, precise adjustments for the drag. A tight fit between all the moving parts shows good manufacturing.
**Low quality** reels often use cheap plastic gears. These gears wear down quickly under pressure. You might also find that the handle feels wobbly. If the paint chips off easily, the metal underneath might not be treated well against rust.
User Experience and Use Cases
Closed reels shine in specific situations. Their simple design makes them very user-friendly.
These reels are perfect for **beginners** and **children**. Casting is very easy; you just press a button to release the line. They handle light to medium-sized fish very well, like bass, panfish, and trout.
For **ease of use**, closed reels are top-notch. They rarely tangle the line, which is a common problem with open-face spinning reels. You can use them effectively in tight spots where an open face might snag branches.
However, they are not the best for very heavy saltwater fishing. Saltwater demands tougher materials and better sealing than most closed reels offer. For freshwater fun, they are a fantastic, hassle-free choice.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Closed Fishing Reels
Q: Are closed reels easier to learn than other reels?
A: Yes, closed reels are the easiest to learn. You press a button to cast, which simplifies the whole process for new anglers.
Q: Can I use closed reels for saltwater fishing?
A: Generally, no. Most closed reels are designed for freshwater. Saltwater is very corrosive, and these reels often lack the necessary rust protection.
Q: What does the gear ratio mean on a closed reel?
A: The gear ratio shows how many times the spool turns when you crank the handle once. A higher number means faster line retrieval.
Q: How do I prevent line tangles with a closed reel?
A: Closed reels rarely tangle because the line is protected inside the housing. Make sure you spool the line correctly when you first put it on.
Q: What is the drag system used for?
A: The drag system lets the line slip out slowly when a strong fish pulls hard. This prevents the line from snapping when you fight a big catch.
Q: Are closed reels heavy?
A: Many modern closed reels use graphite bodies, making them very lightweight and comfortable to hold for long periods.
Q: How many ball bearings do I need?
A: Aim for at least three or four quality ball bearings. More bearings usually result in a smoother turning action.
Q: Should I choose aluminum or graphite for the reel body?
A: Choose graphite if you want the lightest reel possible. Choose aluminum if you need maximum strength and rigidity for tough fishing.
Q: How do I adjust the drag on a closed reel?
A: You usually adjust the drag using a knob located either on the front or the back of the reel housing. Turn it tighter to increase drag pressure.
Q: Are closed reels good for catching very large fish?
A: No. While they are durable, they are best suited for small to medium-sized fish. Heavy fish require reels with much stronger internal gears and larger drag systems.