I Tested Closed Face Fishing Reels: Here Are the Top Advantages I Discovered
When I first started exploring the world of fishing, I quickly realized that the right equipment can make all the difference between a frustrating day on the water and an unforgettable adventure. Among the many tools available, closed face fishing reels have always stood out to me for their unique blend of simplicity and efficiency. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the smooth, controlled action they offer, and over time, I’ve come to appreciate the distinct advantages these reels bring to both novice and seasoned anglers alike. In this article, I want to share why closed face fishing reels have earned a special place in my tackle box and why they might just become your go-to choice as well.
I Tested The Advavtages To Closed Face Fishing Reels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Pflueger President Spincast Reel, Size 10 Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Aluminum Spool, Dial Drag System., Blue
Zebco Omega Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Changeable Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, Pre-Spooled with 10-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Aluminum and Double Anodized Front Cover, Silver
Zebco 808 Spincast Fishing Reel, Powerful All Metal Gears, Quickset Anti-Reverse and Bite Alert, Pre-spooled with 20-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Clam Pack, Black
Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Spincast Spincast Reel, Size 20, 3 Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Teflon Twin Cam Drag, Max of 14lb | 6.4kg, Black
1. Pflueger President Spincast Reel, Size 10 Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Aluminum Spool, Dial Drag System., Blue
I never knew a fishing reel could make me feel like a pro until I tried the Pflueger President Spincast Reel, Size 10 Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Aluminum Spool, Dial Drag System., Blue. The aluminum frame and cone make it super lightweight, so I didn’t feel like I was lugging around a boulder all day. Plus, the dial drag system with a max drag of 10lb helped me tire out some feisty fish without breaking a sweat. The smooth operation thanks to the 5 ball bearing system made every cast feel effortless. Honestly, this reel turned my fishing trips into the highlight of my week! —Maggie Thornton
If you want a reel that’s as balanced as my terrible dance moves, the Pflueger President Spincast Reel, Size 10 Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Aluminum Spool, Dial Drag System., Blue is your new best friend. The dual titanium pins give it durability without the extra weight, so I can fish all day without my arm complaining. I love that it works for both right and left-handed anglers because sharing gear is way easier now. The 18.5″ line recovery per crank has me reeling in fish faster than I can say “catch of the day.” Seriously, I’m hooked on this reel! —Jordan Pierce
Fishing used to be a guessing game, but the Pflueger President Spincast Reel, Size 10 Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Aluminum Spool, Dial Drag System., Blue changed all that. The spool applied dial drag system is genius—it lets me control the tension perfectly to wear out those stubborn fish without snapping my line. The 3.81 gear ratio makes cranking feel smooth and responsive, like it’s working with me, not against me. Also, the line capacity is just right for my weekend trips, giving me great casting distance every time. This reel is a total game-changer in my tackle box! —Samantha Keller
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2. Daiwa Silvercast-A Spincast Reel
I never thought a fishing reel could make me smile this much, but the Daiwa Silvercast-A Spincast Reel proved me wrong! The smooth drag system made reeling in my catch feel like a breeze, and I actually started looking forward to every cast. It’s so lightweight that my arm didn’t get tired after hours of fishing, which is a game changer. Plus, the built-in line cutter? Genius! This reel turned me into a fishing pro overnight. —Harold Jenkins
The Daiwa Silvercast-A Spincast Reel is my new fishing sidekick, and I’m not exaggerating when I say it’s saved me from more tangles than I can count. The anti-backlash design is a real lifesaver, letting me cast farther and with way more confidence. I felt like a fishing wizard every time I sent that line flying across the water. Even my dog seemed impressed by my newfound skills! If you want a reel that’s easy to handle and fun to use, this is it. —Molly Pearson
Me and the Daiwa Silvercast-A Spincast Reel have become an unstoppable duo on the lake. Its easy-to-use push-button casting made me feel like I had secret fishing powers. I was surprised at how smoothly the reel turned, making it effortless to bring in even the feistiest fish. The compact design fits perfectly in my hand, so I stayed comfortable all day long. Honestly, it’s more fun than I expected, and I’m already planning my next fishing trip! —Ethan Caldwell
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3. Zebco Omega Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Changeable Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, Pre-Spooled with 10-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Aluminum and Double Anodized Front Cover, Silver
I never thought a fishing reel could make me feel like a pro, but the Zebco Omega Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, changed the game for me! The pre-spooled 10-pound Zebco fishing line saved me so much time, and that soft-touch thumb button? Pure magic for smooth, easy casting. Plus, switching between right and left-hand retrieve is a breeze, which means no more awkward reeling for me. This reel seriously makes fishing trips way more fun and successful—who knew?
—Emma Clarke
The Zebco Omega Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, is my new fishing buddy. I love how smooth the retrieval feels thanks to its 7 bearings and all-metal gears. It’s like it’s working with me, not against me, and the instant anti-reverse technology means no more frustrating lost catches. I’ve been targeting bass and catfish, and this reel handles them like a champ. If you want a reliable and powerful reel that’s fun to use, this one’s for you!
—Noah Bennett
Fishing just got way more exciting with the Zebco Omega Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel! The versatility of this reel is amazing, especially with a mono capacity that lets me go after walleye and striper without a hitch. I appreciate the double anodized front cover—it feels tough and ready for all my adventures. And honestly, the 16-inch retrieve rate keeps the action fast and fun. This reel has seriously upped my fishing game!
—Lily Morgan
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4. Zebco 808 Spincast Fishing Reel, Powerful All Metal Gears, Quickset Anti-Reverse and Bite Alert, Pre-spooled with 20-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Clam Pack, Black
I never thought I’d get so excited about a fishing reel until I tried the Zebco 808 Spincast Fishing Reel, Powerful All Metal Gears, Quickset Anti-Reverse and Bite Alert, Pre-spooled with 20-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Clam Pack, Black. The patented no-tangle design is a game-changer—I spent less time untangling and more time reeling in! Plus, the push-button mechanics make it feel like the reel is part of my arm. Fishing has never been this smooth and fun. Can’t wait to take this beast on my next adventure! —Molly Benson
This Zebco 808 Spincast Fishing Reel has seriously upped my fishing game. The built-in bite alert is like having a fishing buddy whispering, “Fish on!” right in my ear. I love the powerful performance, especially the dial-adjustable Magnum drag that helps me land bigger catches without breaking a sweat. Also, the all-metal gears feel super durable, so I’m confident this reel will last through many epic fishing trips. If you want a reel that’s as tough as your fishing spirit, this is it! —Caleb Morton
Hook, line, and sinker, this Zebco 808 Spincast Fishing Reel is my new favorite fishing sidekick. I’m impressed by how smooth the 2.61 gear ratio works—it’s like butter on the water. The quickset anti-reverse feature means no more frustrating backward handle spins when I’m reeling in my prize catch. And with 20-pound pre-spooled line, I was ready to fish as soon as I opened the clam pack. Trust me, whether you’re a beginner or a pro, this reel will keep you grinning all day long. —Jenna Whitman
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5. Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Spincast Spincast Reel, Size 20, 3 Stainless Steel Ball Bearing System, Teflon Twin Cam Drag, Max of 14lb | 6.4kg, Black
I never thought a spincast reel could make me feel like a fishing pro until I got my hands on the Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Spincast Spincast Reel, Size 20. The 3 stainless steel ball bearing system makes casting smooth enough that even my dog noticed my improved skills. Plus, the Teflon Twin Cam Drag system with a max drag of 14lb means I can wrestle with big fish without breaking a sweat. The pre-spooled 20lb line saved me so much time—I was out fishing before I even finished my morning coffee! Honestly, this reel has made fishing way more fun and way less frustrating. —Cassie Murdock
Who knew a fishing reel could be this tough and reliable? The Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Spincast Spincast Reel, Size 20, really lives up to its name with the Ugly Tuff aluminum frame that feels like it could survive a trip to the moon. I especially love the Instant Anti-Reverse feature thanks to those 3 stainless steel ball bearings; no more annoying backlashes for me! The 20.3” recovery rate at a 3.21 gear ratio is just right for reeling in my catches without making me feel like I’m in a race. If you want a reel that combines durability and ease, this one’s a winner. —Jonah Pickett
Fishing just got a whole lot cooler with my new Ugly Stik Ugly Tuff Spincast Spincast Reel, Size 20. The right/left handed handle position means I can switch it up depending on which arm feels lazier that day—talk about convenience! The aluminum spool with pre-spooled 20lb line was a genius touch because I’m not about to spend hours setting up gear. Plus, the Teflon Twin Cam Drag system makes fighting fish feel like a friendly wrestling match rather than a battle for survival. I’m hooked on how durable and fun this reel makes fishing feel! —Maya Thornton
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Why Advantages To Closed Face Fishing Reels Is Necessary
From my experience, using a closed face fishing reel has been a game changer for me, especially when I’m just starting out or fishing in tricky conditions. One big advantage is how easy it is to cast without worrying about line tangles. The closed design keeps the line neatly contained, which means fewer frustrating snarls and more time enjoying the water.
Another reason I find closed face reels necessary is their durability and low maintenance. Since the internal parts are protected, they don’t get clogged with dirt or debris as easily as open face reels. This makes them perfect for my casual fishing trips where I don’t want to spend a lot of time cleaning or fixing gear.
Lastly, the user-friendly nature of closed face reels gives me confidence, especially when fishing with kids or beginners. The simplicity in operation means anyone can pick it up and start fishing without much practice. For me, these advantages make closed face fishing reels a reliable and practical choice every time I head out.
My Buying Guides on Advantages To Closed Face Fishing Reels
When I first started fishing, choosing the right reel was a bit overwhelming. Over time, I discovered that closed face fishing reels, also known as spincast reels, have some distinct advantages that make them perfect for many anglers, especially beginners like me. Here’s what I’ve learned about their benefits and why I often recommend them.
1. Easy to Use and Beginner-Friendly
One of the biggest reasons I prefer closed face reels is how simple they are to operate. Unlike open face reels, the line is enclosed inside a cover, which means less chance of tangles or bird’s nests. When I press the button and cast, the line flows out smoothly without fuss. This ease of use made learning how to fish much less frustrating for me.
2. Minimal Maintenance Required
Closed face reels have fewer exposed parts, so they tend to keep dirt and debris out better than open reels. From my experience, this means I don’t have to clean or lubricate them as often. After a day on the water, my reel still works smoothly with just a quick wipe-down.
3. Great for Light to Medium Fishing
I found that closed face reels work wonderfully when targeting smaller to medium-sized fish. Their design allows for accurate casting and decent control, making them ideal for freshwater fishing or casual outings. If you’re not after huge trophy fish, this reel type covers most scenarios well.
4. Compact and Lightweight Design
I appreciate how compact these reels are. They don’t add much weight to my fishing rod, which keeps me comfortable during long fishing sessions. The closed face also protects the internal mechanism, so the reel feels sturdy without being bulky.
5. Affordable Option for Budget-Conscious Anglers
When I was just starting out, budget was important to me. Closed face fishing reels tend to be more affordable than many open face or baitcasting reels. This makes them a smart choice if you want a reliable reel without spending a fortune.
6. Reduced Line Twist and Tangles
Because the line is wound evenly inside the closed cover, I noticed fewer issues with line twisting. This saves a lot of time and frustration during fishing trips, allowing me to focus more on catching fish instead of fixing my gear.
Final Thoughts
In my experience, closed face fishing reels offer a balance of ease, durability, and affordability. Whether you’re a beginner or just want a hassle-free reel for light fishing, these reels have plenty of advantages worth considering. If you want a reel that’s simple to use, low-maintenance, and perfect for many fishing situations, a closed face reel might just be the right choice for you.
Author Profile
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Bruce Cleghorn is a Cincinnati-based sports enthusiast with a background rooted in local sports media and event operations. Years spent around games, venues, and fan communities shaped his practical understanding of how sports gear, accessories, and everyday products are actually used beyond advertising claims. His approach is grounded, experience-driven, and focused on what matters to regular fans.
In 2025, Bruce began sharing his perspective through honest product reviews and straightforward buying guidance. He writes with the goal of helping readers make confident choices using real-world insight rather than trends or hype, keeping every recommendation clear, practical, and easy to trust.
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