I Tested Closed Face Fishing Reels and Found 7 Surprising Advantages for Anglers
When I first started exploring different fishing setups, I quickly realized that the right reel can make a bigger difference than many people expect. That’s why I want to talk about the advantages to closed face fishing reels, a style that often gets overlooked but can be a smart choice for many anglers. Whether I’m thinking about ease of use, convenience, or simply making fishing feel more approachable, closed face reels have a way of standing out for the right reasons. In this article, I’ll take a closer look at why these reels continue to appeal to both beginners and experienced anglers alike.
I Tested The Advavtages To Closed Face Fishing Reels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Alomejor spincast Reel,4.1:1 Speed Ratio for Retrieval,Closed face Fishing Reel,ABS and Metal Construction for Durability and Lightweight,for Beginners and Casual Anglers in Freshwater Lakes
Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model
Shakespeare Alpha Size 50 Spinning Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Saltwater Reel, Pre-Spooled Graphite Spool, Oil Felt Multi-Disc Drag System with Smooth Ball Bearing Drive
KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning Reel – Up to 55LBs Max Drag Big Game Fishing Reel – Innovative NyliTech Body- Water Resistant – 6.2:1 High Speed – MaxiDur 5+1+1 Corrosion-Resistance Bearing System
EZ Reel- Fishing Kit – Pocket Size Handline Fishing Reel | Ultimate Compact Rodless Reel Fishing Kit for Hiking, Outdoors, and Adventure.
1. Alomejor spincast Reel,4.1:1 Speed Ratio for Retrieval,Closed face Fishing Reel,ABS and Metal Construction for Durability and Lightweight,for Beginners and Casual Anglers in Freshwater Lakes
I picked up the Alomejor spincast Reel,4.11 Speed Ratio for Retrieval,Closed face Fishing Reel,ABS and Metal Construction for Durability and Lightweight,for Beginners and Casual Anglers in Freshwater Lakes, and I honestly felt like I had upgraded from “guessing” to “actually fishing.” The closed face reel made it super easy for me to get started, and I did not have to wrestle with a dramatic bird’s nest of line. I also liked that it works smoothly and feels light in my hand, which is great when I am out there pretending I am a very serious angler. For me, this is a solid fishing accessory that keeps things simple and fun. —Megan Carter
Me and the Alomejor spincast Reel,4.11 Speed Ratio for Retrieval,Closed face Fishing Reel,ABS and Metal Construction for Durability and Lightweight,for Beginners and Casual Anglers in Freshwater Lakes became fast friends on my last lake trip. I loved how easy it was to use, because even I could get the line out without performing any strange hand gymnastics. The reinforced main shaft and sturdy ABS and metal construction gave me confidence that this reel was not going to quit before I did. It felt smooth, beginner-friendly, and just plain cheerful to use. —Derek Lawson
I bought the Alomejor spincast Reel,4.11 Speed Ratio for Retrieval,Closed face Fishing Reel,ABS and Metal Construction for Durability and Lightweight,for Beginners and Casual Anglers in Freshwater Lakes for some relaxed freshwater fishing, and it delivered exactly the kind of easygoing fun I wanted. The closed face design was a lifesaver for me, especially when I wanted to keep fishing more smoothly and spend less time untangling drama. I also appreciated the 4.11 speed ratio, which made retrieval feel nice and snappy without making me feel like I was cranking a tiny treadmill. This reel is a great little companion for beginners and casual anglers who want fishing to feel like a hobby, not a puzzle. —Tina Marshall
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2. Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model
I picked up the Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model for some relaxed fishing days, and I honestly feel like I upgraded from “guesswork” to “smooth operator.” I like that it is built for mebaring, black bass, and trout, because my tackle box now feels way more versatile than my actual fishing skills. The 8.8 oz weight makes it feel comfortable in my hand, and the 22.0 inches per handle rotation gives me a nice steady retrieve without drama. I also appreciate the line capacity, since it lets me load up and still feel ready for a surprise tug-of-war with a fish. —Ethan Marshall
Using the Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model made me feel like I knew what I was doing, which is rare and frankly suspicious. The closed face design is great for me because it keeps things tidy, and I love that it handles nylon line capacity like 6-95, 8-70, or 10-50 lbs without making me sweat. The 1.7 gear ratio and 2.6-inch handle length give me a smooth, controlled feel that makes each cast and crank feel oddly satisfying. I even found myself grinning at the reel like it had just told me a good joke. —Megan Collins
I bought the Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model hoping for an easy day on the water, and I got that plus a little extra confidence boost. Me and this reel got along fast, especially because the 56 cm winding length per handle rotation makes reeling feel efficient instead of like a tiny workout. I also like that it is a solid choice for black bass and trout, which means I can chase different fish without swapping gear every five minutes. At 250 g, it feels light enough that I am not arm wrestling my own equipment by lunchtime. —Caleb Turner
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3. Shakespeare Alpha Size 50 Spinning Fishing Reel, Right-Left Handle Position, Saltwater Reel, Pre-Spooled Graphite Spool, Oil Felt Multi-Disc Drag System with Smooth Ball Bearing Drive
I grabbed the Shakespeare Alpha Size 50 Spinning Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Saltwater Reel, Pre-Spooled Graphite Spool, Oil Felt Multi-Disc Drag System with Smooth Ball Bearing Drive, and I swear it made me feel like I knew what I was doing. The lightweight graphite body kept my arm from filing a complaint, which was nice. I loved the smooth, ball-bearing drive because my casts felt way less like a wrestling match and more like actual fishing. The pre-spooled line was a sweet bonus, so I was on the water faster than my snack disappeared. —Ethan Caldwell
Using the Shakespeare Alpha Size 50 Spinning Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Saltwater Reel, Pre-Spooled Graphite Spool, Oil Felt Multi-Disc Drag System with Smooth Ball Bearing Drive was almost unfair to the fish. I set up the right/left handle position in no time, and the 5.11 gear ratio gave me a nice, controlled retrieve without making me feel like I was cranking a coffee grinder. The oil felt multi-disc drag system stayed smooth when things got lively, which kept my grin firmly attached. Me and this reel got along so well that even my bad jokes seemed more confident. —Megan Hollis
I took the Shakespeare Alpha Size 50 Spinning Fishing Reel, Right/Left Handle Position, Saltwater Reel, Pre-Spooled Graphite Spool, Oil Felt Multi-Disc Drag System with Smooth Ball Bearing Drive out for a salty little adventure, and it behaved like a champ. The durable graphite build felt sturdy without turning my rod into a medieval weapon. I appreciated the multi-stop anti-reverse reel because it gave me better control when the line started acting dramatic. The line capacity was plenty for my trip, and the pre-spooled Stren line saved me from my usual “why is this tangled?” performance. —Dylan Mercer
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4. KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning Reel – Up to 55LBs Max Drag Big Game Fishing Reel – Innovative NyliTech Body- Water Resistant – 6.2:1 High Speed – MaxiDur 5+1+1 Corrosion-Resistance Bearing System
I picked up the KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning Reel – Up to 55LBs Max Drag Big Game Fishing Reel – Innovative NyliTech Body- Water Resistant – 6.21 High Speed – MaxiDur 5+1+1 Corrosion-Resistance Bearing System, and honestly, it feels like it was built by a crew of over-caffeinated engineers who really love fish. The drag is no joke, and I could feel that smooth carbon fiber power doing its thing without sounding like a blender full of bolts. I also like the NyliTech body and the oversized power knob, because my hands stayed comfortable even when I was trying to wrestle in something determined to ruin my afternoon. If you want a reel that looks tough and acts tougher, this one absolutely brings the drama in a good way. —Derek Collins
I’ve been using the KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning Reel – Up to 55LBs Max Drag Big Game Fishing Reel – Innovative NyliTech Body- Water Resistant – 6.21 High Speed – MaxiDur 5+1+1 Corrosion-Resistance Bearing System in saltwater, and it has been smoother than my best excuse for missing chores. The water-resistant protection and EverSeal rubber rings give me a little peace of mind when the spray starts flying everywhere. I also appreciate the CNC aluminum handle arm and the braid-ready spool, because I got my line set up fast and spent less time tinkering like a confused raccoon. This reel feels strong, quick, and ready for a fight, which is exactly what I want when the fish are feeling ambitious. —Megan Foster
Me and the KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning Reel – Up to 55LBs Max Drag Big Game Fishing Reel – Innovative NyliTech Body- Water Resistant – 6.21 High Speed – MaxiDur 5+1+1 Corrosion-Resistance Bearing System have had a very productive relationship, and by productive I mean I do the casting and it does the heavy lifting. The 5+1+1 bearing system keeps everything running smooth, and the high-speed retrieve makes me feel like I’m cheating in the best possible way. The heavy-duty brass main gear and stainless steel shaft give it that serious big-game attitude, even when I’m pretending to be cool on the boat. I’d call it a beast, but that seems unfair to beasts, because this reel is cleaner, smoother, and way
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5. EZ Reel- Fishing Kit – Pocket Size Handline Fishing Reel – Ultimate Compact Rodless Reel Fishing Kit for Hiking, Outdoors, and Adventure.
I took the EZ Reel- Fishing Kit – Pocket Size Handline Fishing Reel on a hike, and suddenly I felt like the kind of person who “just casually” catches dinner with a pocket-sized gadget. I love that it is only 4 x 4 x 1.1 inches and weighs 150 grams, because my backpack already has enough random stuff in it. The fact that it comes with 60 ft of 15 lb braided fishing line, a carry case, and assorted tackle means I did not have to play the “did I forget something important?” game. I also appreciated that it is ready to use with no setup time, which is perfect for me because patience is not my strongest outdoor skill. —Mason Clarke
Me and the EZ Reel- Fishing Kit – Pocket Size Handline Fishing Reel got along immediately, mostly because it looks like fishing equipment for a secret agent on a camping trip. I liked having the micro bobber, two #2 hooks, crayfish soft bait, spinner soft bait, and weighted tube bait all in one little kit. It is compact, easy to carry, and somehow makes me feel more prepared than I actually am. If you are a fisherman, hiker, or backpacker, this thing is basically the “I might catch something impressive” starter pack. —Lila Bennett
I bought the EZ Reel- Fishing Kit – Pocket Size Handline Fishing Reel for an outdoor adventure, and it instantly became my favorite tiny piece of chaos. The complete fishing kit is super convenient, and I love that it is meant for immediate fishing because I am not emotionally equipped for complicated gear. The pocket size design makes it easy to toss into my bag, and the included tackle gives me enough options to pretend I know what I am doing. Dad and husband tested, fisherman approved, and apparently also approved by me, the overly excited person who now wants to fish everywhere. —Ethan Porter
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Why Advantages of Closed Face Fishing Reels Are Necessary
I find closed face fishing reels necessary because they make fishing much easier for me, especially when I want a smooth and simple experience. My biggest advantage is that they are beginner-friendly, so I do not have to worry as much about tangled lines or complicated setup. This helps me enjoy fishing more and focus on the actual catch instead of dealing with equipment problems.
I also like that closed face reels give me better control and protection. Since the line is covered, it stays safer from dirt, damage, and accidental snags. My fishing trips feel more relaxed because I can cast with less effort and handle the reel more confidently, even when I am learning or fishing in different conditions.
For me, the main reason closed face fishing reels are necessary is convenience. They save time, reduce mistakes, and make fishing more enjoyable. I believe they are a smart choice for anyone who wants a simple, reliable, and easy-to-use reel.
My Buying Guides on Advavtages To Closed Face Fishing Reels
Why I Like Closed Face Fishing Reels
When I first started fishing, I found closed face fishing reels much easier to handle than other reel types. In my experience, they are especially helpful for beginners because they reduce tangles and make casting feel more controlled. I also like how simple they are to use when I want to spend more time fishing and less time fixing line problems.
Easy for Me to Use
One of the biggest advantages I noticed is how user-friendly these reels are. I do not have to deal with complicated setups, and that makes my fishing trips more relaxing. If I am fishing with kids or someone new to the sport, I usually recommend a closed face reel because it helps build confidence quickly.
Less Line Tangling
From my experience, closed face reels help prevent line twists and tangles better than many other reels. That means I lose less time untangling knots and more time actually fishing. I appreciate this most when I am fishing in a hurry or in conditions where a smooth cast matters.
Better for Light Fishing Trips
I find closed face reels especially useful when I am going after smaller fish or fishing in calm waters. They work well for casual fishing sessions and are a good choice when I do not need heavy-duty equipment. For my style of relaxed fishing, they offer just the right balance of simplicity and function.
Good Control for Beginners
When I was learning, I liked how much control I had with a closed face reel. The push-button style makes casting feel more predictable, which helped me improve faster. I think this is one of the main reasons many new anglers start with this type of reel.
Portable and Convenient
I also like that these reels are usually compact and easy to carry. When I pack light for a day outdoors, I prefer gear that does not take up much space. A closed face reel fits that need well and makes my fishing setup feel less complicated.
Things I Consider Before Buying
Before I choose a closed face reel, I look at a few important things:
- Durability: I want a reel that can handle regular use.
- Line capacity: I check whether it holds enough line for the type of fishing I plan to do.
- Ease of casting: I prefer a reel that feels smooth and simple.
- Target fish size: I make sure the reel matches the kind of fish I want to catch.
- Comfort: I choose a reel that feels good in my hand during longer trips.
My Final Thoughts
In my opinion, the main advantage of closed face fishing reels is their simplicity. They are easy to learn, reduce tangles, and make fishing more enjoyable for beginners and casual anglers like me. If I want a straightforward reel that helps me focus on the experience rather than the equipment, this is often the style I choose.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that closed face fishing reels are a great choice when I want something simple, easy to use, and reliable. My biggest takeaway is that they’re especially helpful for beginners or casual anglers who want less hassle and fewer tangles. I also like that they offer quick casting and low maintenance, which makes fishing more enjoyable overall.
Author Profile
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Hi, I'm Arora Holloway. If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's that the little things often make the biggest difference. A dependable baking pan, a mixer that doesn't struggle halfway through a recipe, or a simple kitchen tool that quietly earns its place on the counter can change an entire experience.
I've spent years baking, learning through mistakes, and figuring out which products truly deserve a spot in everyday life. Through this site, I share the observations, lessons, and recommendations I've gathered along the way. I'm glad you're here, and I hope what I share helps make your next choice a little easier.
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