Best Closed Face Reels – 2023 Spincasting Reels Reviewed

When my grandfather handed me my first gear fishing reel and rod some twenty-five odd years ago, he didn’t tell me what kind it was and barely told me how to use it. It held a worm on a hook and caught fish. That was what mattered. It also happened to be easy to use. Although I didn’t know it then, it was, of course, everyone’s first reel and rod combination, a spincaster.

Now that I’m in my 30’s I’ve moved on, most days, from a worm and a hook. What I haven’t moved on from is the easy-to-use closed face spincaster.

How To Choose The Best Closed Face Reel

The simplicity of the closed face reel means you can narrow your purchase down by looking at a few basic things.

Button vs Trigger casting

The first thing to consider is a button versus a trigger line release. If you are purchasing the reel for your spinning rod then a trigger is your only option. Purchasing a reel for your spincast rod means you’ll most likely be using a button.

In the end, this one, more than anything, comes down to personal preference. A rod reel combo is always an option, but I recommend you test out a few different reels and determine what release feels best to you.

Price, Components, and Durability

Once you’ve decided on trigger versus button, you’ll want to think about cost and the positives and negatives that come with that. Think here durability, line capacity, and quality of components.

Many lower-priced rods will do just fine in most situations. Be aware though, that they made be constructed with plastic or lower-quality materials and not last as long.

Considering components, you’ll also want to think about the internal take-up pins. On a spincasting rod, the line is allowed to be cast by releasing these pins. The line is then retrieved by these pins being reset.

Generally, a higher quality or priced rod will have more pins. More pins equal more line returning more quickly. That equals more casts, better retrieves, and quicker hook sets.

Another consideration when purchasing not just a spincaster but really any reel is the drag adjustment. Spincasters have two types. The first is a star drag. This system is external and found on the outside of the reel, just inside the handle.

The second is an internal drag system operated by an extruding dial. Both methods are effective, and in my experience, the angler’s personal preference is the most significant deciding factor here.

Size

When purchasing a spincasting reel, size is something you’ll want to pay close attention to. The nature of a closed face reel system means the amount of line most of these reels can take will be less than a comparable baitcaster or spinning reel. As with all reels, consider what your target species will be and adjust your reel size accordingly.

Corrosion Resistance

In recent years many spincasting reel manufacturers have begun taking reel quality and reel corrosion more seriously. With the increase in spincasting reel quality, many anglers have sought to take their prized spincasters to salt. If you’re one of those anglers, don’t forget to check your reel’s corrosion rating.

And remember, even with a corrosion-resistant reel, it’s never a bad idea to do a freshwater soak after a saltwater fishing trip. I do this with ALL my gear.

To avoid corrosion in your spinning reels, you can use marine grease on your fishing reels. Marine grease is used to protect metal against corrosion.

What is a closed face reel?

A closed face reel is a gear fishing reel that holds the fishing line (check how long does a fishing line lasts here), usually mono, on a spool inside of a closed spool cover. You’re thinking of the correct reel if you’re picturing something like the business end of a 30-30 round with a hole in it.

Now, there are two types of closed face reels. Although they look similar, one seats onto the top of a special spincasting rod, and the other seats into the bottom of a general spinning rod.

Most anglers are familiar with the closed-face reel that sits on top of a spincasting rod. The line on this reel is button released. On the back of the spool cover, where the casting thumb naturally rests, is a large button. The reel is cast by depressing the button and flicking the wrist. The depressed button raises internal pins holding the line in place. When the angler is satisfied with the placement of the cast, all they do is release the button.

Many anglers may be less familiar with the closed face reel that seats into the bottom of a spinning rod. In this case, the reel mechanism works basically the same, but the line is instead released with the pull of a trigger.

In either event, with the drag correctly set, from the cast on, the angler simply fishes like they would any other gear fishing setup.

Are open or closed face reels better?

Back when my grandfather handed me his old rod and closed face reel, an apparently indestructible Zebco 33 from something like 1966, the question of better or worse didn’t cross my young mind. To tell you the truth, I doubt it crossed his. As a practical old man, what did cross his mind was most likely ease of use. In fishing and life, there is such thing as the right tool for the job.

Are closed face reels better? Yes. And no. It depends on the job.

The clear advantage of a closed face reel is its lower cost. Closed face reels are just outright less expensive than their open face counterparts. Furthermore, because they are generally less costly, they are also usually simpler and easier to use. This makes a closed face reel a great teaching tool.

Beyond teaching, a closed face reel offers another huge benefit. When using an open face reel, even the seasoned angler will occasionally have their line end up in a bird’s nest. This bird’s nest can occur because when casting an open face reel, the reel moves in and out to let the line out.

With a closed face reel, this just doesn’t happen. The only thing pulling the line out is the weight of the lure. This lack of added movement combined with a close face means no tangles. I’m not talking less time untangling. I’m talking no time untangling.

What kind of anglers would benefit from a closed face reel?

Seasoned veterans and newbies alike benefit from a closed face reel, although the most obvious fishermen are children or first-timers. The simplicity of a spincaster means the angler can learn to use the reel effectively rather quickly. This allows them time to perfect the other more complicated aspects of fishing.

Beyond first-time anglers, anyone looking for a delicate presentation should look no further. Many spincasters are made to take light line and present small lures. Walk down any popular lake dock, and I guarantee a good number of anglers catching a good number of the fish are casting to those fish with a spincaster.

Fishing for wary bluegill, perch, or Crappie? The ease of use and light gear will allow you to get the lure right where you want it and focus on nothing else but the wiggle and bite.

Finally, beginner or not, anyone looking for simplicity should look no further. The form factor of a closed face reel forces simplicity. No overthinking here. With a correct rod and a few simple lures, a closed face reel can be the perfect after work, set it and forget it setup.

What are some disadvantages of a closed face reel?

Many of the spincasters greatest strengths come with weaknesses.

There are, of course, more expensive spincasters, but the majority are on the cheaper side, and less costly than their open face counterparts. A cheaper reel often means cheaper components and a shorter life span.

On top of the lower quality components is the major design “issue” of being closed face. That closed face simplicity means you can fish it and forget it, but be careful. An open face reel will dry quickly, and a closed face reel will not. With improper maintenance, you can expect a season at best with some lower-end closed face reels.

Finally, closed face reels just don’t cast as far. Because the line is fed only by the lure flying through the air, the weight of your lure will make a big difference when it comes to distance cast. The nature of the reel is more about simplicity and less about power. If casting to the moon is the name of your game, I’d recommend looking at a spinning reel or baitcaster.

Can you use a closed face reel for saltwater fishing?

The answer here is yes. And no. Any gear rated for saltwater can be used in saltwater. When looking for a saltwater reel, though, you’ll want to keep a few things in mind.

When fishing in saltwater, corrosion is the name of the game. So make sure the reel you purchase is corrosion resistant.

Another thing to look for is line capacity. Generally speaking, saltwater fish are going to be bigger, and the water will be too. Keep in mind that many closed face reels will have a smaller line capacity. If you’re looking for a closed face reel specifically for saltwater, find the largest arbor you can get your hands on.

Finally, as mentioned above, spincasters don’t generally cast as far as their open face counterparts. That means whether pier fishing in salt or boat fishing, you’ll need to get close to the target species.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a first-time angler fishing with your grandpa or a seasoned veteran looking for simplicity, a closed face reel is one worth taking for a cast.

The form factor that was designed to put your mind at ease and fish in the boat is as effective today as it was when it first came on the market nearly a century ago. With years of proven results, consistent affordability, and a range of products to choose from, this arguably easiest-to-use set it and forget it reel is one you shouldn’t leave home without.

A special thanks to Kenneth Reeves for contributing to this article. Kenneth has more than 2 decades of fishing experience, both recreationally and competitively and he shares his passion for and knowledge of fishing over at Perfect Captain.