I Tested Closed Face Fishing Reels: 7 Advantages That Made My Fishing Easier
When I first started exploring different fishing setups, I quickly realized that not all reels are built the same—and that’s where closed face fishing reels began to stand out to me. The advantages to closed face fishing reels go beyond simple convenience; they offer a style of fishing that feels approachable, controlled, and surprisingly effective for many situations. Whether I’m thinking about ease of use, reduced tangles, or the confidence they can give to newer anglers, there’s something appealing about the way these reels simplify the experience without taking away from the enjoyment of being on the water.
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 bought the Alomejor spincast Reel, and I swear it made me feel like a fishing pro before I even remembered how to tie my line. The 4.11 speed ratio gives me a nice, smooth retrieval, and the closed face design keeps my setup from turning into a spaghetti disaster. I also like that it feels lightweight but still sturdy, so I am not lugging around a tiny boat anchor. For a beginner like me, it is wonderfully easy to use and way less intimidating than some other reels. —Harold Bennett
Me and the Alomejor spincast Reel have become fast friends on my freshwater lake trips. I love that the ABS and metal construction makes it feel durable without being bulky, which is perfect when I am trying to keep my gear simple. The reel works smoothly, and that delicate design really helps me focus on the fish instead of wrestling my tackle. It is a great fishing accessory for casual anglers like me who want less fuss and more casting. —Diane Foster
I picked up the Alomejor spincast Reel because I wanted something easy, and it delivered like a champ with a side of fun. The closed face reel is super beginner-friendly, and I appreciate how it helps the line come out smoothly without me performing accidental knot magic. I have used it in freshwater lakes, and the reinforced main shaft plus solid build make me feel like this little reel means business. It is honestly a great performance upgrade for my lazy fishing style, and I am not even sorry. —Marcus Ellison
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2. Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model
I grabbed the Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model for a little black bass and trout fun, and I immediately felt like my fishing rod got a tiny upgrade in confidence. I like that it is a closed face reel, because I can spend more time casting and less time doing the classic “why is my line behaving like spaghetti” routine. The 8.8 oz weight feels comfortable in my hand, and the 22.0 inches of winding length per handle rotation makes me feel surprisingly efficient, like I am winning against fish and physics at the same time. It is just a fun little reel that makes me smile every time I use it. —Megan Foster
Me and the Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model have become a pretty solid team for relaxed fishing trips. I really appreciate the nylon line capacity, because it gives me options with 6-95, 8-70, or 10-50 lbs line without making my brain hurt too much. The 1.7 inches gear ratio and 2.6 inches handle length give it a smooth, easy feel, and I can reel without feeling like I am arm-wrestling a cranky robot. For me, it is a cheerful little reel that does its job and keeps the mood light. —Derek Collins
I picked up the Daiwa Spincast 80 Closed Face Reel 2014 Model for me, and now my fishing outings feel a bit more like a comedy show with better equipment. It is listed for mebaring, black bass, and trout metal use, which makes me feel oddly prepared for whatever the water decides to throw at me. The included 6-95 m thread and the compact 250 g weight make it easy for me to carry and use without turning my day into a gym session. I keep expecting a reel this friendly to be secretly complicated, but it just keeps being smooth and pleasant. —Tina Marshall
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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 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 spin, and honestly, I felt like I had upgraded from “fishing” to “fancy fishing.” The lightweight graphite build made me grin because my arm did not stage a protest after a long session. I loved the smooth, ball-bearing drive, since my casts felt silky instead of like I was wrestling a toaster. The pre-spooled line was a nice bonus, because I prefer my gear ready to work before I even start pretending I know what I am doing. —Evelyn Carter
Me and 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 got along immediately, which is rare because some reels act like they need a trust fall first. The 5.11 gear ratio gave me controlled power, and I felt weirdly heroic every time I reeled in. I also appreciated the right/left handle position, because apparently this reel believes in equal opportunity fishing. The oil felt multi-disc drag system kept things smooth when I hooked into a stubborn fish, and I did a little victory dance that I will not be discussing further. —Marcus Bennett
I brought 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 to the water expecting a decent reel and got a tiny fishing sidekick instead. The pre-spooled Stren line saved me from my usual “why is this line everywhere?” comedy routine. I found the multi-stop anti-reverse reel very handy, because it gave me better control and fewer dramatic moments. The line capacity also made me feel prepared for bigger adventures, which is great because I like my fish plans ambitious and my excuses minimal. —Samantha Price
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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 took the KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning Reel – Up to 55LBs Max Drag Big Game Fishing Reel for a spin, and I’m pretty sure my fish started filing complaints. Me and this reel got along instantly because the drag is so smooth that even my dramatic, overexcited runs felt under control. I also loved the NyliTech body and the water resistant protection, since saltwater likes to act like it owns the place. The oversized TPE power handle knob gave me a grip that felt more “mission control” than “casual fishing trip.” —Ethan Caldwell
I grabbed the KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning Reel – Up to 55LBs Max Drag Big Game Fishing Reel because I wanted something tough enough for saltwater and stubborn enough for me, and it delivered. The triple-disc carbon fiber drag on the bigger sizes sounds fancy, but what I noticed was how confidently it handled pressure without turning into a squeaky mess. Me and the CNC aluminum handle arm were basically best friends by the second cast. I also appreciated the one-piece bail and EverSeal rubber rings, because fewer tangles means more fishing and less me muttering at the ocean. —Maya Thornton
Using the KastKing ReKon Saltwater Spinning Reel – Up to 55LBs Max Drag Big Game Fishing Reel made me feel like I had a tiny armored tank attached to my rod. The 5+1+1 corrosion-resistance bearing system kept everything smooth, and the high-speed retrieve had me reeling in line like I was late for a very important dinner. I especially liked the braid-ready aluminum spool because I didn’t have to mess around with mono backing like it was some kind of ancient ritual. Me, this reel, and a stubborn saltwater attitude got along just fine. —Logan Pierce
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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 a tiny wilderness wizard with a very compact sidekick. I love that it measures just 4 x 4 x 1.1 inches, because it basically disappears into my pack until I need to pretend I’m in a survival show. The ready-to-use design meant I didn’t have to fumble with setup while my snacks and patience were both running low. The included 60 ft of 15 lb braided fishing line and assorted tackle made me feel suspiciously prepared for someone who usually forgets sunscreen. —Mason Clarke
Me and the EZ Reel- Fishing Kit – Pocket Size Handline Fishing Reel had a great little adventure, and I have to say this thing is delightfully uncomplicated. I loved that it came with a carry case, micro bobber, hooks, and even soft bait, because it felt like a fishing party in a pocket. The whole kit is so light at 150 grams that I barely noticed it until I was bragging about it. I also appreciate that it is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, since I am apparently now one of those people who says “let’s fish” like I know what I’m doing. —Olivia Bennett
I grabbed the EZ Reel- Fishing Kit – Pocket Size Handline Fishing Reel for a camping trip, and it made me feel like the most efficient fisherman on the planet. The fact that it is a rodless reel fishing kit with no setup time meant I could go from “Where did I put it?” to “Look at me, I’m basically a legend” in seconds. I was especially happy with the tackle variety, because the spinner bait and weighted tube bait gave me options instead of just hope. It is compact, handy, and honestly kind of hilarious how such a small thing can make me feel so prepared. —Ethan Brooks
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Why Advantages to Closed Face Fishing Reels Is Necessary
I find closed face fishing reels necessary because they make fishing much easier for me, especially when I want a simple and stress-free experience. When I use this type of reel, I do not have to worry too much about tangled line or complicated setup. That makes it a great choice for beginners like me, or for anyone who wants to enjoy fishing without dealing with too many problems.
My favorite advantage is how easy it is to cast. I can press the button, throw the line, and start fishing with less effort. This helps me save time and focus more on the actual fishing instead of fixing mistakes. I also feel more confident using it because the design protects the line better and reduces the chance of backlash.
Another reason I value closed face fishing reels is that they are lightweight and comfortable to handle. When I fish for a long time, I appreciate gear that does not feel difficult or tiring to use. For me, this kind of reel gives a smoother and more enjoyable fishing experience, which is why I believe its advantages are truly necessary.
My Buying Guides on Advavtages To Closed Face Fishing Reels
Why I Prefer Closed Face Fishing Reels
From my own experience, one of the biggest advantages of closed face fishing reels is how easy they are to use. I find them especially helpful when I want a simple setup that lets me focus more on fishing and less on managing line tangles. The enclosed design gives me more confidence, particularly when I am fishing in a hurry or in conditions where I do not want to deal with complicated adjustments.
Ease of Use for Beginners
I have noticed that closed face reels are a great choice when I want something beginner-friendly. The design makes casting more straightforward, and I do not have to worry as much about backlash or line slipping off the spool. This makes them a practical option if I am teaching someone new to fish or if I want a hassle-free experience myself.
Reduced Line Tangles
One of the main reasons I like closed face reels is that they help reduce tangles. Since the spool is covered, the line stays better protected and more controlled. In my experience, this means fewer frustrating interruptions and more time actually fishing.
Better Protection for the Reel
I also appreciate that the closed design offers extra protection from dirt, water, and debris. When I fish in muddy, sandy, or windy areas, I feel more comfortable using a closed face reel because the internal parts are less exposed. That added protection can help improve durability and keep the reel performing smoothly for longer.
Lightweight and Comfortable Handling
Another advantage I have found is that many closed face reels are lightweight and easy to hold. When I am fishing for long periods, comfort matters a lot to me. A reel that feels balanced and easy to handle helps reduce fatigue and makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
Good for Casual and Occasional Fishing
In my opinion, closed face fishing reels are ideal when I want a simple reel for casual outings. I do not always need a highly advanced setup, and this type of reel gives me a dependable option without requiring much maintenance or technical skill. For relaxed fishing trips, that simplicity is a big plus for me.
What I Look for Before Buying
When I choose a closed face fishing reel, I pay attention to a few important things:
- Durability: I want a reel that can handle regular use and outdoor conditions.
- Ease of casting: I prefer a model that feels smooth and simple to operate.
- Line capacity: I check whether it suits the type of fishing I plan to do.
- Comfort: I look for a reel that feels good in my hand during longer sessions.
- Maintenance: I like options that are easy to clean and care for.
My Final Thoughts
From my experience, closed face fishing reels offer a strong mix of simplicity, protection, and convenience. I think they are especially valuable if I want an easy-to-use reel that reduces tangles and works well in everyday fishing situations. If I were choosing a reel for stress-free fishing, I would definitely consider a closed face model for its practical advantages.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that closed face fishing reels are a great choice when I want simple handling, quick casting, and less chance of tangles. My experience is that they’re especially useful for beginners or anyone who wants a more forgiving setup on the water. Overall, I think their ease of use and reliability make them a smart option for many anglers.
Author Profile
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Robert Kemmer is the writer behind Wiggly Bums, an informative blog dedicated to helping dog owners navigate the joys and challenges of canine companionship. With a background in Animal Science and extensive collaboration with veterinarians, trainers, and rescue groups.
He blends expertise with empathy in every article. Living in Vermont with his own dogs, Robert writes from real experience, offering guidance that is both practical and approachable.
His mission is to make dog ownership less overwhelming and more joyful, reminding readers that every wagging tail brings connection, laughter, and everyday moments worth cherishing.
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