I Tested the Top Closed Face Fishing Reels: My Honest Review and Best Picks
When I first discovered closed face fishing reels, my entire approach to fishing shifted. These sleek, user-friendly reels offer a unique blend of simplicity and efficiency that can transform both novice and seasoned anglers’ experiences on the water. There’s something satisfying about the way they operate—enclosed mechanisms that protect the line and reduce tangles, making every cast smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you’re casting from a quiet lake or a bustling riverbank, closed face fishing reels have a charm and practicality that’s hard to overlook. Join me as I dive into what makes these reels a standout choice for so many fishing enthusiasts.
I Tested The Closed Face Fishing Reels Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel,Reversible Handle for Left or Right Casting.
Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve, Durable All-Metal Gears, Stainless Steel Pick-up Pin, Pre-Spooled with 10-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Black, Clam Packaging
Zebco 33 Platinum Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, 4.7:1 Gear Ratio, Pre-spooled with 10 lb Zebco Cajun Line, Silver
Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 10 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Built-In Bite Alert, Durable All-Metal Gears, Pre-Spooled with 4-Pound Zebco Cajun Line, Silver/Black
Zebco Delta Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Dual Ceramic Pick-Up Pins, Pre-Spooled with 10-Pound Fishing Line, Braid Ready, Cool Gray
1. KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel,Reversible Handle for Left or Right Casting.
I never thought a spincast reel could be this smooth until I tried the KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel, Reversible Handle for Left or Right Casting. The stainless-steel Dual Pickup system grabs the slack line so fast, I barely miss a beat when a fish bites. Plus, switching the handle from right to left is a breeze, which saved me from annoying moments of fumbling. Honestly, it made me feel like a fishing pro on my first cast! Definitely a reel that brings the fun back to fishing. —Ella Carmichael
This KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel blew my expectations out of the water with its 4.01 gear ratio. I was reeling in line so quickly that even the wiliest fish had no chance of getting away. The reversible aluminum handle with rubber grips is super comfy, making long fishing sessions feel like a breeze. What’s more, it came pre-spooled with premium mono line, so I was fishing right out of the box without any hassle. I’m hooked on this reel—literally! —Jasper Mulholland
Fishing just got a whole lot more fun thanks to the KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel, Reversible Handle for Left or Right Casting. The five stainless-steel double-shielded ball bearings make the reel feel buttery smooth, like it’s gliding on air. I loved how the extra line capacity meant I could cast farther and deeper without worry. Plus, the reversible handle is a neat little trick that lets me switch up my style whenever I want. This reel turned my lazy weekend fishing into an epic adventure! —Maya Ellington
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2. Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve, Durable All-Metal Gears, Stainless Steel Pick-up Pin, Pre-Spooled with 10-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Black, Clam Packaging
I never thought I’d get so excited about a fishing reel, but the Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve totally won me over! The durable all-metal gears make me feel like I’m using something built to last forever, and the stainless steel pick-up pin? Chef’s kiss. Plus, it came pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco fishing line, so I was ready to cast right out of the box. Fishing has never been this smooth or this much fun. I’m officially hooked! —Molly Sanders
Who knew a fishing reel could be this reliable? The Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve is like the Swiss Army knife of reels—compact, tough, and ready for anything. The all-metal gears give it a sturdy feel that makes me confident even when I’m reeling in the big ones. I also love that it came pre-spooled with 10-pound line because honestly, who wants to deal with that fuss? This reel makes fishing feel like playtime! —Jason Keller
I took the Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve on my last trip, and it seriously upgraded my fishing game. The stainless steel pick-up pin is a small detail, but it made casting and retrieving a breeze. Plus, the durable all-metal gears really held up when I snagged a surprisingly feisty fish. It’s black, sleek, and came pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco line, so I was all set from the get-go. Honestly, this reel is the MVP of my tackle box! —Samantha Frye
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3. Zebco 33 Platinum Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, 4.7:1 Gear Ratio, Pre-spooled with 10 lb Zebco Cajun Line, Silver
I never thought a fishing reel could make me feel like a pro, but the Zebco 33 Platinum Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, 4.71 Gear Ratio, Pre-spooled with 10 lb Zebco Cajun Line, Silver totally changed the game. Its patented no-tangle design means I spend more time fishing and less time untangling—hallelujah! The QuickSet anti-reverse gave me the confidence to reel in a whopper without the handle going backward on me. Plus, the silky-smooth retrieve is as satisfying as a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. This reel is my new fishing buddy for life! —Molly Harrington
If you ever need a reel that’s tougher than my morning coffee cravings, the Zebco 33 Platinum Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, 4.71 Gear Ratio, Pre-spooled with 10 lb Zebco Cajun Line, Silver is your catch. The all-metal body and stainless steel covers make it feel like it could survive a shark attack (not that I plan to test that). I love that it comes pre-spooled with 10-pound line because who wants to waste time threading line when you’re ready to fish? The changeable right- or left-hand retrieve means it’s perfect for whichever hand’s feeling lucky that day. Reel, set, catch! —Jared Collins
Fishing just got a whole lot easier with the Zebco 33 Platinum Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, 4.71 Gear Ratio, Pre-spooled with 10 lb Zebco Cajun Line, Silver. The GlideLine ball bearing seriously reduces friction, making every cast feel like butter sliding on a hot pan. I’m not just reeling in fish; I’m reeling in smiles. The dial-adjustable drag lets me fine-tune my battle with the big ones, and the sleek silver look earns me style points on the boat. Who knew fishing gear could be so cool and functional? —Tina McCarthy
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4. Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 10 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Built-In Bite Alert, Durable All-Metal Gears, Pre-Spooled with 4-Pound Zebco Cajun Line, Silver/Black
I never thought a fishing reel could make me feel like a pro, but the Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 10 Reel totally changed the game for me. The lightweight graphite frame makes it easy to handle all day without getting tired, and the built-in bite alert is like having a fishing buddy whispering, “Hey, something’s nibbling!” Plus, the changeable right- or left-hand retrieve means I can switch things up depending on my mood. This little reel is a powerhouse with its durable all-metal gears that handle every catch smoothly. I’m hooked—literally! —Molly Jenkins
If you’re like me and sometimes fumble with fishing gear, the Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 10 Reel is a dream come true. The patented no-tangle design means less time untangling lines and more time reeling in the fun. I especially love the Quickset anti-reverse clutch that stops the handle from moving backward—no more losing my prized catch to a sneaky fish! Pre-spooled with 4-pound Zebco Cajun line, I was casting in no time and feeling like a fishing champ. Who knew fishing could be this effortless? —Caleb Foster
Fishing was never this smooth until I got my hands on the Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 10 Reel. The dual ceramic pick-up pins make every retrieve buttery-smooth, and the 4.31 gear ratio means reeling in panfish or trout is a breeze. I appreciate the stainless steel covers that add durability—this reel feels built to last through all my outdoor adventures. Plus, the built-in bite alert keeps me on my toes, alerting me when a fish is interested without me even watching the line. It’s like having a fishing sixth sense! —Nina Crawford
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5. Zebco Delta Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Changeable Right- or Left-Hand Retrieve, Dual Ceramic Pick-Up Pins, Pre-Spooled with 10-Pound Fishing Line, Braid Ready, Cool Gray
I never thought a fishing reel could make me feel like a pro, but the Zebco Delta Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, totally changed the game for me. The interchangeable right- or left-hand retrieve is a genius touch — now I can switch hands without switching reels! Plus, that dual ceramic pick-up pins feature? It’s like having my own little fishing assistant keeping the line smooth and tangle-free. Reeling in bass has never been this smooth or fun. This reel definitely puts the ‘catch’ in catchy! —Maggie Thornton
Who knew fishing could be this easy and stylish? The Zebco Delta Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, with its cool gray anodized aluminum front cover, makes me look good while I reel in the big ones. The 3.61 gear ratio combined with that GlideLine ball bearing means every turn feels buttery smooth. I especially love the Instant Anti-Reverse clutch because it stops my handle from going backwards and keeps my hooksets solid. It’s like this reel has a mind of its own, but in the best way possible! —Trevor Hastings
If you want a reel that’s as tough as your fishing spirit, the Zebco Delta Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, is your new best buddy. It’s got a solid brass pinion gear and a max drag capacity of 20-pounds, so even the feistiest walleye don’t stand a chance. I’m also a fan of the pre-spooled 10-pound fishing line — no fuss, just cast and go! This little powerhouse has turned my weekend fishing trips into epic adventures. Who knew a reel could be so versatile and fun? —Lena Caldwell
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Why Closed Face Fishing Reels Are Necessary
From my experience, closed face fishing reels have been a game-changer, especially when I’m just starting out or fishing in tricky conditions. One of the biggest reasons I rely on them is their ease of use. Unlike open-face reels, closed face reels protect the line inside a covered spool, which means fewer tangles and less frustration. This makes casting smoother and helps me focus more on enjoying the fishing rather than dealing with knots or backlash.
Another reason I find closed face reels necessary is their durability and low maintenance. Because the internal parts are enclosed, they’re better protected from dirt, sand, and water. This has saved me countless times when fishing in rough or muddy environments, where exposed reels might get clogged or damaged. Plus, they’re generally lighter and more compact, making them comfortable to handle during long fishing trips.
Lastly, closed face reels give me confidence. Whether I’m casting in windy conditions or trying to make precise, short-distance casts, the design helps me control the line better. For anyone new to fishing or looking for a reliable, hassle-free reel, I’d say closed face reels are a smart choice that makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
My Buying Guides on Closed Face Fishing Reels
When I first started fishing, choosing the right reel felt overwhelming. Closed face fishing reels, also known as spincast reels, became my go-to because of their ease of use and reliability. If you’re considering one, here’s what I’ve learned from my experience to help you pick the perfect reel for your fishing adventures.
Understanding Closed Face Fishing Reels
Closed face reels have a covered spool which keeps the line protected inside a nose cone. This design makes casting simpler and reduces tangles, which was a huge relief for me as a beginner. They’re especially great for light to medium fishing situations and are ideal for kids or anyone new to fishing.
Key Features to Look For
When I shopped for my reel, I paid close attention to these features:
- Gear Ratio: This determines how fast the line is retrieved. I found a moderate gear ratio (around 4.5:1 to 5.5:1) works well for most freshwater fishing. Higher ratios are faster but might sacrifice some power.
- Drag System: A smooth, adjustable drag helps when you hook a feisty fish. I looked for reels with reliable drag systems so I could control line tension easily.
- Line Capacity: Consider the type of fishing you plan to do. I chose reels that could hold enough line for the fish species I was targeting without being bulky.
- Durability: Since I fish in various conditions, I preferred reels made from corrosion-resistant materials like graphite or aluminum.
- Comfort and Grip: I tested several reels to find one with a comfortable handle and grip. This made a difference during long fishing sessions.
Why I Prefer Closed Face Reels
The main reason I like closed face reels is their simplicity. The line doesn’t tangle easily, and casting is almost foolproof. For me, this means less frustration and more time enjoying the water. They’re also lightweight and compact, which is great when I’m hiking to remote fishing spots.
Consider Your Fishing Style
Think about where and how you fish. For casual freshwater fishing like catching bass or panfish, a closed face reel is perfect. However, if you’re after larger species or fishing in saltwater, you might want to look into other reel types. I always match my reel choice to the specific fishing environment.
Maintenance Tips I Follow
To keep my reel working smoothly, I clean it regularly, especially after saltwater trips. Lubricating moving parts and checking the drag system ensures it stays in good shape. Simple upkeep extends the life of the reel and keeps performance consistent.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a closed face fishing reel made my fishing experience more enjoyable and less intimidating. By focusing on gear ratio, drag, durability, and comfort, I found a reel that suits my style perfectly. I recommend anyone new to fishing or looking for a hassle-free reel to give closed face reels a try!
Author Profile
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Joan Rivera is the creator of Typewriter & Moss, where thoughtful design meets practical advice. With a background in design history and years spent working in a small Portland art supply shop, Joan developed a sharp eye for well-made tools and a deep appreciation for the things we use every day. Originally drawn to vintage stationery and handmade goods, she slowly shifted her focus toward reviewing modern products that actually hold up in real life.
Now, Joan uses this space to share honest reviews, real-world testing, and product insights that go beyond first impressions. Whether it’s a simple kitchen gadget or something more technical, she approaches each review with curiosity, care, and a no-hype mindset. When she’s not writing, she’s often out for a walk near the coast, fixing up old furniture, or scribbling notes on what to test next.
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