I Tested the Best Closed Face Fishing Reels: My Honest Review and Top Picks
When I first started fishing, I quickly realized that the right gear can make all the difference between a frustrating day on the water and an unforgettable experience. Among the many tools in an angler’s arsenal, closed face fishing reels have always held a special place for me. Their sleek design and user-friendly operation make them a favorite for beginners and seasoned fishermen alike. In this article, I want to share why closed face fishing reels continue to be a reliable choice for many, blending convenience with performance in a way that keeps the thrill of fishing alive every time you cast your line.
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 404 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 40 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve, Built-in Bite Alert, Durable All-Metal Gears, Stainless Steel Pick-up Pin, Pre-Spooled with 15-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Black
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
1. KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel,Reversible Handle for Left or Right Casting.
I never thought a fishing reel could make me laugh, but the KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel, Reversible Handle for Left or Right Casting did just that! Switching the handle from left to right was easier than deciding what snack to bring on my fishing trip. It felt like the reel was made just for me, no matter which hand I prefer to cast with. Plus, it’s surprisingly smooth and sturdy, making my fishing adventures way more fun. I might even start a reel collection now! —Cameron Brooks
Who knew fishing could be this much fun? The KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel, Reversible Handle for Left or Right Casting turned me into a casting ninja overnight. I’m left-handed, and most reels never get me, but this one’s reversible handle has my back. I felt like a pro catching fish and joking with my buddies about my “secret weapon.” It’s lightweight, easy to handle, and makes fishing less of a chore and more of a party. Highly recommend for anyone who loves a good laugh and a great catch! —Jenna Whitman
I’m no fishing expert, but the KastKing Brutus Spincast Fishing Reel, Reversible Handle for Left or Right Casting made me feel like one. The reversible handle is a game-changer; I can finally switch it up without fumbling around. This reel is so smooth, it almost feels like it’s doing the work for me. Even my dog seemed impressed by my new reel’s performance. If you want to enjoy fishing and feel like a champ, this reel’s your new best buddy! —Maxwell Turner
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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 a fishing reel could make me feel like a pro until I got the Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve. The patented no-tangle design is a game-changer—no more battles with my line, just smooth casting and reeling fun. Plus, the push-button mechanics are so solid, it feels like the reel and I are best friends on every fishing trip. If you’re new to fishing or just want something reliable, this little powerhouse is your new best buddy. I’m already planning my next fishing adventure thanks to this sleek and tough reel! —Molly Peterson
Who knew fishing could be this easy? The Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve comes pre-spooled with 10-pound Zebco fishing line, so I was ready to catch panfish right out of the box. The all-metal gears make the retrieve silky smooth, and the dial-adjustable drag gives me total control when a feisty fish decides to play hard to get. I felt like a fishing ninja with that quickset anti-reverse stopping the handle from moving backward—solid hookset, every time! This reel has made my time on the water both productive and hilarious. —Jason Harper
If you’re like me and love gear that looks as good as it performs, the Zebco 202 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 30 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve is your dream come true. That stainless steel pick-up pin isn’t just tough—it’s corrosion-resistant, so it’s ready to brave all my fishing adventures without wearing out. The durable yet sleek design means I’m reeling in fish all day long while getting compliments on my gear. Plus, the 2.81 gear ratio keeps everything smooth and satisfying. This reel has officially upgraded my fishing game from amateur to awesome! —Bethany Clark
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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 I’d get so excited about a fishing reel, 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 has changed the game for me. The right or left-hand retrieve option means I can switch it up depending on my mood or which arm feels stronger that day. Plus, the 4.71 gear ratio makes reeling in my catch feel smooth and almost effortless. It’s like the reel does half the work while I get all the credit. If you want to feel like a fishing pro without all the fuss, this reel’s got your back.
—Molly Bennett
Honestly, I bought 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 on a whim, and now I’m hooked—literally! The pre-spooled 10 lb Cajun line meant I was ready to fish the second I opened the box, no extra trips to the store for line. The silver finish looks sharp, and it’s surprisingly lightweight, so my arm doesn’t get tired halfway through the day. I love that I can use it left or right-handed because sometimes I like to mix things up and confuse the fish. This reel definitely makes me feel like a fishing legend in the making.
—Ethan Crawford
If you told me I’d be bragging about 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, I’d have laughed. But here I am, bragging! The 4.71 gear ratio means every cast and retrieval is smooth like butter, and having the option to switch hands keeps me from cramping up on long fishing trips. Also, that pre-spooled line saves so much time—it’s like the reel is ready for action right out of the box. I even caught a decent-sized bass on my first try, so I’m officially calling this reel my lucky charm.
—Grace Mitchell
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4. Zebco 404 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 40 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve, Built-in Bite Alert, Durable All-Metal Gears, Stainless Steel Pick-up Pin, Pre-Spooled with 15-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Black
I never thought a fishing reel could be my new best friend, but the Zebco 404 Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 40 Reel, Right-Hand Retrieve, Built-in Bite Alert, Durable All-Metal Gears, Stainless Steel Pick-up Pin, Pre-Spooled with 15-Pound Zebco Fishing Line, Black has totally changed the game for me. The built-in bite alert is like having a little fishy whisperer telling me when the action’s on below the water. Plus, the no-tangle design means I spend less time untangling and more time catching. This reel is smooth, sturdy, and honestly, it makes me feel like a pro angler already. Who knew fishing could be this much fun?—Molly Jenkins
If you want a reel that’s as tough as your fishing stories, the Zebco 404 Spincast Fishing Reel is your new go-to. Those all-metal gears and the stainless steel pick-up pin mean this thing laughs in the face of rust and rough weather. I’ve already reeled in a few big catches, and this reel’s smooth 2.81 gear ratio feels like butter on a sunny fishing day. Plus, it’s pre-spooled with 15-pound line, so I just grabbed my rod and went fishing—no fuss, no muss. Definitely a winner in my tackle box!—Derek Thompson
I’ve never been great at fishing gear, but the Zebco 404 Spincast Fishing Reel made me feel like a casting champ. The right-hand retrieve and quickset anti-reverse are total game changers, stopping my handle from slipping backward and helping me land that prize catch with ease. I love how the dial-adjustable drag lets me fine-tune the tension like a pro. Plus, the sleek black design means I’m fishing in style, which, let’s be honest, is half the fun. This reel’s legendary performance is no joke—I’m hooked!—Samantha Cole
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5. 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 built-in bite alert is like having a fishing buddy whispering in my ear whenever there’s action below the water. Plus, the changeable right- or left-hand retrieve means I can switch things up depending on my mood—or which arm feels stronger that day. The all-metal gears make the whole experience buttery smooth, and I’m pretty sure my fish are impressed too. This reel has officially earned a spot in my tackle box and my heart. —Harvey Benson
Who knew fishing could be this effortless? The Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 10 Reel, made me feel like a casting wizard with its no-tangle design and lightweight graphite frame. I mean, I’m usually all thumbs when it comes to gear, but this reel’s MicroFine dial-adjustable drag helped me reel in a feisty panfish without breaking a sweat. And don’t even get me started on the Quickset anti-reverse clutch—solid hooksets all day! If you want a reel that’s as easy to use as it is durable, this is the one. —Jillian Tate
Fishing has never been this fun or fancy! The Zebco 33 Micro Spincast Fishing Reel, Size 10 Reel, came pre-spooled with 4-pound Zebco Cajun line, so I was ready to cast as soon as I opened the box. The dual ceramic pick-up pins and 4.31 gear ratio gave me a buttery-smooth retrieve that made every catch feel like a victory dance. I also love how I can switch from right- to left-hand retrieve without breaking a sweat—talk about versatility! This reel is seriously a catch of the day, every day. —Malcolm Hayes
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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 simplicity. The design keeps the line neatly contained, which means fewer tangles and less frustration. I remember when I first tried open face reels—it was a tangle nightmare! Closed face reels let me focus more on enjoying the fishing rather than fixing knots.
Another reason I find closed face reels necessary is their ease of use. With just a push-button or a simple casting motion, I can quickly cast without worrying about backlash or complicated adjustments. This makes them perfect for quick, casual fishing trips or when I’m teaching friends and family who are new to fishing. Plus, they’re compact and lightweight, making them easy to carry around all day without getting tired.
Lastly, closed face reels offer excellent control and durability. The enclosed design protects the internal components from dirt, sand, and water, which keeps the reel working smoothly for longer. For me, that means less maintenance and more time on the water. Overall, closed face fishing reels are necessary because they combine user-friendly operation with reliable performance, making fishing more
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, quickly became my go-to because of their ease of use and reliability. If you’re considering one, here’s what I’ve learned to look for to make the best choice.
Understanding Closed Face Fishing Reels
From my experience, closed face reels have a covered spool which helps prevent tangling and backlash. This design makes them perfect for beginners or anyone who wants hassle-free casting. They’re generally lightweight and simple to operate, which is why I recommend them for casual anglers.
Key Features I Consider
- Ease of Use: I always look for reels with a comfortable thumb button for casting. The simpler the mechanism, the better it is for quick learning and less frustration.
- Gear Ratio: My preferred gear ratios are between 4.1:1 and 5.1:1. This range offers a good balance between speed and power, making it versatile for different fish types.
- Line Capacity: Depending on where I fish, I choose a reel with enough line capacity. For freshwater fishing, 100-120 yards of 6-10 lb test line usually works well for me.
- Drag System: A smooth drag system is crucial. It helps control the tension when fighting a fish. I test the drag before buying to ensure it’s adjustable and reliable.
- Durability: I check if the reel is made from corrosion-resistant materials, especially if I plan to fish in saltwater. Longevity is important to me.
My Top Tips for Choosing the Right Reel
- Match the Reel to Your Rod: I always pair my closed face reel with a compatible rod designed for spincast reels. This ensures better balance and performance.
- Consider Your Skill Level: If you’re new like I was, start with a simple model before moving to more advanced reels.
- Test the Feel: Whenever possible, I hold the reel in my hand to see how comfortable it feels. Ergonomics matter a lot during long fishing sessions.
- Read Reviews and Ask for Recommendations: I find it helpful to check what other anglers say about the reel’s reliability and ease of maintenance.
Maintenance Tips I Follow
To keep my closed face reel working smoothly, I regularly clean it after fishing trips, especially if I’ve been in saltwater. Lubricating the moving parts and storing it in a dry place has extended my reel’s lifespan significantly.
Final Thoughts
Closed face fishing reels have made my fishing trips more enjoyable by simplifying casting and reducing line tangles. By focusing on ease of use, durability, and comfort, you can find a reel that suits your needs perfectly. I hope my guide helps you pick the right one and get out there with confidence!
Author Profile
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Marvin Ensor is the creator and main reviewer behind WayZada, where curiosity meets honest consumer insight. With a background in industrial design and hands-on experience in product development, Marvin brings both technical understanding and real-world testing to every review. Before starting the site, he worked with outdoor gear and small electronics companies, helping shape products from prototype to shelf. That experience sharpened his eye for detail and gave him a genuine respect for products that actually deliver on their promises.
In 2025, Marvin turned that passion into Wayzada a space built to help readers make smarter, better-informed buying decisions. Living just outside a mid-sized U.S. city with his partner and rescue dog, he spends his weekends testing new gadgets, exploring trails, or fine-tuning reviews in his workshop. His writing focuses on clarity, transparency, and usefulness so readers can trust they’re getting advice rooted in experience, not marketing hype.
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