Fishing was never easier until the advent of open face fishing reels.
Now, you don’t have to worry about escaping fish and tiresome heavy nets. All you need is a decent open face reel, and you won’t miss out on your prey.
The following guide is a thorough review of some of the best open face reels.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Open Face Reels
- OUR TOP PICK: KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
- BEST OPEN FACE REEL FOR THE MONEY: KastKing Sharky III
- BEST OPEN FACE SPINNING REEL: KastKing Valiant Eagle Spinning Reel
Comparison of the Best Open Face Reels
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What is an Open Face Reel?
An open-face reel is a type of spinning reel which offers a spool that is open. Unlike spincast reels, open face reels don’t have an enclosed spool. An open-face reel has a stationary spool for line storage. It is very handy as the line stops uncoiling once the cast is completed.
Open face reels are among the most popular type of fishing rods among anglers. The reel is located on the bottom of the rod or blank. Also, the guides are considerably larger when compared with the spincast reels. These open-face reels are ideal for professionals to intermediate anglers.
What is an Open Face Reel Used For?
An open-face reel is also known as a spinning reel. Unlike spincast reels, it has a spool that is not covered. Open face reels are quite popular since they offer high versatility due to different sizes and ease of use. Talking about its uses, here are some of the uses of open face reels.
Small to Medium Size Fish
An open-face reel is generally used to catch small to medium-sized fish. In the US, the large-mouth bass is the most popular game fish found in freshwater. Spinning or open face reels are ideal to bait and catch these small to medium-sized fish with extreme ease. Consequently, you can experience a smooth and reliable fishing experience while using these fishing reels.
Fresh Water
Open face reels are usually designed for freshwater. They have a durable construction, however, they are not recommended for saltwater applications. Therefore, it is always wise to use open face reels in freshwater to catch your prey with ease.
Easy to Use
If you’re a beginner or new to fishing, an open face reel is a good start to your fishing journey. Since they are super easy to use and available at low prices. It’s a great start for novice and occasional anglers.
How to Choose an Open Face Reel
Choosing an open face reel is quite a task, especially when there are thousands of similar products to offer. However, it is wise to thoroughly research and determine the right one based on your requirements. Some reels offer different features and functionality, while others require different working conditions and various mechanisms. It greatly depends on your personal preferences and how you wish to operate an open face reel. Here are some aspects to consider while choosing an open face reel.
Frame
While purchasing an open face reel, make sure that the construction is solid. Typically, most open face reels feature an aluminum or graphite frame. These frames offer great durability while being lightweight at the same time. However, graphite tends to wear faster than aluminum, therefore, look for an aluminum frame.
Salt vs. Freshwater
Open face reels are designed for either salt or freshwater applications. However, some offer both qualities. Therefore, you need to identify whether you are going to fish in fresh or saltwater. Pick either one, depending upon your personal preferences.
Price
Well, the price is the most important factor to consider while purchasing an open face reel. Usually, a high-end reel would possess a considerably higher price tag. Therefore, you need to invest wisely. If you are an occasional angler, a decent quality open face reel will do the job. However, if you are a professional angler, you might require a high-quality and expensive reel.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
- Materials: The materials the reel is made of.
- Weight: The actual weight of the reel.
- Hand Orientation: Which dominant hand the reel is made for.
- Bearing Type and Material: The number or type of bearings inside the reel and also the bearing material.
- Gear Ratio: This tells you the number of times the reel spool turns with each crank of the handle.
- Maximum Drag: The amount of force the reel can withstand without the line slipping.
- Line Compatibility: Which line types the reel is meant to be used with.
Review of the Best Open Face Reels
Open face reels are a great way to catch fish effectively and efficiently. The reason is the swift and sleek design that offers ease of use and high reliability. However, purchasing a high-quality open face reel demands thorough research. To save your time and money, we have devised a list of products based on features, personal preferences, and quality.
Best Overall:
KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reels
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most users refer to this product as one of the best open face reels. They believe that it is worth the money you pay. Most importantly, it is lightweight and can be operated easily with its durable design and multiple features. It’s a great pick for anyone who loves occasional fishing in local freshwater.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Most of the people think that this reel is a value for money product. However, we think a bit differently. What strikes us about the KastKing is the overall design and build quality of this reel. It features a narrow graphite frame that is incredibly lightweight while being durable at the same time. Furthermore, there’s a superb drag system to provide you with an ultra-smooth experience.
Who Will Use This Most
The KastKing fishing reel is designed for freshwater fishing. It possesses an attractive finish and a fine design to attract anyone who loves fishing. If you wish to experience an ultra-smooth reel experience, then nothing beats this reel. In a nutshell, it’s a superb fishing reel for freshwater fishing.
Bottom Line
To sum it up, if you’re an amateur or a pro, this reel is a must buy. It offers you all that you need. Ease of use, smooth experience, reliability, durability, and an awesome finish are what you get with this unit! However, watch out for the small crank handle and salt water.
Product Specs
Material:
Aluminum, Graphite
Weight:
0.62 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
9+1 ball bearing Aluminum
Gear Ratio:
5.2:1
Maximum Drag:
13 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Braided
Best Open Face Reel for the Money:
KastKing Sharky III
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Well, the reviews say it all. This is another great open face reel that promises a great fishing experience. The users are truly amazed by the performance and the quality of this fishing reel. They believe that it offers great versatility and a silky-smooth operation. Whether small, medium or large-sized fish, the KastKing Sharky won’t disappoint you with its capabilities.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The KastKing Sharky has multiple features to offer. Firstly, it is extremely reliable since it can be used in saltwater, as well as, freshwater. Secondly, it features a unique water-resistant design for long-term operability. Also, it has a silky-smooth retrieve and an aluminum spool to eliminate the use of the backing line. Most importantly, it’s highly affordable and delivers much more for the price.
Who Will Use This Most
The KastKing Sharky III is perfectly designed for fishing in salt, as well as, freshwater. It is available in multiple sizes and line capacity to meet your fishing requirements. It is a great choice for anyone who seeks a multi-functionality fishing reel. Small, medium, or large fish, this is all you need on your fishing expedition.
Bottom Line
In short, if you are looking for a great all-around fishing reel, this is your best bet. It offers you solid construction, multiple features paired with an ultra-smooth operation that provides you a flawless and seamless fishing experience. It’s a must-have fishing reel!
Product Specs
Material:
Aluminum
Weight:
0.9375 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
10+1 shielded stainless steel ball bearing
Gear Ratio:
5.2:1
Maximum Drag:
33 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Braided
Best Open Face Spinning Reel:
KastKing Valiant Eagle Spinning
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A highly recommended fishing reel, this is a masterpiece when it comes to fishing. Its ultra-smooth drag offers you a superb reel experience. What’s attractive is the bearing count. It features an outstounding 11 stainless steel ball bearings for superb performance with an amazing 6.2:1 gear ratio.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The KastKing Valiant Eagle has a lot to offer at the given price. It features an Expanded Pinion System that provides strength and performance. Moreover, the Sliding Stabilizer Rod delivers a long-life and durability. The frame and rotor are made of graphite while being extremely lightweight and sturdy. It’s the perfect reel for fresh and saltwater applications.
Who Will Use This Most
We find that this model is suited for both salt and freshwater applications. It is fast, reliable, and ultra-smooth when it comes to fishing. In addition, it features a lightweight and compact design to ensure maximum user satisfaction. If you’re seeking a day or two fishing, then this fishing reel is the best choice of the lot.
Bottom Line
You asked for the best. Well, you got one now. The KastKing Valiant Eagle is a superb fishing reel when it comes to fishing. It offers you a ton of features while delivering incredible performance and durability. If you are looking for a long-term investment, then this model is worth considering.
Product Specs
Material:
Graphite
Weight:
0.5375 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
7+1 MaxiDur shielded stainless steel
Gear Ratio:
6.2:1
Maximum Drag:
17.6 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Mono and Braided
Best Penn Open Face Reel:
Penn Battle II
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A great fishing reel that provides superb performance is what most users have to say. They believe that the Penn Battle fishing reel provides all they need for their fishing needs. In addition, most users highly recommended this fishing reel since it offers great versatility. It’s available in various sizes, which allows you to pick the right one without compromising on personal preferences.
Why it Stands Out to Us
There are a number of features that we like about the Penn Battle fishing reel. The most attractive thing about it is the versatility it offers. It is available in various sizes to ensure your requirements are met. Moreover, it is a great choice if you are a big lover of fishing in salt water.
Who Will Use This Most
The Penn Battle offers a durable full metal construction, side plate, and rotor. It features a bail wire made out of heavy-duty aluminum while offering HT100 carbon fiber drag washers. Therefore, if you are looking for a durable yet smooth fishing experience then, this is the ultimate choice.
Bottom Line
The Penn Battle fishing reel is a highly reliable and durable fishing reel designed for salt water. It is capable of catching big fish while offering long-term durability due to its metal construction. It has 5 stainless steel ball bearings and instant anti-reverse bearing to facilitate the users. It’s a great choice for big saltwater gamefish.
Product Specs
Material:
Stainless steel, Metal
Weight:
1 lb
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
5+1 sealed stainless steel ball bearing
Gear Ratio:
6.2:1
Maximum Drag:
15 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Multifilament
Best Open Face Fishing Reel With Trigger:
SHIMANO Syncopate
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the recent buyers are completely satisfied with the Shimano fishing reel. What impressed the users is the availability of various technologies embedded to facilitate the fishermen. It has an ergonomic design and a sleek build that catches the eye for most fishermen. It’s a highly recommended product!
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Shimano fishing reel offers a great bit of technology to its users. What we like about it is its efficient and reliable design at a lower price tag. In addition, it offers Quick Fire II Technology for fast and easy operation while Varispeed enables consistent spool speed. Moreover, the Dyna-Balance allows you a wobble-free retrieve. Also, the Propulsion Line Management System is introduced for longer cast distances.
Who Will Use This Most
The Shimano fishing reel is not a high-end reel, however, it functions as one. The build quality is pretty decent while it offers you great value for your money. It is an ideal pick for beginners and experienced anglers who wish to catch their prey without a sweat! Most importantly, it’s relatively cheap, therefore, it attracts a large number of customers.
Bottom Line
A final word on the Shimano fishing reel would be that it’s a value for money fishing reel that offers more than what you pay. It is designed to perfection with multiple technologies, allowing you to experience a more reliable experience. In short, it’s a great fishing reel if you don’t want to miss out on your prey!
Product Specs
Material:
A6063 aluminum
Weight:
0.475 lbs
Bearing Type and Material:
4BB + 1RB
Gear Ratio:
5.2:1
Maximum Drag:
7 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Mono
6. Okuma Avenger ABF Graphite Bait
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Here’s another great fishing reel for fishing lovers. A high percentage of positive reviews suggest that it has a lot to offer. Most users reported an elegant and durable design of the Okuma Avenger fishing reel. It offers a great ultra-smooth experience and an anti-reverse capability that enhances user experience.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is a super-smooth fishing reel for your liking. It is all you need if you want a smooth reel experience. It has a bait feeding system that enables disengagement of the spool and a multi-disc drag system. Additionally, it has 6 ball bearings and features an anti-reverse feature as well. All in all, it’s a highly durable and elegant fishing reel with its corrosion-resistant body.
Who Will Use This Most
The Okuma Avenger fishing reel is perfectly designed for large and heavier fish found in freshwater. If you are into big fish, then you probably need an Okuma Avenger open face fishing reel. Not only does it offer an elegant design but also a corrosion-resistant construction for long-lasting functionality. Thus, it’s a great choice for fishing lovers.
Bottom Line
Tired of breaking lines and escaping fish? Try this fishing reel and forget your fishing miseries forever! This is an incredible fishing reel designed to perfection for catching large and heavier fish with extreme ease. It is super-smooth and resistant to corrosion, which makes it a great choice if you seek a long-lasting yet durable fishing reel.
Product Specs
Material:
Stainless Steel
Weight:
1 lb
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
6BB + 1RB stainless steel ball bearing
Gear Ratio:
4.5:1
Maximum Drag:
26 lbs
Line Compatibility:
Mono and Braided
Best Zebco Open Face Reel:
Zebco Quick Cast 10SZ
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A fairly large number of recent buyers left a positive review regarding this fishing reel. What appeals to them is the trigger system of this reel. The QuickCast casting trigger system enables you a fast and reliable casting experience. All in all, it’s a great fishing reel that provides you with a ton of flexibility and reliability.
Why it Stands Out to Us
What is attractive about this reel is, of course, its trigger system. The Zebco QuickCast reel offers a QuickCast triggering system that most fishing reels don’t offer. Other than that, it also features a ball-bearing drive and a QuickSet anti-reverse system for great reliability. Also, it comes with a graphite spool and a stainless bail wire, which is extremely sturdy.
Who Will Use This Most
Well, the Zebco Quick Cast reel is perfectly designed to snap small and fast-moving fish in no time. As the name suggests, it offers some quick casting features that allow you to catch maximum fish in minimal time. It is perfectly designed for impatient anglers who wish to catch fish quickly.
Bottom Line
The Zebco Quick Cast is a great addition to your fishing arsenal if you are new to fishing. It offers you a seamless and easy to operate mechanism that most reels don’t offer. It has an anti-reverse capability and a fair casting range to ensure your prey doesn’t get away.
Product Specs
Material:
Aluminum, Graphite
Weight:
0.62 lbs
Hand Orientation:
Ambidextrous
Bearing Type and Material:
1 ball bearing
Gear Ratio:
5.2:1
Types of Reels Explained - Spot The Difference
There are different types of fishing reels available on the market nowadays. These fishing reels differ from one another based on their functionality and purpose of usage. To help you with a better understanding, here are some of the various types of fishing reels.
Spin Cast Reels
Spin cast reels are also known as closed face reels. These fishing reels have a covered spool usually, with an aluminum or graphite covering. Unlike open face reels, spincast reels are ideal for beginners, occasional anglers, and children.
Bait-Casting Reels
Baitcasting reels are generally designed for larger and heavier fish. These reels are ideally used for catching big fish such as bass and catfish. Apart from that, they are designed to withstand saltwater. If you excel in using your thumb to control the spool, the baitcasting reel will work like a charm.
Spinning Reels
Spinning reels or Open Face reels are quite popular when it comes to fishing. Unlike Spin cast reels, spinning reels offer an open spool. It means that their spool is not covered like spincast reels. Their popularity is generally linked to their size range and being extremely easy to use. However, you cannot expect to catch heavy fish using these fishing reels.
How to Cast an Open Face Reel
Casting with modern open face reels is fairly simple and easy. Since most of these reels exhibit user-friendly mechanisms, they are easy to use. However, you would always require some sort of knowledge and experience to cast an open face reel successfully. Here is a short tutorial of how to cast an open face reel:
- First of all, grip the reel using two fingers holding each side of the post.
- Now, use your index finger to hold the line while opening the bail with the other hand. This will free the line.
- Next, swing the rod where you want the bait to land. Relax your index finger and allow the bait’s weight to uncoil the line.
- To control the distance of the cast, use your finger to adjust the line as it continues to uncoil from the spool.
- Finally, once the cast is complete, you can close the bail by rotating the handle of the reel. You can also close it by hand. You can then retrieve the line when you want.
If you are still unsure of the casting mechanism, here is a visual demonstration of how it’s done.
How to String an Open Face Reel
Stringing an open face reel is simple and quite easy. Since they offer you simple operating mechanisms, they can be spooled even by beginners. All you need to do is follow these steps, and you are good to go.
- The first thing you have to do is put the braided line through the top eye. Then, pull the line down to the reel.
- The next thing you have to do is flip open the bail.
- Now, tie a knot with the braided line in order to connect with the reel.
- Pull the tag end to the knot carefully while tightening. It should be close enough so that you don’t need to cut the end.
- Now cover the spool with a layer or two of the mono-line. Make sure that the line is tight and true using your fingers.
- Once the spool is covered, cut the line past the first eye. As the braided line is attached, make sure there are no twists or tangles in between.
- Hold the braided line with your right hand on the rod and fingers to feed the line.
- Now, all you have to do is start reeling and bring the braided line to the reel.
You are now ready and set up with the braided line and good to go!
Conclusion
Open face reels are a reliable yet cheap source of catching fish. However, there are tons of different types of fishing reels available that can confuse you when it comes to purchasing. This guide was designed to be an all-inclusive guide to ensure you get the best of the lot. Happy fishing!
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