Closed-Face Reels

If the Abu Ambassadeur is a classic, then the Abumatic closed-face reel is certainly comparable. Legendary stories tell of Matice reels used as net weights alongside fishing, which have still functioned flawlessly for decades. While these tales may have grown embellished over the years, one thing is certain: they were good and durable reels. A closed-face reel is still a great choice for beginner anglers, with a few caveats; the cheapest models should be avoided, and the reels must be well-maintained. Practically, this means rinsing with freshwater after saltwater use and light lubrication a few times a year. If you’re not willing to perform these maintenance tasks, then an open-face reel is the right choice for both beginner male and female anglers. A good closed-face reel is often distinguished by its cross-winding feature. This mechanism allows the line to distribute evenly on the spool and prevents it from immediately tangling during casts. Cross-winding can be found in most reels priced over 50 euros. The most popular cross-winding reels include the Daiwa Gold Cast and the Abumatic 170. Closed-face reels are quite particular about the right type of line; stiff and thick monofilament lines are the worst choice. Braided lines have also been tested, though with varying success. Fibers have performed best on the Daiwa Gold Cast reel. Traditional closed-face rod is short, about 180 cm long, and features a pistol grip for one-handed use. However, the casting performance of such a rod is quite poor, and currently, versions with slightly longer rear grips, such as the Daiwa Gold Cast, are being sold more frequently.