When choosing fishing gear, it is not only important to choose what works, but also what works best for you. One of the most important choices that you have to make is to use an open face or closed face fishing reel. There is an array of others to consider, from spincast to trolling reels that can be called open or closed face, but we’ll leave those for another day.
An open face reel is generally better suited for the more experienced angler. You have to open up the bale (a wire that goes around and releases the line). Then you have to use your thumb to control the line during release. Once mastered, the open face reel is usually better for accuracy and distance.
The closed face reel is much easier to use and is better suited for beginners. You simply push the release button with your thumb, release the button during your cast (for beginners this will take a bit of practice). Then apply a gentle second push to stop the cast.
When I was young, I started out with a closed face reel. Then later on as I gained some experience, I used an open faced reel. But to this day, I still use both.
And remember according to Patrick F. McManus “The two best times to go fishing is when it’s raining and when it ain’t.
