Open Face Reel: What Is It and How Does It Work?
An open face reel is a fishing reel commonly known as a spinning reel. Its spool is exposed, and a bail helps guide line onto the spool as you retrieve. Anglers use these reels for freshwater fishing and other suitable jobs, depending on the model.
What Is an Open Face Reel?
"Open face" describes how the reel looks. The spool sits out in the open at the front of the reel. You can see the line wrapped on it. Most anglers use the terms open face reel and spinning reel for the same general design. The words describe one design from two angles. "Spinning" describes how the reel works. "Open face" describes what you see. Terms can vary among anglers and retailers, so this guide explains the common usage.
The open-face design differs from covered designs. A spincasting reel, for example, hides its spool under a nose cone. A baitcasting reel sits on top of the rod and uses a different spool style. The exposed spool is the easy way to spot a spinning reel. This design is popular for general fishing. It is easy to see, simple to learn, and common across many reel sizes. Small reels pair with light rods, and larger ones pair with heavier rods. That range is one reason you see the design in so many tackle bags.
What Are the Main Parts of an Open Face Reel?
Learn these parts, and the rest of the reel makes sense. Not every model has identical controls, so check your manual.
|
Part |
What It Does |
|
Spool |
Holds the fishing line |
|
Bail |
Swings between casting and retrieve positions and guides line onto the spool |
|
Line roller |
Guides line onto the spool during retrieval |
|
Handle |
Turns the reel mechanism |
|
Drag adjustment |
Sets how much resistance a fish meets when it pulls line out |
|
Reel body |
Houses the internal mechanism |
|
Reel foot |
Attaches the reel to the rod |
|
Anti-reverse mechanism |
Helps stop the handle from turning backward, depending on design and settings |
The line roller deserves a closer look. Line passes over it on every retrieve. Dirt or wear there can twist your line, so it is worth checking often.
How Does an Open Face Reel Work?
Think of it in the order you use it.
1. Prepare the Reel for Casting
First, open the bail. This frees the line to leave the spool. Next, hold the line against the rod with your index finger. Your finger keeps the line from slipping out before you are ready.
Also check the line before you cast. It should run through the line roller, with no loose loops sitting on the spool. Different models handle this step a little differently, so follow your manufacturer's instructions.
2. Cast the Fishing Line
Swing the rod forward and release the line from your finger. The line slides off the front of the spool in loose coils. The spool itself stays still. This is the key difference from a baitcasting reel, where the spool turns during a standard cast.
3. Close the Bail and Retrieve the Line
To retrieve, close the bail. On many reels, turning the handle closes it for you. Some anglers close it by hand. That can help manage slack and reduce line twist.
As you turn the handle, the bail guides line back onto the spool. The line roller helps it lay on evenly. Keep light, steady tension on the line while you reel. That helps the spool fill neatly. Do not expect any reel to be twist-proof. Poor spooling or worn line can still cause trouble.
4. Use the Drag When a Fish Pulls
The drag lets line leave the spool under controlled resistance when a fish pulls hard. That protects your line and knots. Still, drag does not replace the right line strength or a correct setup.
What Are Open Face Reels Used For?
Anglers use this design in many places. No single setup fits all of them. Common uses include:
● General freshwater fishing: It suits ponds, lakes, and rivers.
● Panfish and other small species: Lighter tackle fits smaller fish.
● Trout fishing: The setup needs suitable line and lures.
● Bass fishing: Technique and lure weight must suit the reel.
● Light to medium applications: The model decides the range.
● Some saltwater uses: Only when the specific reel is built and maintained for salt.
A setup for panfish and a setup for larger bass can both use an open face reel. They will use different reel sizes, rods, and line. A standard freshwater reel is not automatically right for saltwater. Target species, location, line, lure, rod, and reel specs all affect the fit.
How Do You Choose the Right Open Face Reel?
This section is a short introduction. For deeper advice, browse the spinning reels collection.
Consider the Fish You Plan to Catch
Smaller fish and lighter techniques often suit lighter tackle. Larger fish may call for more drag capacity, more line capacity, and a stronger reel. Check conditions and product specs before you decide.
Shop Our Full Spinning Reel Collection
Match the Reel Size to the Rod and Line
Reel size, rod power, line type, line strength, and lure weight should work together. Size numbers are not identical across manufacturers. The Bolt lists 1000, 2000, and 3000 sizes. The Ignite lists 2000 and 3000. Check each page for current sizes and stock.
Think About Your Fishing Technique
Casting light lures asks different things than throwing heavier ones. Open water and tight cover also change your needs. Pick a setup that suits how you fish.
Choose Features That Suit Your Needs
Look at drag adjustment, handle comfort, line capacity, weight, and ease of care. Read each product page for what it lists. The Ignite, for example, lists 18 lb of drag. Do not assume a higher number is better for you.
Open Face Reel vs. Baitcasting Reel: What Is the Difference?
Both reels catch fish. They work in different ways.
|
Feature |
Open Face (Spinning) Reel |
Baitcasting Reel |
|
Spool design |
Fixed, exposed spool at the front |
Rotating spool |
|
Line during the cast |
Slides off a stationary spool |
Spool turns as line leaves |
|
Casting technique |
Open the bail, hold the line, cast |
Control the spool with your thumb |
|
Learning curve |
Often easier to pick up |
Takes more practice |
|
Common uses |
General freshwater and lighter lures |
Technique-specific, often heavier lures |
A baitcasting reel asks you to manage spool rotation. That helps prevent overruns, also called backlash. A spinning reel avoids that step, which is why many beginners start there. Neither type is better for everyone. Your experience, target fish, and technique decide. To compare, browse the Baitcasters collection.
How Do You Maintain an Open Face Reel?
Basic care goes a long way. After fishing, wipe off dirt, moisture, and residue. Follow your manufacturer's steps after freshwater or saltwater use. Then inspect the line, bail, line roller, handle, and spool for visible problems. Replace line that looks frayed or damaged, and check that the drag knob turns smoothly. Store the reel in a dry place.
Cleaning and lubrication are different tasks. Remove old, dirty lubricant before adding new. Use grease and oil on the right parts, and do not apply oil to everything. Bearings need their own care. Follow the manufacturer's guidance before you open a reel or service internal parts. Find supplies in our Reel Care collection. For a full routine, look for a dedicated maintenance guide.
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FAQs
What Does Open Face Mean on a Fishing Reel?
It refers to the reel's exposed spool. An open face reel is commonly a spinning reel with a visible spool and a bail. Terms vary by angler and retailer, so it is not a separate, standardized category.
How Do I Pick an Open Face Reel for My Fishing?
Start with your target species and technique. Then match reel size, rod, line, and lure needs. Finally, read each model's listed specs. The right pick depends on your full setup, not one universal size.
What Size or Type of Open Face Reel Should I Use?
Lighter setups can suit smaller fish and lighter lures. Heavier jobs may need more line capacity, drag, and strength. Sizes differ by brand, so compare each model's listed specs instead of trusting a size number alone.
How Do I Use and Care for an Open Face Reel?
Open the bail, hold the line, cast, then close the bail to retrieve. Wipe and dry the reel after fishing, and store it dry. Follow the manufacturer's care steps. See Reel Care.
Explore Spinning Reels at Ardent
An open-face reel is a spinning reel, and its exposed spool and bail make it easy to recognize. Knowing the parts and how they work helps you choose and use one with confidence. Ready to compare models? Shop Spinning Reels and check each page for specs and stock.
