Good closed face reel

[Creek]

We are looking for a good quality closed face reel for my son. They dont seem to make them like they use to but we dont want to break the bank either. Just looking for a good quality, dependable closed face.
Thanks

 

[Football Hunter]

I guess Zebco still makes the 33,havent seen one in years,but should be a good choice.

 

[Creek]

Thanks weve had a 33 in the past but dont seem to stay smooth for very long. Im reading great reviews about the zebco omega and they are a bit higher in price but might be worth it. Just not sure yet.

 

[stik]

no such thing imo

 

[catman529]

no such thing imo

lol I have to agree.

Got a 33 that is decent for a closed face but it still is a pain to work with sometimes. I like the clicker/free spool option though, my spinning reels don't have that. Still, spinning is the way to go... I have yet to use any baitcaster.

 

[Roger]

The 33's they make now don't hold up long at all. Some of Zebco's bigger reels are pretty good. Abu Garcia makes a decent closed face reel. Both of my kids have them and I the they were about 60 bucks each. One of them is a couple years old and still smooth.I do clean and oil them about once a year.

 

[Creek]

Thanks for all the help. He is 15 years old and has been fishing steady evry year since diapers and the more that I read after I posted my question then the more I realized that he really is ready for a light cast open face for this small Piney river.
Thanks again.

 

[bowriter]

If it says Zebco on it and isn't pink, it should be okay.

Now, if you can hold off until mid-October, I may be able to get you a top of the line Zebco free. No promises but a good chance. One caveat. You must send me good pictures of your son with the ree and fish in good focus.

 

[AllOutdoors]

Abu Garcia Abumatic 276i and pflueger cetina are 2 closed faced reels that come to mind..... that being said, at his age just get him a good baitcaster or spinning reel.

 

[catman529]

If it says Zebco on it and isn't pink, it should be okay.

Now, if you can hold off until mid-October, I may be able to get you a top of the line Zebco free. No promises but a good chance. One caveat. You must send me good pictures of your son with the ree and fish in good focus.

I wouldn't trust every zebco... 202 is a beginner's piece of garbage no matter what color. But it deserves just a bit of credit... caught my first fish ever with one.

 

[Football Hunter]

no such thing imo

This was my experience. I got so frustrated trying to find a good one for my boy I just taught him to use a baitcaster. The Red Rhino is supposed to be good but it didn't work for us.

Yep,thats the way to go,once you learn,you'll never want to fool with a spinning reel again,longer casts,much better control.

 

[Creek]

Thankss for all the help. Since I dont spend near the time fishing that I use to then I decided to let him use my open face and he has been throwing just fine. Looks like he is ready for a step up.
Here some pictures of him with some from the Piney River we live near. The last picture is a small mouth 18"

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y267/[IMG]
[img]http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y267/Mudball/Lyles-Wrigley-20110723-00247.jpg

 

[Rob R.]

I'd like to have a dollar for every 33 thats been sold.

Looks like you got a true fisherman on your hands there.

 

[bowriter]

Let him stay with the open face.

 

[Creek]

Thanks for the help. He seems to be catching on to the open face quite well and he is excited about it. The wife and I are thinking about buying him a fishing kayak foe christmas. And I also wanted to say thanks for the offer Bowriter that was a nice offer. Im not sure how I misread or missed it but thanks.

 

[Football Hunter]

nice pics

 

[stik]

Thanks for the help. He seems to be catching on to the open face quite well and he is excited about it. The wife and I are thinking about buying him a fishing kayak foe christmas. And I also wanted to say thanks for the offer Bowriter that was a nice offer. Im not sure how I misread or missed it but thanks.

can he swim?