mikench
Well-known member
Great in windy conditions though.
A lot of it is down to personal preference. Most lads that use closed face reels have been using them 40 yrs you get used to there strengths and weaknesses and yes you work around it.I have two old ABU 506s in good shape and after using them for some time I'm not convinced but keep using them all the same.
They are not for big fish (lack of power and smooth drag). Besides, the bedding in and the slow retrieve speed is a bit of a problem. I once had the problem of the spool coming loose (in a match, now there's a trauma) but this might be just me, also being a 'closed face novice'.
I cannot find what it brings to the table, apart from opening the 'bail' and taking up slack without using the left hand. Not a priority since I gave up smoking years ago. Even when trotting there's nothing I cannot do with my other reels. Closed face reels where very popular years ago, fishing for zander in deep water with live bait under a float. Taking up slack was the USP back then as well.
However, they look stylish on a float rod. That might be the reason why I use them. Just like I'm fond of the old ABU's and Mitchells on a glass rod, when spinning for pike. With a decent Ondex spinner and Nylon all the way. Not neccesarily the best but most certainly feeling classy.
Not strictly true the 501 was made as a match reel and come out of the factory with back wind function. Ready to go.Older Abu closed face reels need modifying to allow backwinding,the only efficient way to play fish on these reels...
Effective if you like playing that way but you'll need the left hand all the time once you modified the reel . I have a Daiwa trigger spin and I took out the anti reverse. In that case it isn't a problem since I use it for spinning.Older Abu closed face reels need modifying to allow backwinding,the only efficient way to play fish on these reels...
I'm with trotter on this. You can debate it until the cows come home but in the end it's all about what you know and like. I have used a CFR on the rivers for the best part of 60 years. Having said that, back in the day a Mitchell Match was equally as good but somehow every time I put my hand in the tackle box out came the Abu. Pete.A lot of it is down to personal preference. Most lads that use closed face reels have been using them 40 yrs you get used to there strengths and weaknesses and yes you work around it.
If you don't like them use something else it's really that simple.
As you know, Partridge can be feast or famine, plus if you get into a shoal of F1 you could be unlucky enough to get the shoal that average 6oz,I certainly won’t be using it on a commercial, and regarding the term “novice” I meant with a closed face reel, especially my local commercial which is Partridge !!