I’d recommend an open faced spinning reel. I, like many, started off with zebcos. Still have my first one. They’re great for kids, once you reach a certain point they’re more trouble than they’re worth. I remember being in my teens and having like 10 zebcos lining the bank in rod holders. I caught a lot of fish with em but it wasn’t long before I started having problems with em. They just don’t stand up to even moderate use, great for every once in a while.