Like many of us, my first fishing reel was a Zebco 33. All chrome metal body, black plastic button and handle knobs, made in Tulsa Oklahoma. They sold thousands of these reels in the mid 1960s. I caught a lot of fish with that reel, bass, cats, and panfish from farm ponds and small lakes.Around age 13, I was given my first casting reel, a red ABU 5000, a hand me down from my older brother.I quickly realized that a casting reel was very different. I spent most of that 1rst year picking out backslashes. Eventually, I learned to use a baitcasting reel, and have used them now, along with spinning reels for many years. I havnt used a spincast reel since I was a kid. I recently got a chance to look over a new reel from Zebco. Fast retrieve, 9 stainless ball bearings, large handle knobs, and all metal gearing. This reel felt super smooth, and quality made. Not super cheap at 99 bucks.The first thing that struck me was how this may be a good alternative for someone who struggles with baitcasting reels. Despite all the improvements made in baitcast gear, there are still some folks who simply can't get used to them, and have a hard time fishing with one.I have no doubt these newer spincast reels will catch plenty of fish, and, they are light years better than my old Zebco 33. Anyone using a spincast reel for bass fishing? They've been frowned on by serious fisherman for years, but don't have to be. Spincast reels have improved!
