Super User Mobasser Posted February 16, 2019 Super User Posted February 16, 2019 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! 5 Quote
The Bassman Posted February 16, 2019 Posted February 16, 2019 Well thought out post. One thing I like about this site is the broad spectrum of its users; not just tackle junkies but everything from complete beginners on up. To dis a spincast user is a real quick way to chase someone away. It's about enjoying fishing, not impressing people. 2 1 Quote
livin2fish Posted February 16, 2019 Posted February 16, 2019 I use a spincast reel in the cold winter time to keep my hands dry. Sometimes comfort trumps technique. 2 Quote
fvogel67 Posted February 16, 2019 Posted February 16, 2019 My fishing partners brother is a Doctor who owns his own family practice.He joins us a few times a year. He only fishes with Zebco 33s,He could easily afford any setup he wanted but loves his Zebcos. 1 Quote
billmac Posted February 16, 2019 Posted February 16, 2019 For those willing to use a spincast reel, what do you think is a good, quality spincast reel? I too grew up using a Zebco 202 and 33. Frankly, I don't really like spinning reels. I use them for light lures but if there was a baticaster that handled light lures or a good quality spincaster, I'd opt for either over a spinning reel. 1 Quote
Way north bass guy Posted February 16, 2019 Posted February 16, 2019 My 9 year old is a whizz with his spincast reel, mounted on one of my older but decent 6’6” medium casting rods. I haven’t used one in years but I do know guys that will use them for skipping baits under docks if they can’t seem to master skipping with a baitcaster, but don’t want to use a spinning outfit. If it puts the bait into the right place for you, and has the power to bring a fish back to the boat, use whatever you feel comfortable with and forget about what anyone else says about it. 1 1 Quote
Super User Bankbeater Posted February 16, 2019 Super User Posted February 16, 2019 I've seen several guys fishing plastic worms with them. The last time I held one was when I took my daughter fishing about 7 or 8 years ago. From what I can remember they are a breeze to break down and clean. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted February 16, 2019 Super User Posted February 16, 2019 Spincast reels are made for kids and people who don't fish but on a rare occasion. 1 Quote
Boogey Man Posted February 16, 2019 Posted February 16, 2019 50 minutes ago, roadwarrior said: Spincast reels are made for kids and people who don't fish but on a rare occasion. That's a super helpful comment. Had a buddy that used 33s and caught fish just like us using baitcasters. If it's a 33, a cane pole or a Steez, go fishing and have fun. Quote
onenutinthewater Posted February 16, 2019 Posted February 16, 2019 I thought I would relive old memories a few, well maybe 6-7 years ago and bought the latest zebco reel. Omega or something. I guess I am just spoiled by todays technology and after giving it a try I had to part ways with it. One of these days soon I am going to dig out an ugly stick also & relive the 80's...... Quote
Super User Jrob78 Posted February 16, 2019 Super User Posted February 16, 2019 8 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said: There are lots a baitcast reels that handle light weight lures even down to UL baits like 1/32 oz jig heads and 1 inch plastics. A light weight spool is key A light weight spool and very light powered rod. 1 Quote
greentrout Posted February 16, 2019 Posted February 16, 2019 still use it from time to time ... all metal gears ... big brass worm gear ... anti reverse ... not instant ... great drag ... fast for its time ipt ... about 22-24 inches ... by today's standards it's heavy ... made in the USA.... a tank ... most folks spool on too much line on spincast reels creating problems ... good fishing ... https://www.fishingtalks.us/blog-post/the-zebco-one/ 1 Quote
redmeansdistortion Posted February 16, 2019 Posted February 16, 2019 3 hours ago, onenutinthewater said: One of these days soon I am going to dig out an ugly stick also & relive the 80's...... I use Ugly Stiks for musky. They aren't sensitive, but neither is the hit of a musky 1 Quote
VolFan Posted February 16, 2019 Posted February 16, 2019 My son uses an Omega. He'll probably start using some spinning reels this year as well. I disagree with Roadwarrior's comment above. That Omega is as smooth as most of my baitcasters, and much more user friendly on mistakes. I have used it when my son wasn't on tight quarters river floats, and it handles business just fine. Would I use it to fish shiners for 10 lb+ bass? No. But there's no reason to look down your nose at it as a sub $100 reel. 4 Quote
Allen Der Posted February 16, 2019 Posted February 16, 2019 The retrieve speed is super slow on even the expensive omegas. You have to get the zebco bullet to compete with a typical baitcaster, but they are really heavy and awkward to use. Spincasts are fine for bobbers or vertical jigging but not much else 1 Quote
VolFan Posted February 16, 2019 Posted February 16, 2019 Between this and the Kayaks vs Boats thread, I'm still trying to figure out when BR morphed into a fly fishing group...:-) 1 Quote
KDW96 Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 My reels better than yours. You cant catch fish with them push button reels. WHAT EVER Quote
redmeansdistortion Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 8 hours ago, Jrob78 said: A light weight spool and very light powered rod. And a light wallet after you buy them Quote
brophog Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 The biggest problem with even good spincasters, like an Omega or Bullet is the price. I’m not saying those two are overpriced, they’re both well built. But spincasting technology is such that to build them that well you have to over build them and that drives up the cost. The problem is for that money you can get a spinning or baitcasting reel that is 10 times the reel. That doesn’t mean for a person’s given needs spincast wont work, but they come with serious compromises compared to rival technologies. Quote
Super User Jrob78 Posted February 17, 2019 Super User Posted February 17, 2019 3 hours ago, redmeansdistortion said: And a light wallet after you buy them It isn't really like that as much as it used to be. You can get a good BFS spool and rod for under $150. Of course you can also spend $1000 or more for a high end combo. Quote
livin2fish Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 I sometimes use the Omega purchased for my grandson 13 years ago when I want to force myself to slow the retrieve way down. Ipt is 15 vs 24 to 29 with most of my other combos. Quote
Super User Catt Posted February 17, 2019 Super User Posted February 17, 2019 Classic XI. In 1981, 21-year-old Stanley Mitchell of Georgia became the youngest angler to ever win a Classic. He used a Zebco 404 for flipping-n-pitching My grandson Aiden with his Zebco 33 Authentic Platinum! All aluminum frame, including reel seat 4.1:1 gear ratio 5 stainless bearing Continuous Anti-Reverse Micro fine drag control $34.99 1 1 Quote
Super User Mobasser Posted February 17, 2019 Author Super User Posted February 17, 2019 12 minutes ago, Catt said: Classic XI. In 1981, 21-year-old Stanley Mitchell of Georgia became the youngest angler to ever win a Classic. He used a Zebco 404 for flipping-n-pitching My grandson Aiden with his Zebco 33 Authentic Platinum! All aluminum frame, including reel seat 4.1:1 gear ratio 5 stainless bearing Continuous Anti-Reverse Micro fine drag control $34.99 Catt, that's why I started this thread. I don't use them anymore, but for lots of fisherman, they still work. 1 Quote
Super User Catt Posted February 17, 2019 Super User Posted February 17, 2019 1 hour ago, Mobasser said: Catt, that's why I started this thread. I don't use them anymore, but for lots of fisherman, they still work. Absolutely! ? 1 Quote
redmeansdistortion Posted February 17, 2019 Posted February 17, 2019 8 hours ago, brophog said: The biggest problem with even good spincasters, like an Omega or Bullet is the price. I’m not saying those two are overpriced, they’re both well built. But spincasting technology is such that to build them that well you have to over build them and that drives up the cost. The problem is for that money you can get a spinning or baitcasting reel that is 10 times the reel. That doesn’t mean for a person’s given needs spincast wont work, but they come with serious compromises compared to rival technologies. The biggest compromises are weight, line capacity, and the inability to use braided line. A spincasting reel that holds a large amount of line can easily weigh over 1lb, and even then it's only going to hold about 100yd of 15lb mono. The redeeming quality of spincast reels is they are simple for anybody to pick up and use. Spinning reels are easy to use as well, but they still do take a small amount of time to get the hang of. I haven't owned one in over 30 years, but I still think they would be fine for bait fishing under a float or off the bottom. Quote
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