Zebco 33 75th Anniversary Reel

[33oldtimer]

Definitely want one of these:

https://fishingtackleretailer.com/zebco-celebrates-75th-anniversary-with-release-of-special-edition-33-spincast-reel/

 

Can't wait to pick one up in July 😀 Lots of good memories tied up in this reel.

Photo:  https://imgur.com/a/FamyVuz

[FishTax]

I just bought my 6 yo son his first zebco 33  

 

I definitely grew up fishing one, my dad still uses the one I grew up on. The new ones they advertise as being better/improved, but I highly doubt that's the case, at least from a quality/durability perspective. I'd be interested in buying this special edition, can't have enough of them laying around while raising boys  

[ChrisD46]

Looking to pick up a couple of Zebco 33's for children - will need to find a rod in that 6' to 6'6" MF range for your typical beetle spins , horse head under spins , etc. Perhaps Zebco will have some decent matching rods to offer as well ?

[bulldog1935]

I grew up watching my dad labor w/ 808 and 25-lb mono, while he watched me boat fish on spinning tackle.  When I was grown, I kept him in Lew's baitcasters, which kept him fishing to 90 y-o.  

 

I did start my girls on Zebco UL-1 matched with Eagle Claw Featherlight glass.  Our Rockport ritual was 40 nursery trout in the hour after sunset from Fulton Beach pier, after a meal at Cap'n Benny's - and an ice cream stop when we left the pier.  They quickly made the move to spinning tackle in hill country creeks.  

 

Though they're too heavy for kids, the newer Zebcos with precessing spool pitch cast distance like you can't believe, coming from "classic" Zebcos.  These start w/ Delta and go up to high-geared Bullet.  Best buy in next-level Zebco is Omega Pro '11 models on Amazon - $48.  

[Aaron_H]

On 3/23/2024 at 1:15 PM, 33oldtimer said:

Definitely want one of these:

https://fishingtackleretailer.com/zebco-celebrates-75th-anniversary-with-release-of-special-edition-33-spincast-reel/

 

Can't wait to pick one up in July 😀 Lots of good memories tied up in this reel.

Photo:  https://imgur.com/a/FamyVuz

 

My first reel back in the early 90s was the "Rhino Tough" Zebco 33 that was this style, seeing that brought up a lot of good memories. The newer 33s use a plastic rod to attach the handle to the reel, can't count the number of them I've seen break though normal/light usage.

[33oldtimer]

On 3/28/2024 at 4:01 AM, ChrisD46 said:

Looking to pick up a couple of Zebco 33's for children - will need to find a rod in that 6' to 6'6" MF range for your typical beetle spins , horse head under spins , etc. Perhaps Zebco will have some decent matching rods to offer as well ?

I hope so. Can't imagine that they wouldn't have a combo available.

[33oldtimer]

On 3/28/2024 at 10:35 AM, Aaron_H said:

 

My first reel back in the early 90s was the "Rhino Tough" Zebco 33 that was this style, seeing that brought up a lot of good memories. The newer 33s use a plastic rod to attach the handle to the reel, can't count the number of them I've seen break though normal/light usage.

I had a few in my teenage years. Still have my 1984 Zebco 33 Classic with a matching rod. It still works well.

[J Francho]

I have a 30+ year old 33 Classic and a Daiwa Goldcast. They're both fantastic reels for what they are. Allows anyone unskilled with baitcasting gear to fish with a proper rod. The transition to a bait caster is easier as well. 

[garroyo130]

On 3/28/2024 at 9:35 AM, Aaron_H said:

 

My first reel back in the early 90s was the "Rhino Tough" Zebco 33 that was this style, seeing that brought up a lot of good memories. The newer 33s use a plastic rod to attach the handle to the reel, can't count the number of them I've seen break though normal/light usage.

 

Those Rhino Tough combos were built well. I had a couple that I bought for catfishing but, being my only combos, got used for everything including catching decent sized redfish in the salt. Never an issue until the thumb button gave away.

[Bdnoble84]

On 3/28/2024 at 3:01 AM, ChrisD46 said:

Looking to pick up a couple of Zebco 33's for children - will need to find a rod in that 6' to 6'6" MF range for your typical beetle spins , horse head under spins , etc. Perhaps Zebco will have some decent matching rods to offer as well ?

You would be better off picking up a berkley lightning rod. I’m pretty sure they probably have a med/fast in 6’ to 6’6”. The ugly stick gx2’s arent bad these days and they dont feel like a broomstick anymore either. I got a 6’ spinning model for my son last year and it feels decent. 

[FishTax]

For kids I go cheaper than lightening rod. Watching them try to smash a spider on rip rap with the rod tip will quickly have you buying the cheapest rod Walmart sells. So... Depends on age and experience of the kid. I like ugly stick for it's toughness. 

[Eric 26]

@FishTax Unless you are absolutely opposed to purchasing from Bass Pro Shop all of these rods are available from 4’-10” to 6’-6” ultralight to medium.