The spool is broken so the previous owner probably thought the reel was garbage. Someone like an ex, perhaps? That's an amazing find. That is my #1 all-time favorite reel. Back in 1984, I got a call from my wife. She was at Woolco. The sporting goods department pulled out a shelf to do a good cleaning for the first time in years. A brand new in the box Zebco Cardinal 4 had fallen behind and gone unnoticed years before. I asked what they wanted for it. She said $35 and asked if I wanted her to buy it. I said yes and don't let anyone else buy it! She brought it home and it was a brand new in the box Zebco Cardinal 4! I couldn't believe it. She was amazing at finding thing everyone else overlooked. To get the same reel new today will cost at least $500. It is by far the best reel I've ever used. I've caught about 35 Chinook salmon up to 38 lbs. with it and hundreds of carp over 20 lbs. with several up to 40 lbs. and not once did that reel let me down. It had the greatest drag. I've caught thousands of fish including many large steelhead and pike. It was such a good and long-lasting reel that Garcia bought it from Zebco and redesigned some aspects of it, which made it an inferior reel. They did that on purpose. They had the market cornered with the Mitchell 300 until the Cardinal came along. Piss me right off! About 20 years ago Garcia had a reel out that was said to be as good quality as the Cardinal but instead of a price tag of $35, it was $300. I try not to by anything made by Garcia.
Your reel was made between 1974 and 1977. The badge on the side that says “zebco Cardinal4” is green. Which puts it within the dates I mention. Earlier models had a silver color badge plate. Still a fantastic reel. Hold onto it!
DON'T KNOCK THE 60S. Please don't sell; that is a great find for your little one, something that she can enjoy for a very long time. Those Zebco Cardinal reels can run anywhere between $40 and $70 depending in the condition; they are still very sought after. Very well made reels, don't understand who someone could have left it there. GO FISHING
@@TheFishingMommy You can still find parts for your reel in Ebay, sometimes it takes a bit of hunting but it's worth it. I believe your Cardinal need a spool drag knob but you can find it there.
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The spool is broken so the previous owner probably thought the reel was garbage. Someone like an ex, perhaps? That's an amazing find. That is my #1 all-time favorite reel. Back in 1984, I got a call from my wife. She was at Woolco. The sporting goods department pulled out a shelf to do a good cleaning for the first time in years.
A brand new in the box Zebco Cardinal 4 had fallen behind and gone unnoticed years before. I asked what they wanted for it. She said $35 and asked if I wanted her to buy it. I said yes and don't let anyone else buy it! She brought it home and it was a brand new in the box Zebco Cardinal 4! I couldn't believe it. She was amazing at finding thing everyone else overlooked. To get the same reel new today will cost at least $500. It is by far the best reel I've ever used.
I've caught about 35 Chinook salmon up to 38 lbs. with it and hundreds of carp over 20 lbs. with several up to 40 lbs. and not once did that reel let me down. It had the greatest drag. I've caught thousands of fish including many large steelhead and pike. It was such a good and long-lasting reel that Garcia bought it from Zebco and redesigned some aspects of it, which made it an inferior reel. They did that on purpose.
They had the market cornered with the Mitchell 300 until the Cardinal came along. Piss me right off! About 20 years ago Garcia had a reel out that was said to be as good quality as the Cardinal but instead of a price tag of $35, it was $300. I try not to by anything made by Garcia.
That’s an amazing story!
Congratulations! I fished with them in the 1970’s. I still have a Zebco 3 and a Zebco 4
Congratulations. I fished with the Zebco Cardinal reels in the ‘70’s and I still own a Zebco 4 and a Zebco 3. Both in pristine condition.
Your reel was made between 1974 and 1977. The badge on the side that says “zebco Cardinal4” is green. Which puts it within the dates I mention. Earlier models had a silver color badge plate. Still a fantastic reel. Hold onto it!
Thanks for that info!
This Cardinal is from the mid-70s I believe. And I should know...I still have mine from the same era lol.
Oh cool! Do you still use yours? It seems like it’s built really solidly. Mine occupies a prime spot on my shelf :)
@@TheFishingMommy Yes I do. I have no intention of getting rid of it...it is so smooth.
@@52blackshadow that’s awesome. I should actually try fixing mine sometime & try to fish with it but I never got around to it!
you have a great reel there my fav cardinal 4 i buy every one i find
Robert Richards oh that’s awesome!
How cool! Came here from Old Lady Angler to sub up.
+Pee Wee awesome!! Welcome, so happy to have you! 🙏🏼👍🏼🐟
Find the part,,,
The completed reel it's worth over 200$..
Seriously? Wow!
お嬢ちゃんラッキーだったな‼️
I have 6 of them and you are a very lucky girl. Good Cardinal 4 reels cost over $100. Go on eBay and find you a new spool.
How cute is this kid? 😍
DON'T KNOCK THE 60S. Please don't sell; that is a great find for your little one, something that she can enjoy for a very long time. Those Zebco Cardinal reels can run anywhere between $40 and $70 depending in the condition; they are still very sought after. Very well made reels, don't understand who someone could have left it there. GO FISHING
Lucio Morales that’s cool! We haven’t restored it yet but it is in pretty good shape.
@@TheFishingMommy You can still find parts for your reel in Ebay, sometimes it takes a bit of hunting but it's worth it. I believe your Cardinal need a spool drag knob but you can find it there.