Dad started me out fishing as a kid with a cane pole. When he saw I enjoyed it, I got my first rod and reel as a Christmas present one year. It was a Zebco 33 on a Shakespear rod (probably bought at K-Mart). I loved that rod and reel.
Can't go wrong with the ole Zebco 33. Probably the most reliable reel out there. Glad that it seems like they haven't started using cheaper parts on them. I have 4 of them and never have any issues out of them. Gwve both my sons Zebco 33 rod/reel combos as their first poles
My first rod was a Zebco 33 combo from my Dad and it was great. The new ones are smoother but they don't last as long. My Zebco 733 max had corrosion problems and Zebco sent my some parts to fix it but then the plastic cast button broke and the whole back cover dropped off the pier into the water. I just replaced it with the Zebco 404 and the old Sturdy Stick is back in action helping visitors catch fish. It is a lucky rod and I think I'll just get a new 404 every birthday and replace it.
I search garage sales from older people for the older Zebco 33 for my mom to use. She doesn't care as long as it works but it is a challenge for me and my dad appreciates. It
My wife caught a nice 35 pound flathead on miller's ferry lake just outside of Camden, Alabama. It was a struggle for her but the smile on her face when I netted the fish and released it will never be erased from my memory. We were using live green sunfish and the fight took her a good while but I would not trade her catching it for the world
I have two 888s. They handle 30lb line well and 3oz of weight. They're 3 years old. I fish regularly for catfish in the atchafalaya river. I catch 60lb cat often. Love the bait clicker it still works. It keeps those big cat from pulling my rods overboard. 808 also decent but over 2oz weights will affect the casting distance. Very satisfied with the 888. It's a good reel. Can't beat the price. Drag works well too. Highly recommend
I am 65 years old been fishing since I was about 6. I have had a lot of zebco reels. The main problem I had with them if they get any sand or dirt in them your fishing day is about over. If zebco could do some thing to the reel to keep that out it would be a great reel. Thanks for the video I enjoyed it.
I’ve have always had great luck with the 888 It’s number 1 in my book and I’m not new to fishing . I just keep things simple and easy that always equals fun 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thanks for your review! After a number of years using spinning and baitcast reels I now use Zebco spincast reels exclusively when fishing in freshwater out of my pack canoe. They're quick and line management issues are virtually nonexistent which is a real hassle in a small boat. Never lost a fish due to a reel failure but you do have to use some finesse when a large fish is on. If I was a tournament fisherman, I would probably use something else because of the drag can be fussy if you don't check it periodically. Most of my fish are 5 lbs and less with a bigger cat every once and awhile.
I bought a saltwater edition like 15yrs ago, still use it to this day. Everything about it is well made smooth casting and when taken apart and greased properly the drag isn't bad at all...
I'm planning trips to the Amazon River to try the Peacock Tucunare, and Alaska for Pike and Inconnu with the 888 reel. These spin casters are great off a kayak. I suggest always using short handled rods. I even cut off the rear length of my spinning rods for the heavy duty spin casters (808 and 606 models) and add a heavy rubber cap. I use the 606 and 33 models for largemouth bass and Ocean rockfish using 17lb line.
My first new fishing rod was a rhino with a 888. My daddy carried me to kmart and let me pick it out. I still have the rod and reel now, over twenty years later. A lifetime of memories with that old pole.
Same as my dad rhino rod with 888 30yrs ago and he gave to be about 15yrs ago I use it as a back up I fish redfish alot and catfish during winter wity my fishing 13 bait caster and use the 888 as back the push button finally broke went buy a new one today to replace it
I own this reel among several others for catfish. It's dependable and can hold the fish no matter how it acts. I typically set this up with a double drop rig using a 2-2.5 oz sinker and it never disappoints when it comes to function. It's always on the pier with me along with the 808, the Lew's 8000, and others.
I have used the 808 880 and the 888 for years and I fish a lot and they have held up really well before that I used Johnson reals the Sabra a very good real I wish I could still buy them
I am old and broken and my hands don't work very well so I am going back to spin casters. I grabbed a 33 for a lighter a pole and the 888 for a medium-heavy ugly stik ... money is also a concern. I still have a small collection of rods and reels, plus once gave a bunch away. Sold my deer rifle too. I often take some of those rods and reels, just in case I come across someone who might need one.
The 888 is the only big zebco I have left over the years after switching over to bait casters from spincast , but the 888 still casts great an can hold some line. The 808 the 808 magnum an the 888 an the catfish fighter ! will always hold a place in my heart an tackle , side note : we need a bigger size of the bullet an maybe people would use spincast a little more , this majority of all plastic has got to go man
I got the Boss Hawg 808 and is not plastic on the front cover on the reel. Is my go to for catfish setup with my Ugly catfish rod and Ozark trail OTX baitcaster reel for back up.
My wife is stuck on spin casters, she uses the 808 and the 733 Hawg. It’s just what she’s comfortable with. Nothing wrong with them. She has had them for years. I use both spinning and baitcasters, I just can’t change her mind. So what ever you comfortable with go fishing, it’s fun.
I started with a Zebco 202 when I was 12 years old. My dad came home with a bunch of Zebco's for the family. Four 202's for the kids and two Zebco 404's for mom and dad. I have had the Zebco 808 for many years as my big catfish rig. I do have a couple of baitcasting rigs and several spinning rigs as well. Great video on the 888.
Well said and thanks for postin! Back in the 70's I think it was a Zebco 404 rod/reel combo., I caught some decent fish(kid/paper route finances). Was fishing for carp with corn one morning, not paying attention, and that rig went over the rail, going southbound...... That was in the downstream side of the dam in Ottumwa, Iowa. I saw it go, but didn't have time to say goodbye. lol
I love Zebco reels for simplicity and durability and have used them for many years. I bought 2 888's form Cabella's and 2 Firewater Marine Firestick rods from Amazon to mount them on. As a casual fisherman, this combination works great for me. I know they aren't for everybody, but they work and they are affordable!...and yes, I have about 5 Zebco 33's...LOL I am mainly a fly fisherman, but these are great when I'm not fly fishing and want to go after Big cats or carps for a change of pace. Your review was an honest one, thanks.
I use a 888 for surf fishing. No problems, took the line off put on new line and its been a blast... The line that it comes with needs to be change out after that its a pro...
Zebco has the best fishing equipment for the price hands down. I fought a 39lb blue on 12lb line. Fight lasted at least 2 hours and finally jumped in for it lol. Last time I used one for catfishing lol.
The first reels I can remember were 33's. In my teens in the late 70's early 80's my dad bought several Zebco One's and we used them for black bass, white bass, crappie, catfish. Super easy to use and apparently worked pretty well.
I have a Zebco 888 and the reel is heavy at around 18 ounces otherwise a flawless spin casting reel to work with. Mine is an early bird and I think those were all stainless steel. Cat-fishing is most of what I do with the Zebco 888 on an 8' Big Game rod when I don't have to reach too far away from bancs or fishing from a boat and a Penn Battle 3 DX 8000 on a 12' surf rod for long reach casts while bank fishing. Great review, take care.
I have 3 of these... This was our first Big Cat reels when we first started Catfishing!! Great reel and I plan on using mine again for Carp fishing soon!!
Thank you !! I really appreciate this honest review on this reel. Me personally I use heavy duty bait casting reels but I can't expect my wife and daughter to cast and operate with one just yet.. this reel should be perfect size and not heavy on the pocket book ! I like those ugly stick rods too man they are not expensive and they will sure take a beating!! Beautiful fish bud
Grew up with the original classic Zebco 33. A really great spin-cast reel for perch, walleye, and pike fishing. I use a cheap $20.0 00 Zebco Optix spinning reel today as my main fish I typical catch are 1 ~ 2 pound rainbow trout with the odd 3~4 pound rainbow once a year. The Zebco Optix does the job very very well and anyone who can't catch a fish on a $50.00 rod and reel setup really doesn't know how to fish. The older Zebco stuff was pretty good for what it was and recent Zebco reels are becoming more and more plastic and less metal. Any decent reel should easily last 4~5 years with minimal maintenance.
Awesome review....one place where the 808 and 888 shine is BIG Bass fishing, yes for big bass. I use Musky Jitterbugs late spring to fall at night and bank fishing with these big baits (any big bass bait) is where this reel shines. You dont want a baitcaster night fishing from the bank for big bass as if you snag a weed, limb , etc on your back cast you get that dreaded backlash and you are done. I got an 808 and a 888 both on the old Berkely E cat rods for this jittebug fishing and my wife also uses them for catfishing. I use 20 lb or 25 lb line and they do well with either.
Back in the 80's my parents and me where using 808 and 888 with 17 pound stren clear blue line on the coast of Texas. We were fishing out of a boat and landing 3' to 5' black tips all the time with out issues.
My first times fishing ,I used a Zebco 404 and had a 202 as well. Some of my biggest fish were caught using my trusty Zebco 404 rod/reel combo . Interestingly on two separate occasions I was walking along not doing anything in particular and found four rods and three reels made by Zebco that with a little bit of cleaning up and restringing were actually quite decent . I wound up giving a couple away to people who didn't have working poles. Just a couple of weeks ago, I again was walking and found two Zebco rod/reel combos and two Zebco rods without reels. With a little bit of TLC , I'll have a couple of decent " back up" poles. I may wind up giving one combo to a Buddy of mine who "rediscovered " fishing last Year. Those reels do take a licking and with a simple maintenance routine definitely work fine.
Grew up using a Shakespeare Wondercast reel. Bought a few used off eBay for the grandkids, but son bought them spinning combos before I got these set up. Those were all solid metal reels.
I caught my biggest catfish recently on a Zebco 808 boss hawg Walmart combo a 25lb flathead. No it's not a 50-100lb Blue like some TH-camrs catch but I was impressed for sure
Great video. I think the best thing is when you are strapping a bunch of poles to the boat, they won't get tangled up at the reel. I use rod socks always and they help out a lot on the other end.
I agree with you on using 20 pound would be better. I use 20 pound cajun line on my big Zebco that I use for catfish. I think it's a 606, vs your 888, but still, the lighter the line the better.
I'm not to keen on the newer models but I have 10 of the older models (Prostaff) made with the metal base and cap and still use them as my go to reels and collect them as well. I also have 6 more of these reels still in their clamshells or boxes unused. I fish them with much success in tournaments and have been laughed at for using them until the weigh in's. I consider the "Made in USA" older models to be the very best spincast reels ever made and will put them up against any other reel made today . The star drag , the line pick up, gear ratio, ability to use heavier line with ease, castability, and durability of the older models are really incredible
I bought two of those Zebco 888 reels about three years ago. I like using them for bank fishing at night in the dark. Much less trouble than an open face bait caster especially at night. I have caught ten-pound catfish with no trouble. I use twenty-pound test on mine!! I have wanted to try to catch a large Stripper but haven't caught one yet! Thanks for the video, Dieter!!
What a bizarre coincidence, I bought my better half one of these 888 zebco reels and put it on a Ugly stix. I'm glad to see I made a good choice. Thank you for the video
The 888 is a great inexpensive real for a secondary rig. One you tight line with and you prop on a V stick rod holder. 888's have a line alert built in and you won't break the bank or spend as much as you did on your ultra fine spin cast or bait cast rigs for lure fishing. That way you can lure fish while keeping an ear out for your alert on your second pole.
I have been fishing for 25 years and I still prefer spincasting reels over any other reel and I have this exact reel as well and I will tell you it actually can handle 30 lb test fishing line perfectly if you set the drag right. I think the problem you were having was that the Zebco 888 reel has a max drag of exactly 30 lb test so if you had the drag up all the way with a 30 lb test fishing line that would be the problem right there.
The fully contained reel is an advantage sometimes. Shorelining where there's lots of brush, bushes, trees.. The line stays in the center of the reel and doesn't have a big bail flopping around tangling in the twigs, and it's easier to cast than a regular baitcaster which, also has an open reel.. I think it's great for ponds and streams where the brush is heavy, good for crappie and the like in those places.
I have 3 of these reels. I keep them setup for my grandkids. When looking to buy one, look for the ones with metal gears, not plastic. As far as line goes, they come with 25# test line already spooled. I've not had any problems with any of the 3 I own.
I have this reel and like it. I think if you put some 50 lb braid on it and tighten the drag just a bit, it would perform better. For the $, it can't be beat.
Great video, my first reels were 404, 808 and 33. I loved my Zebco. A friend recently gave me a fairly new 808, I use it for catfishing it’s a great reel for river rats .
I have the zebco 33 and several zebco 888 reels I like that they have a clicker on it which they call the bite alert. And in case anyone is wondering you can use braided line on these. but you have to use a monofilament backing due to the softness of the aluminum spool.
Nice, fair review and a honkin' fat blue cat too! I've got a fresh pair of 888's purchased primarily for nostalgia and fishing eater size channel cats at my local spot and they fit the bill just fine. Nice, stout guest rigs and sturdy enough to tackle larger fish. Cheers and Happy Easter!
I have a couple of them.... In have the pro 808... I have them, but I just bait and spinning reels. I grew up with zebco and I keep spincasters around for people who are used to them or new
I Used The 888 For Years , One of the best thing I like About These Is They seem to stay cleaner Inside especially when you fish off Sandbars At Night , Sand Gets in Reels Almost Magically No Matter How Hard you try to keep it out , but the ole 888 I never had a complaint With , Caught Some Good Blues And Flathead's On Em , I Used The Ugly Sticks , I Caught Big Red Fish ,Black Drum , And Everything Else As Well ,,, Caught A 22 pound stingray on a Zebco 33 lol 🤣🤣 🤷🏻♂️ ,, Yeah it was battle But I won lol 😁 ,, Probably The Best Beginner Reels Out There , I Always Used A 25 pound Stren Line On My 888s ,, If ya fish from the bank Alot , Sandbar Fishing , Anywhere Else that mud, dirt and grit is a issue , this is the ticket , JMO 🤷🏻♂️ , Myself , I'm A Budget Type Fisherman, Always Have Been and Im To Old To Change Tactics Now lol 🤣🤣🤣
My favorite rig was Zebco 33 Anniversary edition on a Shakespeare Firebird 6 foot rod. I caught everything from big capazone and ling cod to bluegills on that setup. Crazy how it stood up to big fish for years. My other reel was a Zebco Rhino on a 7 foot medium action uglystick.
Thanks for this review. I have a Diawa bait cast. I need more practice 😂. I will try this reel. Love you videos and just caught my first catfish since I was a kid fishing the crick here in NW Pennsylvania. Looking forward to some Allegheny River catfish.
My zebco 808 threw down and I caught 5 beautiful brook trout with my zebco 808 and I bought mine from Amazon with a zebco 7ft medium heavy rod and my zebco 7ft medium heavy rod is a 2 piece combo
My first reel was a Zebco , through the 50 years since I have caught hundreds of pounds of every kind of fish with a Zebco. Still have nearly all of my old ZEBCO 'S
Thanks for the review. My wife loves Zebco's but she needs a better one the the one she has. It's one of them new florescent pink models and it sucks bad! The gears are built well but the spool and the sting winder thing is so cheaply made I had to take parts off a older model to fix the new one because my wife had to have her new pink reel. LoL
Bought two 808 ones about 20 years ago. Mind you the salt water version. Still smooth as butter and I have used them at Galveston and in all my local lakes. I just change line every couple years and oil them up. Use 30lb line. I remember I bought them because someone told me of all the zebco reels the 808 is the best because it has stainless ball bearings. Seems to be true. Not sure this 888 has the stainless or not.. just looked and it does not.
Got myself a KastKing Megatron spinning reel for catfishing. Landed a twelve pound channel cat the first day I went out with it! KastKing is another really affordable option. I think I spent about $50 $60 for mine on amazon
I had a 888 zebco and it was all I used but one day I put a live perch on my hook and a big flathead took it and I got the fish but it striped the ⚙️ gears out of the reel and it would not lock when you throw it out and click it the line would just keep coming out so now I just use Bait casting reels Abu Garcia 6500 C 3 catfish special and a Abu Garcia 6500 C 3 Striper special and it has never let me down when I get big flathead catfish ..but a zebco is good for small fish and to get kids into fishing 🎣
One aspect that I don’t like about spin cast reels is the mechanism responsible for how the line is gathered on the spool. It seems like there is friction involved with that retractable pin on the spoon. It seems to me that would cause wear on your line, especially when catching fish and reeling in heavier rigs.
After wearing out a bunch of new, but cheap reeels (for catfishing), I have swiched to buying old Penn, Ocean City etc reeels at yard sales, usually under $15 each..then rebuild (while watching youtube!) :) they are tough and will last forever. For my spinning reels I just buy new Abu Garcias, for about $40 each..
I lived 200 yards from the largest tributary to the Potomac river in southern Pa growing up. I would wear out a Zebco 202 or 404 every year. I'm not sure how many fish I caught. One thing I did notice was the last couple of years the quality wasn't as good as the earlier ones from the late 1960s into the late 70s. The 33s would cast farther and had better drags but never lasted as long because the pickup would get a groove wore in it from the line. The 202s and 404s had a teethed cone for pickup so the load was spread over all the teeth. Neither had a good drag but got the job done. We would lock it down and pull until the line broke with a dead pull that set it just a little less. Even 15 lb carp very seldom pulled line off the reel.
Really enjoy your videos! Can I use braid on my 888? I know it’s no ideal, but I need help casting farther being that I’m disabled. I can respool often. Any ideas?
Yeah, never could stand the push button reels, they seem to always foul up pretty bad and it's far more of a task to change out the line compared to an open face spinning reel or baitcaster reel. Plus they just don't feel comfortable to me. I'll stick with my spinning and baitcaster reels honestly, but I'm glad to see these are just some cheap junk push button reels that I know of. Great video, I enjoy these types of videos.
Zebco are the best for the price and ease of use. Super easy to maintain and even under the worst care lasts for years. If you fish only a handful of times a year. Zebco paired with an ugly stick there's a lot of years of fun.
I like these whopper Zebco spin casters for halibut, lingcod, catfish, larger salmon and trevally and saltwater species over 10 pounds. I've had several 808 models since the late 70s. I put 20 and 25lb. inexpensive mono line in it on short 5'6 solid glass straight handle spin rods, and got a few mounted on short handle grip bass rods meant for baitcast reels. One of the other main reasons I use these is because it converts to left hand cranking.
I have Zebco 404 reels for guests who do not fish often and they are catching fish and having a good time.
Zebcos, even if they dont seem professional should be in everyones collection.
I went from Abu Garcia's and the like back to Zebcos. They just work.
Dad started me out fishing as a kid with a cane pole. When he saw I enjoyed it, I got my first rod and reel as a Christmas present one year. It was a Zebco 33 on a Shakespear rod (probably bought at K-Mart). I loved that rod and reel.
Can't go wrong with the ole Zebco 33. Probably the most reliable reel out there. Glad that it seems like they haven't started using cheaper parts on them. I have 4 of them and never have any issues out of them. Gwve both my sons Zebco 33 rod/reel combos as their first poles
Gang memories! Caught a bull red off a Galveston pier on my power ranger shake rod and my dad ol zeb!
My first rod was a Zebco 33 combo from my Dad and it was great. The new ones are smoother but they don't last as long. My Zebco 733 max had corrosion problems and Zebco sent my some parts to fix it but then the plastic cast button broke and the whole back cover dropped off the pier into the water. I just replaced it with the Zebco 404 and the old Sturdy Stick is back in action helping visitors catch fish. It is a lucky rod and I think I'll just get a new 404 every birthday and replace it.
I search garage sales from older people for the older Zebco 33 for my mom to use. She doesn't care as long as it works but it is a challenge for me and my dad appreciates. It
@@crimsontide1980 garbage reels. Broke plenty over my life
My wife caught a nice 35 pound flathead on miller's ferry lake just outside of Camden, Alabama. It was a struggle for her but the smile on her face when I netted the fish and released it will never be erased from my memory. We were using live green sunfish and the fight took her a good while but I would not trade her catching it for the world
I just pulled out a zebco 808 on the trinity river and it does numbers on 5 plus ft gar and 30 plus lb blue cats all day
I have been using the zebco 888 and never had a problem... great reel
I have two 888s. They handle 30lb line well and 3oz of weight. They're 3 years old. I fish regularly for catfish in the atchafalaya river. I catch 60lb cat often. Love the bait clicker it still works. It keeps those big cat from pulling my rods overboard. 808 also decent but over 2oz weights will affect the casting distance. Very satisfied with the 888. It's a good reel. Can't beat the price. Drag works well too. Highly recommend
I am 65 years old been fishing since I was about 6. I have had a lot of zebco reels. The main problem I had with them if they get any sand or dirt in them your fishing day is about over. If zebco could do some thing to the reel to keep that out it would be a great reel. Thanks for the video I enjoyed it.
We always had 202's, 404's, 33's, or 808's with us down at the lake catching carp and catfish when we were kids...good times.
I’ve have always had great luck with the 888 It’s number 1 in my book and I’m not new to fishing . I just keep things simple and easy that always equals fun 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
Thanks for your review! After a number of years using spinning and baitcast reels I now use Zebco spincast reels exclusively when fishing in freshwater out of my pack canoe. They're quick and line management issues are virtually nonexistent which is a real hassle in a small boat. Never lost a fish due to a reel failure but you do have to use some finesse when a large fish is on. If I was a tournament fisherman, I would probably use something else because of the drag can be fussy if you don't check it periodically. Most of my fish are 5 lbs and less with a bigger cat every once and awhile.
I bought a saltwater edition like 15yrs ago, still use it to this day. Everything about it is well made smooth casting and when taken apart and greased properly the drag isn't bad at all...
As long as the drag is set right, they will get the job done
Yes sir Ben!
We use zebco boss hog combo. We and the kids love them. 🇺🇲
I'm planning trips to the Amazon River to try the Peacock Tucunare, and Alaska for Pike and Inconnu with the 888 reel.
These spin casters are great off a kayak.
I suggest always using short handled rods. I even cut off the rear length of my spinning rods for the heavy duty spin casters (808 and 606 models) and add a heavy rubber cap.
I use the 606 and 33 models for largemouth bass and Ocean rockfish using 17lb line.
My first new fishing rod was a rhino with a 888. My daddy carried me to kmart and let me pick it out. I still have the rod and reel now, over twenty years later. A lifetime of memories with that old pole.
Same as my dad rhino rod with 888 30yrs ago and he gave to be about 15yrs ago I use it as a back up I fish redfish alot and catfish during winter wity my fishing 13 bait caster and use the 888 as back the push button finally broke went buy a new one today to replace it
I started with a Zebco 33. I fished the Clackamas, Nehalem and Wilson Rivers and Tillamook bay in Oregon with it. Never had a bit of trouble with it.
I own this reel among several others for catfish. It's dependable and can hold the fish no matter how it acts. I typically set this up with a double drop rig using a 2-2.5 oz sinker and it never disappoints when it comes to function. It's always on the pier with me along with the 808, the Lew's 8000, and others.
I have used the 808 880 and the 888 for years and I fish a lot and they have held up really well before that I used Johnson reals the Sabra a very good real I wish I could still buy them
Oh yeah , they can take a beating and their customer service is awesome ! Never had a problem getting a part for any reel that I rebuilt .
I am old and broken and my hands don't work very well so I am going back to spin casters. I grabbed a 33 for a lighter a pole and the 888 for a medium-heavy ugly stik ... money is also a concern. I still have a small collection of rods and reels, plus once gave a bunch away. Sold my deer rifle too. I often take some of those rods and reels, just in case I come across someone who might need one.
The 888 is the only big zebco I have left over the years after switching over to bait casters from spincast , but the 888 still casts great an can hold some line. The 808 the 808 magnum an the 888 an the catfish fighter ! will always hold a place in my heart an tackle , side note : we need a bigger size of the bullet an maybe people would use spincast a little more , this majority of all plastic has got to go man
Still use a 808 catfish fighter with the rod combo. Landed a 22lb tiger muskie with it recently.
Zebco 888. My granddad's FAVORITE reel
I got the Boss Hawg 808 and is not plastic on the front cover on the reel. Is my go to for catfish setup with my Ugly catfish rod and Ozark trail OTX baitcaster reel for back up.
My wife is stuck on spin casters, she uses the 808 and the 733 Hawg. It’s just what she’s comfortable with. Nothing wrong with them. She has had them for years. I use both spinning and baitcasters, I just can’t change her mind. So what ever you comfortable with go fishing, it’s fun.
I started with a Zebco 202 when I was 12 years old. My dad came home with a bunch of Zebco's for the family. Four 202's for the kids and two Zebco 404's for mom and dad. I have had the Zebco 808 for many years as my big catfish rig. I do have a couple of baitcasting rigs and several spinning rigs as well. Great video on the 888.
Well said and thanks for postin! Back in the 70's I think it was a Zebco 404 rod/reel combo., I caught some decent fish(kid/paper route finances). Was fishing for carp with corn one morning, not paying attention, and that rig went over the rail, going southbound...... That was in the downstream side of the dam in Ottumwa, Iowa. I saw it go, but didn't have time to say goodbye. lol
I love Zebco reels for simplicity and durability and have used them for many years. I bought 2 888's form Cabella's and 2 Firewater Marine Firestick rods from Amazon to mount them on. As a casual fisherman, this combination works great for me. I know they aren't for everybody, but they work and they are affordable!...and yes, I have about 5 Zebco 33's...LOL I am mainly a fly fisherman, but these are great when I'm not fly fishing and want to go after Big cats or carps for a change of pace. Your review was an honest one, thanks.
I use 30 lb.triline on my 888's ,works great .I have caught a lot of big fish 40 plus ,no problem's. All I use .
thanks, Walmart had a clearance for $12.50 on this reel. I'm buying one, I want it as a secondary surf fishing reel. 😊
I use a 888 for surf fishing. No problems, took the line off put on new line and its been a blast... The line that it comes with needs to be change out after that its a pro...
Zebco has the best fishing equipment for the price hands down. I fought a 39lb blue on 12lb line. Fight lasted at least 2 hours and finally jumped in for it lol. Last time I used one for catfishing lol.
The first reels I can remember were 33's. In my teens in the late 70's early 80's my dad bought several Zebco One's and we used them for black bass, white bass, crappie, catfish. Super easy to use and apparently worked pretty well.
I got a few of the old 33s. The ones that are all metal inside. They really are well built. I’ve caught 10+lb channel cats on em.
I'm old....I grew up catching fish with my Zebco. They are great.
I have a Zebco 888 and the reel is heavy at around 18 ounces otherwise a flawless spin casting reel to work with. Mine is an early bird and I think those were all stainless steel. Cat-fishing is most of what I do with the Zebco 888 on an 8' Big Game rod when I don't have to reach too far away from bancs or fishing from a boat and a Penn Battle 3 DX 8000 on a 12' surf rod for long reach casts while bank fishing.
Great review, take care.
Great review Dieter, the zebco 888 and 808 are winches.
Having psoriatic arthritis, my baitcaster and spinning reel days are long gone. These spincast reels help keep me in the sport.
I love my 888. Not the smoothest drag but plenty of power to stop 20,30,40 lb fish. Perfect for bottom fishing.
I have 3 of these... This was our first Big Cat reels when we first started Catfishing!! Great reel and I plan on using mine again for Carp fishing soon!!
Thank you !! I really appreciate this honest review on this reel. Me personally I use heavy duty bait casting reels but I can't expect my wife and daughter to cast and operate with one just yet.. this reel should be perfect size and not heavy on the pocket book ! I like those ugly stick rods too man they are not expensive and they will sure take a beating!! Beautiful fish bud
Grew up with the original classic Zebco 33. A really great spin-cast reel for perch, walleye, and pike fishing. I use a cheap $20.0 00 Zebco Optix spinning reel today as my main fish I typical catch are 1 ~ 2 pound rainbow trout with the odd 3~4 pound rainbow once a year. The Zebco Optix does the job very very well and anyone who can't catch a fish on a $50.00 rod and reel setup really doesn't know how to fish.
The older Zebco stuff was pretty good for what it was and recent Zebco reels are becoming more and more plastic and less metal. Any decent reel should easily last 4~5 years with minimal maintenance.
Awesome review....one place where the 808 and 888 shine is BIG Bass fishing, yes for big bass. I use Musky Jitterbugs late spring to fall at night and bank fishing with these big baits (any big bass bait) is where this reel shines. You dont want a baitcaster night fishing from the bank for big bass as if you snag a weed, limb , etc on your back cast you get that dreaded backlash and you are done. I got an 808 and a 888 both on the old Berkely E cat rods for this jittebug fishing and my wife also uses them for catfishing. I use 20 lb or 25 lb line and they do well with either.
Wife won three tournaments last year with a 888 and 30lb line, Biggest was a 56 1/2 flathead, I prefer a bait caster and 50lb braid
Back in the 80's my parents and me where using 808 and 888 with 17 pound stren clear blue line on the coast of Texas. We were fishing out of a boat and landing 3' to 5' black tips all the time with out issues.
My first times fishing ,I used a Zebco 404 and had a 202 as well. Some of my biggest fish were caught using my trusty Zebco 404 rod/reel combo . Interestingly on two separate occasions I was walking along not doing anything in particular and found four rods and three reels made by Zebco that with a little bit of cleaning up and restringing were actually quite decent . I wound up giving a couple away to people who didn't have working poles. Just a couple of weeks ago, I again was walking and found two Zebco rod/reel combos and two Zebco rods without reels. With a little bit of TLC , I'll have a couple of decent " back up" poles. I may wind up giving one combo to a Buddy of mine who "rediscovered " fishing last Year. Those reels do take a licking and with a simple maintenance routine definitely work fine.
Grew up using a Shakespeare Wondercast reel. Bought a few used off eBay for the grandkids, but son bought them spinning combos before I got these set up. Those were all solid metal reels.
This real is good I bought two for my wife after watching your videos she loves them
I caught my biggest catfish recently on a Zebco 808 boss hawg Walmart combo a 25lb flathead. No it's not a 50-100lb Blue like some TH-camrs catch but I was impressed for sure
Great video. I think the best thing is when you are strapping a bunch of poles to the boat, they won't get tangled up at the reel. I use rod socks always and they help out a lot on the other end.
I agree with you on using 20 pound would be better. I use 20 pound cajun line on my big Zebco that I use for catfish. I think it's a 606, vs your 888, but still, the lighter the line the better.
I use 65lb Spiderwire braid on mine, cast amazing everytime and I don't have to worry about anything breaking it.
You don't have any problems with the braid digging.. thanks
After I watched the video you first posted about the 888 and bought my wife two she loves them
I'm not to keen on the newer models but I have 10 of the older models (Prostaff) made with the metal base and cap and still use them as my go to reels and collect them as well. I also have 6 more of these reels still in their clamshells or boxes unused. I fish them with much success in tournaments and have been laughed at for using them until the weigh in's. I consider the "Made in USA" older models to be the very best spincast reels ever made and will put them up against any other reel made today . The star drag , the line pick up, gear ratio, ability to use heavier line with ease, castability, and durability of the older models are really incredible
I bought two of those Zebco 888 reels about three years ago. I like using them for bank fishing at night in the dark. Much less trouble than an open face bait caster especially at night. I have caught ten-pound catfish with no trouble. I use twenty-pound test on mine!! I have wanted to try to catch a large Stripper but haven't caught one yet! Thanks for the video, Dieter!!
I have caught several large Stripper's on twenty's.lol
I've got an 808 i bought to get my wife into fishing. I landed a 18lbs flathead with it this spring.
What a bizarre coincidence, I bought my better half one of these 888 zebco reels and put it on a Ugly stix. I'm glad to see I made a good choice. Thank you for the video
The 888 is a great inexpensive real for a secondary rig. One you tight line with and you prop on a V stick rod holder. 888's have a line alert built in and you won't break the bank or spend as much as you did on your ultra fine spin cast or bait cast rigs for lure fishing. That way you can lure fish while keeping an ear out for your alert on your second pole.
I've got the ZEBCO 888 BIGCAT XL. I love it. It is perfect along side my 733 HAWG.
It just works. Plain and simple.
I love my zebco bullets ! I did catch my best of 9 1/2 lbs. on a zebco 33 classic !
I have been fishing for 25 years and I still prefer spincasting reels over any other reel and I have this exact reel as well and I will tell you it actually can handle 30 lb test fishing line perfectly if you set the drag right. I think the problem you were having was that the Zebco 888 reel has a max drag of exactly 30 lb test so if you had the drag up all the way with a 30 lb test fishing line that would be the problem right there.
The fully contained reel is an advantage sometimes. Shorelining where there's lots of brush, bushes, trees.. The line stays in the center of the reel and doesn't have a big bail flopping around tangling in the twigs, and it's easier to cast than a regular baitcaster which, also has an open reel.. I think it's great for ponds and streams where the brush is heavy, good for crappie and the like in those places.
I have 3 of these reels. I keep them setup for my grandkids. When looking to buy one, look for the ones with metal gears, not plastic. As far as line goes, they come with 25# test line already spooled. I've not had any problems with any of the 3 I own.
I have this reel and like it. I think if you put some 50 lb braid on it and tighten the drag just a bit, it would perform better. For the $, it can't be beat.
I think that braid this heavy is more than the reel is designed for….
@@DieterMelhorn 50 lb braid is thinner than 30 lb mono...
What kinda rod did you pair with it?
Can’t wait for the next trip Dieter!
Great video, my first reels were 404, 808 and 33. I loved my Zebco. A friend recently gave me a fairly new 808, I use it for catfishing it’s a great reel for river rats .
I have the zebco 33 and several zebco 888 reels I like that they have a clicker on it which they call the bite alert. And in case anyone is wondering you can use braided line on these. but you have to use a monofilament backing due to the softness of the aluminum spool.
I have the the servo 888 and the houg seeker I love the to combos grate for the pay lake .love the videos keep them coming
Nice, fair review and a honkin' fat blue cat too! I've got a fresh pair of 888's purchased primarily for nostalgia and fishing eater size channel cats at my local spot and they fit the bill just fine. Nice, stout guest rigs and sturdy enough to tackle larger fish. Cheers and Happy Easter!
I have a couple of them.... In have the pro 808... I have them, but I just bait and spinning reels. I grew up with zebco and I keep spincasters around for people who are used to them or new
I Used The 888 For Years , One of the best thing I like About These Is They seem to stay cleaner Inside especially when you fish off Sandbars At Night , Sand Gets in Reels Almost Magically No Matter How Hard you try to keep it out , but the ole 888 I never had a complaint With , Caught Some Good Blues And Flathead's On Em , I Used The Ugly Sticks , I Caught Big Red Fish ,Black Drum , And Everything Else As Well ,,, Caught A 22 pound stingray on a Zebco 33 lol 🤣🤣 🤷🏻♂️ ,, Yeah it was battle But I won lol 😁 ,, Probably The Best Beginner Reels Out There , I Always Used A 25 pound Stren Line On My 888s ,, If ya fish from the bank Alot , Sandbar Fishing , Anywhere Else that mud, dirt and grit is a issue , this is the ticket , JMO 🤷🏻♂️ , Myself , I'm A Budget Type Fisherman, Always Have Been and Im To Old To Change Tactics Now lol 🤣🤣🤣
My favorite rig was Zebco 33 Anniversary edition on a Shakespeare Firebird 6 foot rod. I caught everything from big capazone and ling cod to bluegills on that setup. Crazy how it stood up to big fish for years. My other reel was a Zebco Rhino on a 7 foot medium action uglystick.
Thanks for this review. I have a Diawa bait cast. I need more practice 😂. I will try this reel. Love you videos and just caught my first catfish since I was a kid fishing the crick here in NW Pennsylvania. Looking forward to some Allegheny River catfish.
My zebco 808 threw down and I caught 5 beautiful brook trout with my zebco 808 and I bought mine from Amazon with a zebco 7ft medium heavy rod and my zebco 7ft medium heavy rod is a 2 piece combo
Use three 808s for cats and light saltwater. Best for casting in tight places under trees bank fishing.
I've got the old greenish one my brother bought it sometime in the mid 70s, last time I stringed it up, it worked like a TOP, lol
My first reel was a Zebco , through the 50 years since I have caught hundreds of pounds of every kind of fish with a Zebco. Still have nearly all of my old ZEBCO 'S
I started catfishing with an 808 and an 888. Still have 2 of my 808s
Thanks for the review. My wife loves Zebco's but she needs a better one the the one she has. It's one of them new florescent pink models and it sucks bad! The gears are built well but the spool and the sting winder thing is so cheaply made I had to take parts off a older model to fix the new one because my wife had to have her new pink reel. LoL
They are not perfect....if you fish a lot you'll likely step up your game...
Those are great little everyday reels can't find them anymore in stores around here
Zebco brought rod and reel fishing to the masses.
Bought two 808 ones about 20 years ago. Mind you the salt water version. Still smooth as butter and I have used them at Galveston and in all my local lakes. I just change line every couple years and oil them up. Use 30lb line. I remember I bought them because someone told me of all the zebco reels the 808 is the best because it has stainless ball bearings. Seems to be true. Not sure this 888 has the stainless or not.. just looked and it does not.
Got myself a KastKing Megatron spinning reel for catfishing. Landed a twelve pound channel cat the first day I went out with it! KastKing is another really affordable option. I think I spent about $50 $60 for mine on amazon
I've been using it for years now . It's handled 30#blues just great.. Fantastic for the money
I really like this. It looks like an adult version of they stuff I used as a kid lol
I have all 3 kinds of reels and I love the spinning reel the best
Awesome thank you
You bet!
I had a 888 zebco and it was all I used but one day I put a live perch on my hook and a big flathead took it and I got the fish but it striped the ⚙️ gears out of the reel and it would not lock when you throw it out and click it the line would just keep coming out so now I just use Bait casting reels Abu Garcia 6500 C 3 catfish special and a Abu Garcia 6500 C 3 Striper special and it has never let me down when I get big flathead catfish ..but a zebco is good for small fish and to get kids into fishing 🎣
One aspect that I don’t like about spin cast reels is the mechanism responsible for how the line is gathered on the spool. It seems like there is friction involved with that retractable pin on the spoon. It seems to me that would cause wear on your line, especially when catching fish and reeling in heavier rigs.
My first "big kid rod and reel" was a zebco 202
After wearing out a bunch of new, but cheap reeels (for catfishing), I have swiched to buying old Penn, Ocean City etc reeels at yard sales, usually under $15 each..then rebuild (while watching youtube!) :) they are tough and will last forever. For my spinning reels I just buy new Abu Garcias, for about $40 each..
I lived 200 yards from the largest tributary to the Potomac river in southern Pa growing up. I would wear out a Zebco 202 or 404 every year. I'm not sure how many fish I caught. One thing I did notice was the last couple of years the quality wasn't as good as the earlier ones from the late 1960s into the late 70s. The 33s would cast farther and had better drags but never lasted as long because the pickup would get a groove wore in it from the line. The 202s and 404s had a teethed cone for pickup so the load was spread over all the teeth. Neither had a good drag but got the job done. We would lock it down and pull until the line broke with a dead pull that set it just a little less. Even 15 lb carp very seldom pulled line off the reel.
Really enjoy your videos! Can I use braid on my 888? I know it’s no ideal, but I need help casting farther being that I’m disabled. I can respool often. Any ideas?
Yeah, never could stand the push button reels, they seem to always foul up pretty bad and it's far more of a task to change out the line compared to an open face spinning reel or baitcaster reel. Plus they just don't feel comfortable to me. I'll stick with my spinning and baitcaster reels honestly, but I'm glad to see these are just some cheap junk push button reels that I know of. Great video, I enjoy these types of videos.
Can you spool braid on this reel with a mono leader??
Never tried that….might try it with the 202’s I’m gonna test!!
There’s also the 33 MAX @$40 that is pretty similar.
The pro staff 888 was a great reel
Great review thank you!
Happy Easter everyone
Zebco are the best for the price and ease of use. Super easy to maintain and even under the worst care lasts for years. If you fish only a handful of times a year. Zebco paired with an ugly stick there's a lot of years of fun.
I like these whopper Zebco spin casters for halibut, lingcod, catfish, larger salmon and trevally and saltwater species over 10 pounds.
I've had several 808 models since the late 70s. I put 20 and 25lb. inexpensive mono line in it on short 5'6 solid glass straight handle spin rods, and got a few mounted on short handle grip bass rods meant for baitcast reels.
One of the other main reasons I use these is because it converts to left hand cranking.
I own and use 3 of those 888's