Big Dave W! I just checked my 733 hawg- when I flip the clicker switch, anti reverse is off, and gives good notification when line is tugged out. Maybe yours is different. BTW I just cleaned and adjusted per your tips, perfect, thanks.
Great video! Very informational and you seem very down-to-earth. I have had a Bass Pro Shops King Kat spinning combo for a while but I found a Zebco 33 Max spincast reel on clearance at Walmart, and after landing an 8 pound channel cat on it, I was sold on Zebcos. I watched this video before buying an 888 reel and pairing it with a Berkley Big Game 7’ MH rod. I absolutely love that combo. My fishing buddy chuckles at my spincasts when we set up on the bank, but I always catch more fish, and get the last laugh. Nothing like turning the drag down, the bite alert on, and hearing that line zip when a cat hits it! Tight lines sir!
Thanks for watching and the feedback!! Sometimes when I’m throwing out some bait there’s nothing like the big Zebco. Just push the button and your done. No argument here! Always a fun time!! Tight lines, Dave
@bigdavewilsonfishingandout3777 hey Dave could you use the zebco 888 for surfcast If not would it be OK snapper blues and blue fish and strippers thanks because they claim it can take stripers
Nice video. I started with a Zebco back around 1971. Easy to use with no backlashes like with the older baitcasting reels you had back then. I grew up on the sound, right on the water. Last year I got the 733. Worlds better than what I remember the older ones were like. Im considering on getting the Omega 03. Keep the videos coming.
Just got into fishing again after 5 years, I was messing around with my South Bend Bait caster and a Pflunger open reel that I brought years ago. Kept having trouble with them, grabbed out my Zebco 33, which I had 10 maybe 12 years before buying any other reel. That zebco worked flawless, I put the other reels in the corner. I just brought a Zebco 888 as a secondary, it going be put through the test.
Great channel . just found you . Kinda funny , when I was 6 years old I had a 202 . A year or so later I graduated to a 404 . ( man was I in heaven ) . At 59 I'm still sold on zebco . . Thanks on you info , just subbed you .
Thank you for the video. I am a Zebco fan from way back. Got my first Zebco 33 when I was 9 years old. 64 years ago. Yes it was the black version. I recently bought a Zebco Salt Fisher. The 808. It’s a sad thing. I still like it but it doesn’t have the quality it should. Also bought a new 33. Love it. But it still is lacking the Zebco quality from the past, like many things today. Yeah I still buy Zebco but most of my reels are bait casters made in the USA now. More expensive sure. What choice do I have? I want to catch catfish without a lot of hassle. My 808 salt fisher was cross threaded so putting the cover back on is a real booger. Well, again I thank you for taking the time to make and share your video. Tom
There are two models in the 33 line up that have excellent build quality... The first is the Platinum that is metal through and through with 5 bearings. Smooth as butter, built like a tank... The 2nd is the 33 Black , unfortunately you can only get that real in the combo... It has four bearings and it is just as smooth as a platinum and it's also built extremely well
mr.meredith roper Yes, great reel for carping too around here. 808 is saltwater treated, has bushings though not the extra bearings like 888. But, yes 888 is definitely a nice reel.
Loved the video. Like others, I'm anxious to hear your take on the new Big Cat. I'm still using a couple of 888 "Great White" stainless that I bought back in the early 90's. I really like them, but kinda want to upgrade, too. Thanks
D. R. Green Hi DR, thanks for watching, it's definitely on the bucket list... gonna' put it on a 7' Ugly one piece and try for some carp will run some video.. All the best, Dave
Hey dave liked your video on zebco reels they were alot better reel when the were made in the USA,i have fished with zebco since i was a kid back in the 70's.Anyway nice video i have a zebco 888 reel which i really like and a zebco boss hawg catfish combo i purchased together great rod and reel!!!Thanks for your video.
dieseldoctor Thanks for watching!! I have a few of the 8 series and although the line is wirey, they do a good job and retrieve moderately enough to use in the river sometimes. Hoping to get settled in with a go-pro so I can make a few field videos. All the best
mr.meredith roper Thanks for watching on the new channel... There are some things I feel the Zebco does better than any other reel. Example, I can go into heavy tall cover stick the rod through an opening and cast a fair side distance, then because of the closed design reel in easily without getting the bail wrapped in brush tangles. Same with basic split shot and bobber in the wind, just throw it out and reel it in. But I like my Penns too ;)))))))))))
Thanks for watching! I’m a little behind here.. I have one 202 with a star drag, and I think another type, but I’ve never used them or repaired them because they’re NOS so mostly for collecting purposes. Thanks!
nice videos, I suscribed at your channel, I would like to get your opinion about the ZEBCO BULLET, is a little bit expensive and before to buy it need to know if is a value for the money cost. thanks Martin
Hi, thanks for watching! Bullet, I can't really say much because I've only seen one in the store never used one. That said, I don't think I would buy one myself, just not my preference. I have an Omega with the three take up pins and compensating take up spool that moves in and out and I have to say it either hangs up or misses the take up, I've had to change the line several times, ehhhh, just don't care for it, I prefer other models less trouble and line problems. My suspect is that the Bullett is similar, but again I haven't tried it. If you just want a better Zebco than the plain 33 my choice would be the Platinum. I have a few and they hold up well, after a while I switch to 8lb smooth cast line and they don't get so wired up on the cast.
Hello 7, thanks for watching!!! I did not yet, but when I do I will post a quick review. I'm thinking it's very similar to the 808 and 888 which I've caught some decent fish on, including a close to 3ft striped in the river tide which held up fine with a medium drag on and a big #5 alliance spinner. I don't care for these if throwing big baits, I would just use my Penn stuff, but for the smaller plugs and big spinners or putting out meat, perfect :)))))))) Cheers, Dave
Hi Katherine, I did not have the reason to unwrap and use it yet, but maybe I'll just take it out and just give it a whirl.. I'm quite confident that it will be very much like the 808, but it has the better spinner head and possibly a better drive gear. Thanks for watching, I'm going to check it out and see what's up!
If it’s a more current one, you might be able to buy a direct replace part from Zebco parts. But I don’t think it’s from Zebco any more, it’s some other source. Did you search Zebco Parts? I have gotten some parts direct, but others from scrap reels and eBay. OK, keep on!
what about the other real heavy reels, older like the 700 hoss, 88? some like the 700 had NO drag just direct drive all metal and they came with 20/25lbs test line. the 33 never did. it was for about 15lbs test or less. and the "clicker" feature is called "bite indicator". then some had an anti reverse lever. the larger plastic disc on front of spinner/bell was part of the Feather cast system to use thumb button to slow cast and land bait on target. the ceramic pickup pins where to help save reel parts from damage when using braided lines and the pins spin on some like the pickup roller on a spin cast reel. same for Ceramic lined Eyes on Rods. but cheap Braided line with fewer weaves still eat them fast. how about a video explaining what features are standard on the different models like 202, 404, 606, 33 etc? must be size/capacity etc also. I also collect the Mini USA Zebco Reels like 113, 144, 171, 3, 4, 11... seems only a couple things differ in them and model number has no significance, are the full size reels also like that?
cool you did a review on this reel but not to excited. The original zebco 700 hoss and 733 were direct drive reels with no drag. They were meant to pull hard but no drag. I am pretty sure these are all chinese made zebcos. You need to get more vintage zebcos. Post 2001 was all american made but they still make pretty "ok" reels but older american made ones are better. I don't understand how you could think bait casters are better. common miss conception is that closed face fishing reels are for newbs. Not the case do research. When zebco first put out closed face spinning reels in the late 50's they were twice the cost of the average baitcaster. Your in your video all are newer china made zebcos. I would suggest a review of a model 55 zebco for catfish or a cardinal 7 made for zebco by abu garcia. Your video is good but honestly nobody cares about modern zebcos. Real Zebco fans want american made pre 2001 zebcos. I have all the modern reels you are showing, but the older zebcos are built way better.
Brad Newill Hi Brad, thanks for watching and your feedback. I actually have a lot of old Zebcos that I have collected and worked on over the years. Let me just say, the purpose of this video was to show and discuss the more current production ones. As for baitcasters, well, you're not going to go Tuna or Marlin fishing with a Zebco, or I should hope not, so they do have their niche in life. If you fish in hard river current, a big spool spinning reel that can take up a lot of line quickly will also outgo a Zebco because the take up ratio is just not there, plus I really prefer a braid with lower water resistance. If you hook up in a strong current you'll be crankin like a mad man if you get a big fish running at you. Some of my favorite older Zs are the 66, small and work amazing on the kayak for still water. I have several red and tan face originals too, they have no drag either and the old bake shop style spool. OK, all the best to you and tight lines! Dave
It's odd you think he doesn't have a right to his opinion. And to tell him to "do research" kinda ridiculous since he's obviously been doing actual research other than just browsing the Internet for a long time.Then you make the claim " nobody cares about newer Zebco's" like you're psychic and know exactly what everybody thinks. I think having over 3000 views proves you wrong. It's seems you should make your own video since you're a self proclaimed expert on everything fishing.
![ค้างคืนโรงเก็บกระสวยอวกาศร้างกลางทะเลทราย [Around The World Ep. 3]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/E5bWZQhABJE/mqdefault.jpg)
Platinum 733 is continuous anti reverse, it DOES NOT switch to bait run or "clicker" alert mode....
Happy Wednesday!!
Big Dave W! I just checked my 733 hawg- when I flip the clicker switch, anti reverse is off, and gives good notification when line is tugged out. Maybe yours is different. BTW I just cleaned and adjusted per your tips, perfect, thanks.
Great video! Very informational and you seem very down-to-earth. I have had a Bass Pro Shops King Kat spinning combo for a while but I found a Zebco 33 Max spincast reel on clearance at Walmart, and after landing an 8 pound channel cat on it, I was sold on Zebcos. I watched this video before buying an 888 reel and pairing it with a Berkley Big Game 7’ MH rod. I absolutely love that combo. My fishing buddy chuckles at my spincasts when we set up on the bank, but I always catch more fish, and get the last laugh. Nothing like turning the drag down, the bite alert on, and hearing that line zip when a cat hits it! Tight lines sir!
Thanks for watching and the feedback!! Sometimes when I’m throwing out some bait there’s nothing like the big Zebco. Just push the button and your done. No argument here! Always a fun time!! Tight lines, Dave
@bigdavewilsonfishingandout3777 hey Dave could you use the zebco 888 for surfcast
If not would it be OK snapper blues and blue fish and strippers thanks because they claim it can take stripers
Nice video. I started with a Zebco back around 1971. Easy to use with no backlashes like with the older baitcasting reels you had back then. I grew up on the sound, right on the water. Last year I got the 733. Worlds better than what I remember the older ones were like. Im considering on getting the Omega 03. Keep the videos coming.
Just got into fishing again after 5 years, I was messing around with my South Bend Bait caster and a Pflunger open reel that I brought years ago. Kept having trouble with them, grabbed out my Zebco 33, which I had 10 maybe 12 years before buying any other reel. That zebco worked flawless, I put the other reels in the corner. I just brought a Zebco 888 as a secondary, it going be put through the test.
Great channel . just found you .
Kinda funny , when I was 6 years old I had a 202 .
A year or so later I graduated to a 404 . ( man was I in heaven ) .
At 59 I'm still sold on zebco . . Thanks on you info , just subbed you .
Thank you for the video. I am a Zebco fan from way back. Got my first Zebco 33 when I was 9 years old. 64 years ago. Yes it was the black version. I recently bought a Zebco Salt Fisher. The 808. It’s a sad thing. I still like it but it doesn’t have the quality it should. Also bought a new 33. Love it. But it still is lacking the Zebco quality from the past, like many things today. Yeah I still buy Zebco but most of my reels are bait casters made in the USA now. More expensive sure. What choice do I have? I want to catch catfish without a lot of hassle. My 808 salt fisher was cross threaded so putting the cover back on is a real booger. Well, again I thank you for taking the time to make and share your video.
Tom
There are two models in the 33 line up that have excellent build quality... The first is the Platinum that is metal through and through with 5 bearings. Smooth as butter, built like a tank... The 2nd is the 33 Black , unfortunately you can only get that real in the combo... It has four bearings and it is just as smooth as a platinum and it's also built extremely well
My zebco 808 was bought in 1988 and is still working flawlessly
thanks mr dave....great video.........
John Dixon
Thanks for watching on the new channel, more fun to come!!
i have an 888....love it!
mr.meredith roper
Yes, great reel for carping too around here. 808 is saltwater treated, has bushings though not the extra bearings like 888. But, yes 888 is definitely a nice reel.
Loved the video. Like others, I'm anxious to hear your take on the new Big Cat. I'm still using a couple of 888 "Great White" stainless that I bought back in the early 90's. I really like them, but kinda want to upgrade, too. Thanks
D. R. Green
Hi DR, thanks for watching, it's definitely on the bucket list... gonna' put it on a 7' Ugly one piece and try for some carp will run some video..
All the best, Dave
Hey dave liked your video on zebco reels they were alot better reel when the were made in the USA,i have fished with zebco since i was a kid back in the 70's.Anyway nice video i have a zebco 888 reel which i really like and a zebco boss hawg catfish combo i purchased together great rod and reel!!!Thanks for your video.
dieseldoctor
Thanks for watching!! I have a few of the 8 series and although the line is wirey, they do a good job and retrieve moderately enough to use in the river sometimes. Hoping to get settled in with a go-pro so I can make a few field videos.
All the best
BIG Dave where have you been?????????????????.
Thanks for watching and checking in!
i love zebco reels
mr.meredith roper
Thanks for watching on the new channel...
There are some things I feel the Zebco does better than any other reel. Example, I can go into heavy tall cover stick the rod through an opening and cast a fair side distance, then because of the closed design reel in easily without getting the bail wrapped in brush tangles. Same with basic split shot and bobber in the wind, just throw it out and reel it in. But I like my Penns too ;)))))))))))
I have a rare Zebco 808 se. I can’t find any videos on it. This model comes with a star drag system. Can’t find any maintenance videos.
Thanks for watching! I’m a little behind here.. I have one 202 with a star drag, and I think another type, but I’ve never used them or repaired them because they’re NOS so mostly for collecting purposes. Thanks!
are the 888's strong enough for really big catfish? love your vids hope you make more!!!
nice videos, I suscribed at your channel, I would like to get your opinion about the ZEBCO BULLET, is a little bit expensive and before to buy it need to know if is a value for the money cost. thanks Martin
Hi, thanks for watching!
Bullet, I can't really say much because I've only seen one in the store never used one. That said, I don't think I would buy one myself, just not my preference. I have an Omega with the three take up pins and compensating take up spool that moves in and out and I have to say it either hangs up or misses the take up, I've had to change the line several times, ehhhh, just don't care for it, I prefer other models less trouble and line problems. My suspect is that the Bullett is similar, but again I haven't tried it. If you just want a better Zebco than the plain 33 my choice would be the Platinum. I have a few and they hold up well, after a while I switch to 8lb smooth cast line and they don't get so wired up on the cast.
Curious if you've tried out that Zebco Big Cat XT reel yet?
Hello 7, thanks for watching!!!
I did not yet, but when I do I will post a quick review. I'm thinking it's very similar to the 808 and 888 which I've caught some decent fish on, including a close to 3ft striped in the river tide which held up fine with a medium drag on and a big #5 alliance spinner. I don't care for these if throwing big baits, I would just use my Penn stuff, but for the smaller plugs and big spinners or putting out meat, perfect :))))))))
Cheers, Dave
MisterBigDave Have you tried the Big Cat reel yet? I am having trouble finding a video review.
Hi Katherine, I did not have the reason to unwrap and use it yet, but maybe I'll just take it out and just give it a whirl..
I'm quite confident that it will be very much like the 808, but it has the better spinner head and possibly a better drive gear.
Thanks for watching, I'm going to check it out and see what's up!
@@MisterBigDave I'm looking forward to your review of the BIG CAT XT spincast reel too.
I lost my front cover on my 888 how can I get a new one
If it’s a more current one, you might be able to buy a direct replace part from Zebco parts. But I don’t think it’s from Zebco any more, it’s some other source. Did you search Zebco Parts? I have gotten some parts direct, but others from scrap reels and eBay.
OK, keep on!
Zebco makes a nice reel
Siege Now
Thanks for watching, I am going to put up some new content soon also
youtube sucks, Dave your great
What county ur you in?
what about the other real heavy reels, older like the 700 hoss, 88? some like the 700 had NO drag just direct drive all metal and they came with 20/25lbs test line. the 33 never did. it was for about 15lbs test or less. and the "clicker" feature is called "bite indicator". then some had an anti reverse lever. the larger plastic disc on front of spinner/bell was part of the Feather cast system to use thumb button to slow cast and land bait on target. the ceramic pickup pins where to help save reel parts from damage when using braided lines and the pins spin on some like the pickup roller on a spin cast reel. same for Ceramic lined Eyes on Rods. but cheap Braided line with fewer weaves still eat them fast. how about a video explaining what features are standard on the different models like 202, 404, 606, 33 etc? must be size/capacity etc also. I also collect the Mini USA Zebco Reels like 113, 144, 171, 3, 4, 11... seems only a couple things differ in them and model number has no significance, are the full size reels also like that?
cool you did a review on this reel but not to excited. The original zebco 700 hoss and 733 were direct drive reels with no drag. They were meant to pull hard but no drag. I am pretty sure these are all chinese made zebcos. You need to get more vintage zebcos. Post 2001 was all american made but they still make pretty "ok" reels but older american made ones are better. I don't understand how you could think bait casters are better. common miss conception is that closed face fishing reels are for newbs. Not the case do research. When zebco first put out closed face spinning reels in the late 50's they were twice the cost of the average baitcaster. Your in your video all are newer china made zebcos. I would suggest a review of a model 55 zebco for catfish or a cardinal 7 made for zebco by abu garcia. Your video is good but honestly nobody cares about modern zebcos. Real Zebco fans want american made pre 2001 zebcos. I have all the modern reels you are showing, but the older zebcos are built way better.
Brad Newill
Hi Brad, thanks for watching and your feedback. I actually have a lot of old Zebcos that I have collected and worked on over the years. Let me just say, the purpose of this video was to show and discuss the more current production ones. As for baitcasters, well, you're not going to go Tuna or Marlin fishing with a Zebco, or I should hope not, so they do have their niche in life. If you fish in hard river current, a big spool spinning reel that can take up a lot of line quickly will also outgo a Zebco because the take up ratio is just not there, plus I really prefer a braid with lower water resistance. If you hook up in a strong current you'll be crankin like a mad man if you get a big fish running at you. Some of my favorite older Zs are the 66, small and work amazing on the kayak for still water. I have several red and tan face originals too, they have no drag either and the old bake shop style spool. OK, all the best to you and tight lines! Dave
It's odd you think he doesn't have a right to his opinion. And to tell him to "do research" kinda ridiculous since he's obviously been doing actual research other than just browsing the Internet for a long time.Then you make the claim " nobody cares about newer Zebco's" like you're psychic and know exactly what everybody thinks. I think having over 3000 views proves you wrong. It's seems you should make your own video since you're a self proclaimed expert on everything fishing.