Thank you . I recently picked up 3 888s on clearance for $16 each. Saved them for birthday presents for some of my grandsons. One of them the anti reverse didn’t work. Removed the covers, studied on it, took a second one apart to compare. Found the retainer clip over the bearing side (there’s a small square notch cut in one side) reversed on the one that wasn’t working. I reversed it, problem solved, one leg on that clip is longer and different than the opposite side . I appreciate seeing one of these completely disassembled. Now I’m going to order bearings and update them. Zebco sure have evolved, I still have my first one from 61 years ago.
I came across this video because I was thinking about buying this specific reel. After watching you're very informative video. I immediately purchased one and two of the enclosed bearings so I can super tune it. I thank you personally for this very informative video and ask that you continue to do what you do 👍😉💯🇺🇲‼️
I get out my old line and put it in hot water and reel it back in the reel and most of the memory is gone if you don't have new line. And need to use the fishing pole. Just showed my brother this last year he didn't use his pole for 2 years the line would not come out of the reel on is own. After I re did it it worked out for him and got fish. Sometimes you don't have New line for your reel. Like your video 📹 Zebco big boss hawg for 888 reel for me.
Thanks for the demo, Matthew. I said to my missus after watching, “I will be adding that reel to the arsenal soon.” This one is a bit more complicated than my recent lot of twenty 202s though. I got some good practice there. I watch all your videos and enjoy them very much. Gary
Thank you for your videos! I purchased a second hand big cat xt(888 with fancy colors) and am having issues with the anti reverse clutch and your video is exactly what i need. I just do happen to have another 888 and might as well pick up one of your bearing kits to do both..
Great video, Thank You. A couple of questions if you don't mind. What kind of grease do you use? And, occasionally, when I cast this reel (I have several of them), it will allow any where from 10 to 30 yds of line, and it will lock up, just like you hit a brake. Do you know what causes that? Thank you, Randy E Ruark Boone, Iowa
I use Penn reel grease. What I think is happening with the cast is the spinner cone pickup pins are engaging. Take off the cap and cock the reel. Do the pins retract? If one does not,take the spinner cone off and check the springs on the inside that holds the pins in.
Use a fishing grade grease. I use Magic Lube. That happens when you get hung up on the bottom or a tree bass and really pulled hard against the reel. Line digs into the spool causing no line to go out off the spool. Dunk the spool in warm water for several hours. Peel off 40-50 yards or just cast it off in your yard. Wind the now wet line back on the spool. Wetting the line revives the nylon mono line.
You are welcome. Don't tighten the drag too much and it will catch a dang big cat. I saw a 40+ pounder (flat head or a Blue) on a catfish video channel. Did the job well! Thanks for commenting!
The 888 is the best spincast out there. 30lbs of drag will pull the bumper off your pickup truck. What sets it apart from others is the instant anti-reverse. That and the bait clicker. For $25 bucks, you will NOT find another heavy duty real that approaches it. And it has 25lb line ALREADY on it. What a deal. Zebco for the win.
Thanks for the video ... definitely a lot of parts! I've got a Zebco Big Cat and I can't find the solution for my problem, which has to do with the anti-reverse / bite-alert switch .... my anti reverse works fine, it's the regular reel functions that aren't cooperating entirely. I can still reel my line in, and (if I hold the reel handle) I can still adjust drag, but if I let go of the handle and any pull is on the line, it goes backward, like it's in anti-reverse, even when I don't have the bite alert switch activated .... the only difference is it doesn't make the odd ratchety clicking sound when reeling in standard, and does still make that sound in bite alert mode .... it's like I'm in bite alert mode all the time, except where the sound for it is concerned, if that makes any sense at all.... I'm guessing maybe I stripped an important gear out after getting hung up underwater on something, but I'm not entirely positive on that, either. Any thoughts on what might be up would be appreciated!
@@OutFishing13Matthew it looks very similar - thanks for the suggestion - I notice mine only has one 'spinner cone' (if I heard you right) but I'm starting to wonder if it had two at some point, b/c there appear to be empty slots that look suspectedly like another spinner core was there at one point .... how one of those could've dropped outta there without me noticing is rather bizarre, though when I'm lacking in the caffeine department, anything is possible. I suppose that could be the problem, if it isn't a broken ring.
Hello Matthew, Been awail my friend I hope nice to see you back at the Bench I don't know about anyone else, but I miss watching you do your thing, plus I learn new tricks along the way watching what you do with all of the reels that you work on. Just so you know, Matthew, I have started collecting the ABU-AUTO SPIN reels I have three so far what cool reels in my book Matt. they have NO FALITS YES..
@@OutFishing13Matthew It's nice to see that you see good machines when you see them the one ABU-Matic 120 has been with me for some sixty years, Matt, and has never given me any trouble, and that's no lie, and that can be said for the Garcia Michell 300 all, so these reels just don't quit. I hope there is no hard feeling between us Zebco reels in a class of thereon
Sweet you got it! You sir, are the g o a t! I just caught a catfish with my big cat xt combo. Strong rod and reel! Its the xt that has 4 bearings already.
Thank You, I truly appreciate your very informative and educational videos. I'm coming full circle back to spin-casters for more relaxing and simpler fishing and have now watched your 808/888 videos several times now. A couple of ?'s. Seems that the anti-reverse of both the 808 and 888 may be the 'weak-link' of each reel. Have you formed an opinion which is the more trouble-free, stronger, or durable, the 808's actuator or the 888's one-way clutch? I readily found schematics/parts list for the current 808J and 888J. I've been trying to find the schematics and parts lists for the previous generation (H ?) and hoping that Zebco still supports them. Any ideas? Fred H.
I have had reports that the 888 AR can break, but maybe that has been fixed, and it is VERY complex to service if it comes apart. Zebco's parts are not as good as they were 5 years ago. New company and different support. However, you can always call Zebco to find a part.
Thanks to your and YoungMartinsReel's excellent tutorials, I do not fear the 888 AR Bearing. Normally, I would prefer to avoid AR Bearings in favor of a 'Pawl and Ratchet' system (really like the old Penn Z series Spinners), but from the 'armchair', the 888 AR may be the better choice over the 808 actuator. Moving forward, I'm focusing on the 808 Salt Water and 888's and will contact Zebco for spare parts. Fred H@@OutFishing13Matthew
One more ?. How would you compare the recent models of the 808 Salt Water vs the 888? Once 'Super Tuned', would the additional stainless steel parts of the 808 SW make it more desirable that the 888?
There are some advantages and disadvantages. The 888 (super tuned) will have the bite alert still and free spool, whereas the 888 has the instant anti-reverse. So the 808 is great for bank fishing.
Um less grease is more in reels. Use a silicone grade grease. Don't use dad's old wheel bearing grease rotting out in the garage. I use Magic Lube. It's made for the swimming pool industry. It's 100% silicone and will not wash off in chlorinated water.
Hey Mathew, Really appreciate your video’s. I use my 808 salt water reels Al the time. Starting too run into with them stopping abruptly in mid cast. I believe the spinner cone is coming out of cast mode. Do you know how I can fix the issue. Thanks
You are right. Somehow the spinner cone is turning enough to cock back into place and the pick-up pins are stopping the line. A couple things you can try. 1. Take the spinner cone assembly off and clean really well. 2. Clean the inside of the front cover. 3. Change your line. See if those three things will cure the problem.
Try soaking the spool in water for a day. Cast off 50 yards of line. Gently pinch the line and wind her back up. My thoughts is you got hung up on the bottom or a tree bass and the line dug into the spool. At casting the bait got to that spot and stopped going off the spool. Like you hit the parking brake. Spincasters have this line digging into the spool issue.
I have one of these newer 888's, but I also have a ton of older Zebcos as well. I've heard other guys say they clean all the grease off their drag systems on these Zebco reels. In your experience, does the grease help (especially on a big reel like this)? Is it smoother/more consistent?
Yes, I recommend grease on your drag. I will make it smoother and consistent. The grease does two important things. 1. Keeps it from locking up. 2. Transfers heat from one part to the next.
See I was wondering if oil would be better than these sticky greases. The harder you lock down the drag the more of the grease gets pushed off the drag washers. Or use a lighter grease like Vaseline. Something that lubes and slides easily. I know new reels hardly have any grease on/in them. Less grease is more in fishing reels.
Sure. I will put it on the list. Just so you know. That Dock Demon is basically a fancy 202. Here is a link to the newest 202 repair video. studio.th-cam.com/users/videoPu5RYJ1xDLY/edit
Matthew, I would like to take you back to my time when fishing was great here in Connecticut this was what we had for the fishing line. [Garcia River Mist Fishing Line Rockville Ct]. Let me know if you make it made me some great memberes Matt.
I use the Big cat XT almost the exact same reel as the 888 for bowfishing it’s super hard on the anti-reverse and destroys them. Anyone know of an upgrade or better system to eliminate what zebco uses for the anti-reverse but still not lock and not back reel. It would be greatly appreciated.
The 800 models have two types of ARs. The one I show here that is a continuous AR and built into the handle shaft. The other kind is on the 808 and uses an AR actuator and gear-like notches in the handle shaft. I wonder what is going on when bowfishing and why it is so hard on the AR.
@@OutFishing13Matthew the big cat XT had the same AR as shown in your video above. As far as bowfishing being hard on it I think it’s the arrows being stuck in the bottom and the continuing moment of the boat pulling out drag. I’m trying to set the drags lighter so it isn’t so hard on the reel but you need a fair amount to also be able to pull fish in so I think it’s a fine line between to much drag beats the AR till it just can’t take it anymore.
@@BillyGoat-k9n Thanks, so, this is the newest model. It has a very complex AR. Take a look at the video starting about 9:45. It is possible yours is broken and you need to get the reel serviced by a professional.
Thank you . I recently picked up 3 888s on clearance for $16 each. Saved them for birthday presents for some of my grandsons. One of them the anti reverse didn’t work. Removed the covers, studied on it, took a second one apart to compare. Found the retainer clip over the bearing side (there’s a small square notch cut in one side) reversed on the one that wasn’t working. I reversed it, problem solved, one leg on that clip is longer and different than the opposite side . I appreciate seeing one of these completely disassembled. Now I’m going to order bearings and update them. Zebco sure have evolved, I still have my first one from 61 years ago.
Glad you fixed it. I use these for channel cat fishing
I came across this video because I was thinking about buying this specific reel. After watching you're very informative video. I immediately purchased one and two of the enclosed bearings so I can super tune it. I thank you personally for this very informative video and ask that you continue to do what you do 👍😉💯🇺🇲‼️
@@mrwilliammckennaful you're welcome. Enjoy the reels.
I get out my old line and put it in hot water and reel it back in the reel and most of the memory is gone if you don't have new line. And need to use the fishing pole. Just showed my brother this last year he didn't use his pole for 2 years the line would not come out of the reel on is own. After I re did it it worked out for him and got fish. Sometimes you don't have New line for your reel. Like your video 📹 Zebco big boss hawg for 888 reel for me.
I need to make a video and try that.
So true. The water revives the nylon mono line. Same for adding on new line. Soak the new line in water a day or three. Sure helps a lot.
Thanks for the demo, Matthew. I said to my missus after watching, “I will be adding that reel to the arsenal soon.” This one is a bit more complicated than my recent lot of twenty 202s though. I got some good practice there. I watch all your videos and enjoy them very much. Gary
Right on! Thank you!
Thanks for the video of the new 888. Very informative and helpful
you are welcome!@
Thanks for the video, Matthew. I'm going to try to maintain mine
You can do it!
Thank you for your videos! I purchased a second hand big cat xt(888 with fancy colors) and am having issues with the anti reverse clutch and your video is exactly what i need. I just do happen to have another 888 and might as well pick up one of your bearing kits to do both..
So glad to hear you are getting them working again.
Great video, Thank You. A couple of questions if you don't mind. What kind of grease do you use? And, occasionally, when I cast this reel (I have several of them), it will allow any where from 10 to 30 yds of line, and it will lock up, just like you hit a brake. Do you know what causes that?
Thank you,
Randy E Ruark
Boone, Iowa
I use Penn reel grease. What I think is happening with the cast is the spinner cone pickup pins are engaging. Take off the cap and cock the reel. Do the pins retract? If one does not,take the spinner cone off and check the springs on the inside that holds the pins in.
Use a fishing grade grease. I use Magic Lube. That happens when you get hung up on the bottom or a tree bass and really pulled hard against the reel. Line digs into the spool causing no line to go out off the spool. Dunk the spool in warm water for several hours. Peel off 40-50 yards or just cast it off in your yard. Wind the now wet line back on the spool. Wetting the line revives the nylon mono line.
Have an 888. Seems like a great reel. Still waiting to catch a big catfish to test it out. Great video; very useful. Thanks.
You are welcome. Don't tighten the drag too much and it will catch a dang big cat. I saw a 40+ pounder (flat head or a Blue) on a catfish video channel. Did the job well! Thanks for commenting!
Thanks for the video, ive been contemplating buying this reel.
Glad I could help
The 888 is the best spincast out there. 30lbs of drag will pull the bumper off your pickup truck. What sets it apart from others is the instant anti-reverse. That and the bait clicker. For $25 bucks, you will NOT find another heavy duty real that approaches it. And it has 25lb line ALREADY on it. What a deal. Zebco for the win.
Except for that anti-reverse it looks like it comes apart much like the majority of their reels. It looks well made too. Thanks for the tutorial.
You bet! And you are right, the insides are very similar. The AR is just a little tricky.
Thanks for the video ... definitely a lot of parts! I've got a Zebco Big Cat and I can't find the solution for my problem, which has to do with the anti-reverse / bite-alert switch .... my anti reverse works fine, it's the regular reel functions that aren't cooperating entirely. I can still reel my line in, and (if I hold the reel handle) I can still adjust drag, but if I let go of the handle and any pull is on the line, it goes backward, like it's in anti-reverse, even when I don't have the bite alert switch activated .... the only difference is it doesn't make the odd ratchety clicking sound when reeling in standard, and does still make that sound in bite alert mode .... it's like I'm in bite alert mode all the time, except where the sound for it is concerned, if that makes any sense at all....
I'm guessing maybe I stripped an important gear out after getting hung up underwater on something, but I'm not entirely positive on that, either. Any thoughts on what might be up would be appreciated!
@@kaelsaxe does it have the same AR as the 888? If so the ring may be broken.
@@OutFishing13Matthew it looks very similar - thanks for the suggestion - I notice mine only has one 'spinner cone' (if I heard you right) but I'm starting to wonder if it had two at some point, b/c there appear to be empty slots that look suspectedly like another spinner core was there at one point .... how one of those could've dropped outta there without me noticing is rather bizarre, though when I'm lacking in the caffeine department, anything is possible. I suppose that could be the problem, if it isn't a broken ring.
Hello Matthew,
Been awail my friend I hope nice to see you back at the Bench I don't know about anyone else, but I miss watching you do your thing, plus I learn new tricks along the way watching what you do with all of the reels that you work on.
Just so you know, Matthew, I have started collecting the ABU-AUTO SPIN reels I have three so far what cool reels in my book Matt. they have NO FALITS YES..
Nice. I love Abu Garcia reels. I need to collect some of those old spincasts. I have one old one and one new one.
@@OutFishing13Matthew Hi Matthew
Am I to understand that you have changed your mind about your Zebco reels are not as good overall as the ABU Reels?
@@edwardroberts2997 no, love Zebcos, however I know the Abu Garcias are wonder reels. Let's just say I like all well made reels.
@@OutFishing13Matthew It's nice to see that you see good machines when you see them the one ABU-Matic 120 has been with me for some sixty years, Matt, and has never given me any trouble, and that's no lie, and that can be said for the Garcia Michell 300 all, so these reels just don't quit. I hope there is no hard feeling between us Zebco reels in a class of thereon
@@OutFishing13Matthew Are you upset with me, Matthew??
Sweet you got it! You sir, are the g o a t!
I just caught a catfish with my big cat xt combo. Strong rod and reel! Its the xt that has 4 bearings already.
those big cats look like nice reels. Do they have the instant anti-reverse? or do they have the AR like the 808?
@@OutFishing13Matthew it says continuous anti-reverse. So im guessing thats instant anti-reverse.
Thank You, I truly appreciate your very informative and educational videos.
I'm coming full circle back to spin-casters for more relaxing and simpler fishing and have now watched your 808/888 videos several times now. A couple of ?'s.
Seems that the anti-reverse of both the 808 and 888 may be the 'weak-link' of each reel. Have you formed an opinion which is the more trouble-free, stronger, or durable, the 808's actuator or the 888's one-way clutch?
I readily found schematics/parts list for the current 808J and 888J. I've been trying to find the schematics and parts lists for the previous generation (H ?) and hoping that Zebco still supports them. Any ideas?
Fred H.
I have had reports that the 888 AR can break, but maybe that has been fixed, and it is VERY complex to service if it comes apart. Zebco's parts are not as good as they were 5 years ago. New company and different support. However, you can always call Zebco to find a part.
Thanks to your and YoungMartinsReel's excellent tutorials, I do not fear the 888 AR Bearing. Normally, I would prefer to avoid AR Bearings in favor of a 'Pawl and Ratchet' system (really like the old Penn Z series Spinners), but from the 'armchair', the 888 AR may be the better choice over the 808 actuator. Moving forward, I'm focusing on the 808 Salt Water and 888's and will contact Zebco for spare parts. Fred H@@OutFishing13Matthew
One more ?. How would you compare the recent models of the 808 Salt Water vs the 888? Once 'Super Tuned', would the additional stainless steel parts of the 808 SW make it more desirable that the 888?
There are some advantages and disadvantages. The 888 (super tuned) will have the bite alert still and free spool, whereas the 888 has the instant anti-reverse. So the 808 is great for bank fishing.
The 888 is better all around. It's the king of all spincasters. 30lbs of drag will pull the bumper off your Chevy truck LOL.
Thanks for sharing im in the process of purchasing one of these but i do wanna put a little extra greese in it for good performance Thanks again
Glad I could help
Um less grease is more in reels. Use a silicone grade grease. Don't use dad's old wheel bearing grease rotting out in the garage. I use Magic Lube. It's made for the swimming pool industry. It's 100% silicone and will not wash off in chlorinated water.
Hey Mathew,
Really appreciate your video’s. I use my 808 salt water reels Al the time. Starting too run into with them stopping abruptly in mid cast. I believe the spinner cone is coming out of cast mode. Do you know how I can fix the issue. Thanks
You are right. Somehow the spinner cone is turning enough to cock back into place and the pick-up pins are stopping the line. A couple things you can try. 1. Take the spinner cone assembly off and clean really well. 2. Clean the inside of the front cover. 3. Change your line. See if those three things will cure the problem.
Thanks Mathew! Keep you updated. Enjoy your channel, keep up the good work.
Try soaking the spool in water for a day. Cast off 50 yards of line. Gently pinch the line and wind her back up. My thoughts is you got hung up on the bottom or a tree bass and the line dug into the spool. At casting the bait got to that spot and stopped going off the spool. Like you hit the parking brake. Spincasters have this line digging into the spool issue.
Hi Matthew,
Did you go to {the Garcia River Mist Fishing Line Rockville Ct?} I hope you don't mind; please let me know.
Never been back there.
I have one of these newer 888's, but I also have a ton of older Zebcos as well.
I've heard other guys say they clean all the grease off their drag systems on these Zebco reels. In your experience, does the grease help (especially on a big reel like this)? Is it smoother/more consistent?
Yes, I recommend grease on your drag. I will make it smoother and consistent. The grease does two important things. 1. Keeps it from locking up. 2. Transfers heat from one part to the next.
See I was wondering if oil would be better than these sticky greases. The harder you lock down the drag the more of the grease gets pushed off the drag washers. Or use a lighter grease like Vaseline. Something that lubes and slides easily. I know new reels hardly have any grease on/in them. Less grease is more in fishing reels.
Do you think this thing is any good for catching saltwater stripers?
With 20 pound test I think it could handle a striper up to 20 or 30 pounds. I know there is a saltwater version of the 808 and 888
The 888 has 30bs of drag. It will pull the stripes off one of those. It will reel in anything you can hold.
Can you do a video on the Zebco Dock Demon spin cast reel?
Sure. I will put it on the list. Just so you know. That Dock Demon is basically a fancy 202. Here is a link to the newest 202 repair video. studio.th-cam.com/users/videoPu5RYJ1xDLY/edit
Matthew,
I would like to take you back to my time when fishing was great here in Connecticut this was what we had for the fishing line.
[Garcia River Mist Fishing Line Rockville Ct]. Let me know if you make it made me some great memberes Matt.
I am sure those days were amazing. In some places in the country the fishing has really gone down hill.
Thanks, Matthew. I can see one of these in my future. Maybe I'll have a river to chase catfish next year. Drought.
I hear ya! The drought here has been bad.
Can I contact you I bought a zebco 888 at a flea market and the anti reverse does not work thanks
Sure. See my About page to get my email.
Do u repair fishing reels..i have 3 zebco zo2 that needs servicing
Send me a private message at outfishingthirteen@gmail.com
I use the Big cat XT almost the exact same reel as the 888 for bowfishing it’s super hard on the anti-reverse and destroys them. Anyone know of an upgrade or better system to eliminate what zebco uses for the anti-reverse but still not lock and not back reel. It would be greatly appreciated.
The 800 models have two types of ARs. The one I show here that is a continuous AR and built into the handle shaft. The other kind is on the 808 and uses an AR actuator and gear-like notches in the handle shaft. I wonder what is going on when bowfishing and why it is so hard on the AR.
@@OutFishing13Matthew the big cat XT had the same AR as shown in your video above. As far as bowfishing being hard on it I think it’s the arrows being stuck in the bottom and the continuing moment of the boat pulling out drag. I’m trying to set the drags lighter so it isn’t so hard on the reel but you need a fair amount to also be able to pull fish in so I think it’s a fine line between to much drag beats the AR till it just can’t take it anymore.
I have a problem anti reverse in doesn’t work wether or no the bait alert is on
Tell me about your reel? What model and year is it?
888H-GWHS 430
I don’t now where is the year model is
@@BillyGoat-k9n Thanks, so, this is the newest model. It has a very complex AR. Take a look at the video starting about 9:45. It is possible yours is broken and you need to get the reel serviced by a professional.
I fixed it ,thanks
What size bearings are them
Main shaft 8x16x5 mm S688-2RS, Handle 9x17x5 mm S689ZZ
I can’t get my cap off. Can you help?
@@noelvallefazel3984 one trick is to put it in the freezer overnight. Then take it out, twist and wiggle the front cap off.