That is the same as the Zebco/Rhino RBCXL or Quantum Bill Dance Catfish Baitcast Reel. I have been using the RBCXL for a few years. They do cast great and i have not had any problem with bigger fish. The largest i have caught is around 25lbs, the drag is excellent when you need alot. There are regular handles for them out there, Most of the Zebco handles fit it. I have had Zebco send me worm shafts and washers, Pawl's and all the parts to do Maintenance on the Reel just by calling the Support number and telling them what i have and they send them free. I sometimes buy second hand so they needed maintenance when i got them, they send the parts 2 day ship and never asked a dime from me. Tell them what i have what its doing and they send replacement parts and even how to Videos. They have been great reels and great support
great video, while many of us have our favorite reels will never trade in. yet that reel will fit the budget of many of the fishermen across the USA. and good to see zebco with more catfish stuff. I support zebco in many ways they help many young fishermen get in to fishing with their combos and gear. thanks steve for the review.
I got 3 of them and they perform very well. I have had them for about 6 months and they havent failed yet! I have 2 of the smaller ones and the 1 that you have, so far I'm happy with them!
that reel would be awesome for me, since i only bank fish for catfish. the distance your gettin casting from bank you could cast across a lake if you wanted to. Love your videos, keep up the great work.
Because it launches so far, I bought one of these reels to put on my Okuma Longitude 12' surf rod. Being a bank fisherman, I love the distance this reel gives you!
This reel is basically identical to the Bass Pro Gold Cup 20 with less bearings and a higher price tag. Would be interesting to run the 2 side by side and see if there is much of a difference. I have 2 Gold Cup 20s and they are decent reels for the money ($50 on sale), but are definitely made more for trolling than casting. This is also the same reel as a Quantum Controller 30 with a new color scheme.
I am going to have to stick with my Abu Garcia 6500s & 7000s. That clicking would drive me nuts. But for someone else, if they like it and the price is right, Go for it.
Tom Waskom Allright !!! abu garcia man here too , you should look into the (6600 record high capacity ) they are much higher quality then the 7000 series ! I only use the 6600 LC rocket myself because I am a bank fisherman only and around a lot of sand !
My dad always taught me to follow through with the cast which mean your rod tip should be pointing at where you wanna cast not pointing almost straight up in the air. But to each their own. I've always been a bank fisherman, so I guess the following through allows you to cast a little further.
Hey Steve, can you please give me an update on your thoughts about this reel? Just bought one today and I'm curious how it's going to hold up. Thanks for your time and all of your great advice!
When I'm wanting to have mono on first, but use up all the braid from a smaller spool, I put all of the braid on first. When the braid is all on the reel, I splice/tie on the mono and fill up the rest of the reel with mono. The line is all on... But backwards. Then... (Away from other boats) I tie the mono end onto the boat somewhere and let all of the line out while motoring slow. When it's all off the reel, I cut the mono off the boat, (Don't drop it!) put it back through the guides, tie it in the reel and reel it all in. That way, I have all of the braid on top, and the exact amount of mono under it. Fits the reel perfect.
Steve, it's SO nice to hear you say you dont care for the Power Handles! I thought I was the only one who preferred the 'non-power' handles(i guess that's what I'd call em anyway). I actually cant stand the Power Handles and it drives me nuts that all of the good Abu Ambassadors come with them as the only choice. But, its not enough to sway me to another brand of baitcaster, I do LOOOOOVE the classic, timeless old-school Ambassadeurs. At least the models still currently made in Sweden.
Watching your video on this big cat at least I learned how to work it , it looks like it's has a lot of potential, and watching you work it ,it is really smooth, I think you sold it,
Definitely a reel that's suited towards trolling. I have a few very similar to that one, same concept. Not the kind of reel you'd want to cast with. I use them when I'm trolling crankbaits for walleyes. Can't remember the last time I've used a Zebco product though, usually there on the low-end. And I think the mid-range reels are where the real value is.
hi Steve i wanted to say i enjoy your videos very much i grew up catfishing i live out in Arizona and yes we do have lakes out here in the desert we have some of the very best Flathead fishing here and we mainly use live bluegill and carp and cut bait here and we use free spool and bait clickers mainly and i think this reel would be a very good addition to my reels i use so i look forward to hearing more about this reel thank you
Look up when attaching your line to the spool the Ducan Loop, much easier. Uni-knot it still the best for attaching two lines together, especially if your main line gets shortened over time and you have a fish on and come to that union, it won't break.
The clicking sound while reeling is the anti-reverse dog that has a spring on it to keep the dog engaged all the time against the anti reverse ratchet. If the reel didn't have an anti reverse, the handle would spin backwards. Maybe it doesn't have instant anti reverse.
Been looking at this reel on amazon. Just purchased one after seeing this video. Clicker a little annoying, but can live with it. I fish from bank and liked the distance you got out of it. Now to find the right rod to match it with.
I bought mine after I saw this video and the 8ft heavy action matching rod I've fought gar IN THE SABINE RIVER with this rod and reel it HELD ITS OWN!!!!!!!!!!!!
It's been about a year since you posted this review. What are your overall thoughts? I'm looking to add a new conventional/baitcaster style reel and keep running across this one. Appreciate any info. Thanks.
Wonder if it's so loud when reeling with the actual clicker off might because it needs greased? It reminds me of a ratchet I have. When I first bought it, it was obnoxiously loud u til I got bored and decided to take it apart and use premium quality grease on and in it. Just an idea, anyway.
Hi Steve! I am headed to Nashville this weekend and would like a recommendation of where to go catfishing while down there. Any recommendations & advice would be greatly appreciated.
Let us know how durable this Zebco Baitcaster is, after you have run it through it's paces and caught some heavyweight Catfish with it to see how the gears hold up over time.......thanks for the video.
I have 2 of the BCXT Combos and I loved them until I hooked a 100 lb. cat. I had to freeze when it went under the boat. Rod was maxed out, gears in reel were maxed out. I couldn't pull or reel anymore without breaking it. Right about then, the fish let go. I love them, but look out if you hook a monster.
Love the video may need to give this a try but I got a cat max hooked up to my twc whisker whip which works very well so I'll have to see what works better
Really nice review. I've never owned a bait cast reel. I do a lot of bank fishing so the distance (slingability 😆😆) appeals to me. Not a big fan of the clicking noise. I'm curious to see how it will hold up when you catch one of those big blue boys. Thanks again for this review.
yep - a rebrand of a reel that has been around for nearly 20 years - great caster and pretty darn tough, only trouble I've ever had is with the level wind.
Steve if you want a super good catfishing reel Abu Garcia/Pro Rocket 7000 or Penn Fathom Lw 20 both of these 2 reels are more then perfect for catfishing I pull out 50 pounders in less then 1min using these,, I know they are above $150 but they are worth it.
Great review my friend keep them coming and as far as the clicking sound that would not bother me much I have clicking sounds in my head anyway lmbo have a good un.
I just got the Kastking 40. Obviously I haven't used it yet, but, though relatively small, it seems to be a solid, heavy duty reel. I do wish I had ordered at least the 60 instead of the 40, for size and drag strength.
Might be ok for a $60 range reel but they don't come in Lefty.I'll pay a little more and stick to my Shimano Corvalus 401's....I'd use 301's but they don't come with bait alarms on the smaller reels. I just bought a Daiwa Sealine Levelwind SLW20HL ($79) for a light surf reel,may give it a try as a cat reel. Till the Shimano's,the only Zebco's I was using were the older Quantum Iron IR3WL's.I like the Shimano's better because of the center thumb bar. No I won't buy another Abu,had one and didn't like it.Had problems with it within the 1st 8 months...
okuma 350 komodo's or the 350 citrix, get both on sale during the winter at wally world online. Best, toughest, smoothest, low profile reels there are.
I like a slightly smaller reel also. I use a Shimano Calcutta for salmon and catfish also. for a stronger reel like that check out a charter special they run about 130 bucks and have a lever drag. real strong stuff.
sorry Steve I think the cat Max is the way to go I can't stand that flicker and the size of the real doesn't seem like it's going to work for me not saying I wouldn't try it but they would have to give it to me for free got to go look at Max love your videos God bless you keep them coming buddy
Steve Douglas The Catfish Dude I am a die hard catfisherman I knew some about catfishing before your videos I grew up fishing but I appreciate the tips and tricks you share I've watched all your videos at least twice keep it up👍
I like my ole guide series reels they are dependable, I’ve worn a trench out in the pay lakes with that dude and fifteen pound test stren and pulled in a fifty one pounder is my biggest....
Steve Douglas The Catfish Dude will do! I've been looking for a new reel bigger than the catmaxx to put some mono on for flatheads that doesn't cost an arm and a leg!
That is the same as the Zebco/Rhino RBCXL or Quantum Bill Dance Catfish Baitcast Reel. I have been using the RBCXL for a few years. They do cast great and i have not had any problem with bigger fish. The largest i have caught is around 25lbs, the drag is excellent when you need alot. There are regular handles for them out there, Most of the Zebco handles fit it. I have had Zebco send me worm shafts and washers, Pawl's and all the parts to do Maintenance on the Reel just by calling the Support number and telling them what i have and they send them free. I sometimes buy second hand so they needed maintenance when i got them, they send the parts 2 day ship and never asked a dime from me. Tell them what i have what its doing and they send replacement parts and even how to Videos. They have been great reels and great support
great video, while many of us have our favorite reels will never trade in. yet that reel will fit the budget of many of the fishermen across the USA. and good to see zebco with more catfish stuff. I support zebco in many ways they help many young fishermen get in to fishing with their combos and gear. thanks steve for the review.
I got 3 of them and they perform very well. I have had them for about 6 months and they havent failed yet! I have 2 of the smaller ones and the 1 that you have, so far I'm happy with them!
🎣Definitely going to have to try this reel out! Great review! This channel continues to make all of us better anglers with every video! Thanks Steve!🎣
that reel would be awesome for me, since i only bank fish for catfish. the distance your gettin casting from bank you could cast across a lake if you wanted to. Love your videos, keep up the great work.
thanks for stopping by to leave a comment Dan
Because it launches so far, I bought one of these reels to put on my Okuma Longitude 12' surf rod. Being a bank fisherman, I love the distance this reel gives you!
I don't mind a loud clicker. Better than using bells when you're night fishing.
way better than using bells at night
i would like to see you do a review on the kastking rover reels.great video by the way.
This reel is basically identical to the Bass Pro Gold Cup 20 with less bearings and a higher price tag. Would be interesting to run the 2 side by side and see if there is much of a difference. I have 2 Gold Cup 20s and they are decent reels for the money ($50 on sale), but are definitely made more for trolling than casting. This is also the same reel as a Quantum Controller 30 with a new color scheme.
I think I like it, I have watched this video several times and I'm feeling convinced to try it out
Steve, did you ever decide if you like the Big Cat XT better than the CatMaxx reel?
I am going to have to stick with my Abu Garcia 6500s & 7000s. That clicking would drive me nuts. But for someone else, if they like it and the price is right, Go for it.
yea i 'm not fond of the clickers
Steve Douglas The Catfish Dude try the kastking reels
i would say the same thing. his braided line looked like a kastking product.
Tom Waskom I agree pluse for fishing paylakes there is no need got them big reels
Tom Waskom Allright !!! abu garcia man here too , you should look into the (6600 record high capacity ) they are much higher quality then the 7000 series !
I only use the 6600 LC rocket myself because I am a bank fisherman only and around a lot of sand !
good seein ya Steve! I like smaller reels to the that Zebco looks like it's gonna be a good reel.
My dad always taught me to follow through with the cast which mean your rod tip should be pointing at where you wanna cast not pointing almost straight up in the air. But to each their own.
I've always been a bank fisherman, so I guess the following through allows you to cast a little further.
The first time you hook up with Mr Whiskers you'll forget all about that clicking noise......😁
Hey Steve, can you please give me an update on your thoughts about this reel? Just bought one today and I'm curious how it's going to hold up.
Thanks for your time and all of your great advice!
I do like smaller reels too. Looks like it casts extremely well! They actually put bearings in it (2). Now to catch a fish on it!
When I'm wanting to have mono on first, but use up all the braid from a smaller spool, I put all of the braid on first. When the braid is all on the reel, I splice/tie on the mono and fill up the rest of the reel with mono. The line is all on... But backwards.
Then... (Away from other boats) I tie the mono end onto the boat somewhere and let all of the line out while motoring slow. When it's all off the reel, I cut the mono off the boat, (Don't drop it!) put it back through the guides, tie it in the reel and reel it all in. That way, I have all of the braid on top, and the exact amount of mono under it. Fits the reel perfect.
Thanks for the tip on putting the monofilament and then the braided line I never knew that thank you so much
I own two as well as the big cat 350 Xt. Love em!
Steve, it's SO nice to hear you say you dont care for the Power Handles! I thought I was the only one who preferred the 'non-power' handles(i guess that's what I'd call em anyway). I actually cant stand the Power Handles and it drives me nuts that all of the good Abu Ambassadors come with them as the only choice. But, its not enough to sway me to another brand of baitcaster, I do LOOOOOVE the classic, timeless old-school Ambassadeurs. At least the models still currently made in Sweden.
I don’t care for em either!!! I have several 6500 and 5500 Abu’s and don’t want them on there!!!!
got a tangled with catfish rod and a cat maxx went and tryed it yesterday.works great
great choice
Watching your video on this big cat at least I learned how to work it , it looks like it's has a lot of potential, and watching you work it ,it is really smooth, I think you sold it,
thanks for the review, I've been a big fan of the CatMaxx for the last year, that clicking would drive me nutz. LOL
yes sir me too
Nice looking Zebco. Looks like it could handle live bait flathead fishing with a longer/somewhat heavier stick.
Definitely a reel that's suited towards trolling. I have a few very similar to that one, same concept. Not the kind of reel you'd want to cast with. I use them when I'm trolling crankbaits for walleyes. Can't remember the last time I've used a Zebco product though, usually there on the low-end. And I think the mid-range reels are where the real value is.
Another good lesson on fishing for catfish
hi Steve i wanted to say i enjoy your videos very much i grew up catfishing i live out in Arizona and yes we do have lakes out here in the desert we have some of the very best Flathead fishing here and we mainly use live bluegill and carp and cut bait here and we use free spool and bait clickers mainly and i think this reel would be a very good addition to my reels i use so i look forward to hearing more about this reel thank you
just picked one up so i hope it's durable.and i don't mind the clicking sounds beast lol.
Thanks Steve love the video keep them coming. Can not wait to see you do a update review for this reel.
Look up when attaching your line to the spool the Ducan Loop, much easier. Uni-knot it still the best for attaching two lines together, especially if your main line gets shortened over time and you have a fish on and come to that union, it won't break.
Awesome video Steve. That light clicking sound is the anti reverse. Each click is a point on the Anti Reverse. My Shimano Tr200 does it too.
no anti reverse on this one
The clicking sound while reeling is the anti-reverse dog that has a spring on it to keep the dog engaged all the time against the anti reverse ratchet. If the reel didn't have an anti reverse, the handle would spin backwards. Maybe it doesn't have instant anti reverse.
That's it. My Shimano does the same thing.
4:25 u use over hand knot to tie braid to mono? i would of used like a alberto knot, for plastic reel thats pretty pricey for zebco.
Kudos to the camera operator,
Looks like mite be a docent reel Steve looking forward to seeing your review later on in the year...
Been looking at this reel on amazon. Just purchased one after seeing this video. Clicker a little annoying, but can live with it. I fish from bank and liked the distance you got out of it. Now to find the right rod to match it with.
Check out the new combo. I have 2. www.zebco.com/big-cat-bcxt350702mh-ns3
I bought mine after I saw this video and the 8ft heavy action matching rod I've fought gar IN THE SABINE RIVER with this rod and reel it HELD ITS OWN!!!!!!!!!!!!
I fish with with any kind of reel so I know that I would give those a try as well
It's been about a year since you posted this review. What are your overall thoughts? I'm looking to add a new conventional/baitcaster style reel and keep running across this one. Appreciate any info. Thanks.
catfish
Saw a Bill Dance commercial that showed a size in the series that looked more like the CatMax reels. Thanks Steve
ideally... I like the level winder to disengage when casting...
Thanks for the review. Interested in seeing how it handles the big blues.
Chucking it way out there!
it was slinging long ways
I love your channle
*Very sensitive. I love its color and already tried using in Doha corniche with some good feel catches like big sized fish*
Mr.Douglas what type of rods do you use for catfishing and are they 1 or 2 piece rods
Those are underrated reels for sure
Hey Steve another nice video.What brand did you use before you went to Catmaxx?
good seein ya Steve! I like the smaller reels too but that Zebco looks like it's gonna be a good real
Great video Steve, what kind of knot did you tie to connect the mono to the braid? It
looks like you tied it really fast.
Wonder if it's so loud when reeling with the actual clicker off might because it needs greased? It reminds me of a ratchet I have. When I first bought it, it was obnoxiously loud u til I got bored and decided to take it apart and use premium quality grease on and in it. Just an idea, anyway.
Hi Steve! I am headed to Nashville this weekend and would like a recommendation of where to go catfishing while down there. Any recommendations & advice would be greatly appreciated.
What kind od line is that blue line you put on this reel? And what kind of backing and size do you use.?
Good seein Steve! I like smaller reels too but that zebco looks like a nice reel
Let us know how durable this Zebco Baitcaster is, after you have run it through it's paces and caught some heavyweight Catfish with it to see how the gears hold up over time.......thanks for the video.
I have 2 of the BCXT Combos and I loved them until I hooked a 100 lb. cat. I had to freeze when it went under the boat. Rod was maxed out, gears in reel were maxed out. I couldn't pull or reel anymore without breaking it. Right about then, the fish let go. I love them, but look out if you hook a monster.
@@chadharrelson2880 horse shit , never happened!
@@terrymcclendon2277 Obviously ypu've never fished the Santee lakes.
Steve, is there any way to remove the clicker? It has to be just a small paddle that sits against the gear: (Like a baseball card on a bike spoke)
Love the video may need to give this a try but I got a cat max hooked up to my twc whisker whip which works very well so I'll have to see what works better
let us know how you liked them
Really nice review. I've never owned a bait cast reel. I do a lot of bank fishing so the distance (slingability 😆😆) appeals to me. Not a big fan of the clicking noise.
I'm curious to see how it will hold up when you catch one of those big blue boys.
Thanks again for this review.
thanks for stopping by, i agree with you on the clickers. be sure to stop back soon as I hopfully will know how she handles the big boys.
Use the small button on the left side of the reel, gives you the option of having the clicker on or off.
Sorry, for such a late response, found your channel on TH-cam a bit ago and have been watching videos when I can...great videos, very Informative.
They have deepsea shakspeer reel I guess. Should I get just a plan Abu Garcia baitcaster or the deepsea reel for casting 8oz to 6oz wait and brim.
looks like they re invented the RBCXL which I have a couple of and they are a damn good reel, tough as nails
yep - a rebrand of a reel that has been around for nearly 20 years - great caster and pretty darn tough, only trouble I've ever had is with the level wind.
I just bought a never fished Rbcxl off of EBay. Anything I need to know about it?
jrloopy1984 spool it with line of your choice Go Fish
just keep it lubed once or twice a year - and never pull against the spool when break the line off of a hang up - of course that holds for any reel.
Jim Pauley my experience with Zebco if you have a problem send it to them and they either fix it or replace it never a problem
Steve if you want a super good catfishing reel Abu Garcia/Pro Rocket 7000 or Penn Fathom Lw 20 both of these 2 reels are more then perfect for catfishing I pull out 50 pounders in less then 1min using these,, I know they are above $150 but they are worth it.
I can't find this type of reel online, where did you order from??
Can't find one with a power handle? Where did you get that from?
I can tell that I would have issues with it because of me being a catmaxx guy.Nice review though. thanks for sharing!
you know im a catmax guy too
Hey Steve Douglas the catfish Dude I want to know have you tried using the Sougayiling fishing reels and did you catch anything with it
no sir but i am seeing post about them everywhere
Hello Steve..do these reels come in. Left hand retrieve .I want one
please advise me on whats a good bait casting and all around good pole and for reel for shore and boat fishing for cats .
hi steve my question for you have tried other lines like spiderwire bc ive been using it for a while now please give me your thoughts
Thanks for the review!
Red right north !
thanks
looks like a nice reel hope you showsome fishing with it down the road sir
Great review my friend keep them coming and as far as the clicking sound that would not bother me much I have clicking sounds in my head anyway lmbo have a good un.
the only thing I dislike about this reel is the clicking it makes while reeling..would love to see how well it will hold up to a big blue or flat head
I will show you soon, be sure to stop back by. Thanks for the comment
Steve, have you tried the kastking round reels? I am thinking about buying a couple and I would appreciate your opinion of them. Thanks, Lonnie
not heard of them, sorry im no help with this one
I just got the Kastking 40. Obviously I haven't used it yet, but, though relatively small, it seems to be a solid, heavy duty reel. I do wish I had ordered at least the 60 instead of the 40, for size and drag strength.
Nice new reel but the clicking sound would drive me nuts.
What length rod is best for big cats & ehat reel is best ,bait or spinning reel?
I wander how well it would pair up with a rhino indistucable medium heavy rod
That’s the reels I’m going to try thanks Steve
Awesome looking reel
Are they pretty good at not backing lashing
who's your braided line manufacturer. i get the same color braid from Kastking along with my reels.
Steve, how did this reel hold up?
So do you still use these reels ? And how did they hold up
Might be ok for a $60 range reel but they don't come in Lefty.I'll pay a little more and stick to my Shimano Corvalus 401's....I'd use 301's but they don't come with bait alarms on the smaller reels.
I just bought a Daiwa Sealine Levelwind SLW20HL ($79) for a light surf reel,may give it a try as a cat reel.
Till the Shimano's,the only Zebco's I was using were the older Quantum Iron IR3WL's.I like the Shimano's better because of the center thumb bar.
No I won't buy another Abu,had one and didn't like it.Had problems with it within the 1st 8 months...
Damn two spools of line😮
You would like the bigcat xt 350 little smaller and reg handle
I been using Garcia 6500c and 5500c I bought new 80s yeah over the years they will strip out but easy to fix
okuma 350 komodo's or the 350 citrix, get both on sale during the winter at wally world online. Best, toughest, smoothest, low profile reels there are.
Very versatile reels. Small shark, Alligator Gar, Kingfish, Redfish, Big Catfish. C'mown. Versatile very powerful Drag won't let u down. Budget.
I have okuma that makes that clicking noise and has the same lever action. I don't really care for either but it is a good reel.
I like a slightly smaller reel also. I use a Shimano Calcutta for salmon and catfish also. for a stronger reel like that check out a charter special they run about 130 bucks and have a lever drag. real strong stuff.
ive used the Calcutta's as well, nice reels
Yes they're bit 230 bucks isn't cheap lol.
We got to see this thing hauling in some hogs Steve and a year or so of fishing abuse. Sticking with my Penn's till then. Thanks for the video sir !
Looks like one of my Shakespeare salt water reels...usually to drop over side of boat....but did catch a 38lb flathead with it on lower Chatahoochee.
these do feel a little more sturdy, time will tell
sorry Steve I think the cat Max is the way to go I can't stand that flicker and the size of the real doesn't seem like it's going to work for me not saying I wouldn't try it but they would have to give it to me for free got to go look at Max love your videos God bless you keep them coming buddy
I agree I do like my cat max's
Steve Douglas The Catfish Dude I am a die hard catfisherman I knew some about catfishing before your videos I grew up fishing but I appreciate the tips and tricks you share I've watched all your videos at least twice keep it up👍
What about the spin cast version for small rivers?
I'll keep my Abu c4s as well, man that thing sounded horrible when you slung it at 10:49
That thing sounds like a bunch of bolts being thrown around in a clothes dryer.
Steve, what knot did you use to tie the mono and braid together?
just a simple overhand knot, nothing speacial
Steve Douglas The Catfish Dude Thanks Steve. I see other guys using that double uni knot it's a pain to tie.
What size weight you use and the average distance..
Cool! Im curious to see how it does in action.
When I cast this reel I never have back lashes and I never have to put my thumb on the spool, excellent reel.
Thinking bout gettin one
@@KryptonDonn www.zebco.com/big-cat-bcxt350702mh-ns3
I like my ole guide series reels they are dependable, I’ve worn a trench out in the pay lakes with that dude and fifteen pound test stren and pulled in a fifty one pounder is my biggest....
Can't wait to see how those bad boys do!
be sure to check back as i will have more on them when i fish with it more.
Steve Douglas The Catfish Dude will do! I've been looking for a new reel bigger than the catmaxx to put some mono on for flatheads that doesn't cost an arm and a leg!