If you buy via a link on this page, we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you.Learn more
Zebco is a fairly popular brand among beginners. It might be because of its affordability or because it is one of the leading brands in the spincast department. Yes, they make other products as well. But are they worth it?
Today we will dive deep into Zebco’s history, products, quality, and experiences to answer the question: Is Zebco a good fishing brand? Hopefully, in the end, you will have enough information to decide whether Zebco is a good fit for your necessities.
So, with no further ado. Let’s begin.
Where is Zebco Made?
Zebco has one of the most bizarre backgrounds of any fishing company. Believe it or not, it all began when R.D. Hull, a watchmaker, submitted his reel design to an Oil & Gas company. That’s how, in 1947, the first spincast reel was invented.
The driving force behind R.D. Hull’s invention was making a reel that never backlashes. If you don’t know what a backlash is, it is when the line tangles into itself. This happens because the lure/hook stops, but the spool keeps spinning. Such a situation is impossible if you use a spincast reel.
What does Zebco Stand For?
As we said before, Zebco’s main focus was the Oil & Gas industry. They used to produce time bombs for drilling. But we came here. What does Zebco mean? It stands for Zero Hour Bomb Company. Yeah, nothing related to fishing.
Zebco Baitcast Reels
It comes as no surprise that Zebo is a leader in the baitcast department. There are many models suitable for all budgets. For example, the Zebco 808 is one of the best spincast reels you can get. It is also one of the most expensive. It will set you back around 45 bucks. But it is packed with quality features. According to Zebco, it is strong enough to pull catfish out of the water. Plus, it is corrosion-resistant as well.
But if you are looking for something simple and more budget-friendly, the Zebco 33 Micro is a suitable choice. It is 20 bucks cheaper. It is also smaller, less powerful, and won’t handle corrosion. In short, it is the perfect starting point for beginners.
The Zebco Omega Pro is another suitable option for those looking for quality. It is more expensive than the 33 Micro. But It is better too.
Triggerspin Models
Also known as an underspin, these are variants of the regular baitcasting reels. The main difference is that this model sits beneath the rod, just like a spinning reel.
The trigger is also different. trigger spin reels have a large lever that acts as the thumb bar, hence the name. Everything else remains the same, including the backlash guarantee motto.
Of all the options available, the Zebco 33 Micro is one of the best models you can find.
Spinning Reels
Although it is not Zebco’s strong suit, they produce spinning reels too. However, they only have two models. One common thing between either model is that they sit on the smaller side. They are not suitable for large gamefish as a result. But it should get the job done for small species.
Note that none of the Zebco spinning reels are suitable for saltwater. As a result, you should refrain from using it in such a scenario.
Zebco Rods
Zebco offers a wide variety of rods to pair with their rods. You can choose between casting, spinning, and baitcasting fishing poles. The quality is decent for the price. But sensibility is not their strong suit. Our favorite option is the Zebco Bullet Casting. It is tricky to find in brick-and-mortar stores, though. But it is the perfect companion for your needed baitcasting reel. It is a two-piece, medium-power rod with a fast-action tip.
Line guides are unreliable, that much we have to say. However, this should not be a problem as long as you don’t push the rod to its limits.
Rod and Reel Combos
Zebco is also famous for its reels and rod combos. They offer affordable solutions for those looking to start fishing for less than 50 bucks. Keep in mind that you won’t be catching any giants with this setup. But they are suitable for catching small fish on the local pond.
Alternatively, you can get a Zebco fishing rod and reel combo for your kid! It is a cheap way to get them started in the fishing world. Plus, the rod’s backbone is powerful enough to handle the fish kids are likely to catch.
Zebco Fishing Lines
To top it all, Zebco also produces fishing lines. They only offer monofilament, though. Color selection is limited too. For example, they only offer clear or light colors.
You will notice the same trend regarding the price. Zebco fishing lines are affordable, making them ideal for those looking to fish on a budget. They don’t do good in the long run as they have poor abrasion resistance.
On the bright side, they offer lines with various test strengths.
Where Can I Get Zebco Products?
Zebco products are tricky to find in physical stores. You will have better luck trying on online stores.
Do Professional Anglers Use Zebco?
Keep in mind that Zebco produces fishing gear for beginners or for people that wish to remain on budget. You will hardly find professional anglers who use Zebco gear as a result.
Is Zebco Fishing Gear Any Good?
For a hammer, everything looks like a nail. With that idea in mind, Zebco products are good as long as you use them for the right task. That is, small to medium size fish, light lures, monofilament lines, and light terminal tackle.
In other words, you should not use Zebco reels on rods if you are after big game fish. The same goes if you are planning on doing some deep fishing or anything else rather than using topwater lures.
One key takeaway is Zebco rod and reel combos! They are ideal for children! You can get them started in the fishing world without breaking the bank!
So tell us. What is your take on Zebco fishing gear?
