When you think of Zebco reels, you might think cheaply made, poor design, too little line capacity, low gear ratio, etc. After trying out the # 33 model, I have to say it amazed me the improvement Zebco made to that model.

After my carpal tunnel surgery, I went back to using spinning reels for most fishing, no longer in pain and no longer needing to reel with my other hand. I'm old fashioned in the sense that a spincast reel was my first reel and I remember as a kid catching small and large fish (a 7 lb carp in fact!) But over the years, spinning reels were pretty much the best for light lures, higher gear ratio (more line per reel handle revolution), better drag and other advantages. I don't even know why I recently bought the Zebco except was impressed by the reviews on different sites.

Now Zebco had incorporated infinite anti-reverse gearing, ball bearings, a smooth drag, the ability to cast a country mile, better gear ratio - important maintaining pressure on hooked fish at a distance, compactness, dual line pickups and at a good price (25 bucks/free shipping). It cast 8lb test without a hitch and I added a 6# test leader. A 1.5 lb catfish was a true test of the drag as it it swam under the boat and into weeds. Rigged on a light action 6' spincast rod, it is as good as any spinning rig I own and always on board.

I have to say, for anyone starting out or experienced, it does the job!