push button spin cast reels

I have a friend whose hands are not working well enough to use spinning gear anymore and was wondering if there have been any advancements in the Zebco style reels with better results? I'd like to pick one or 2 up for him. Any help appreciated. THx Eric please pm me or text/voicemail or try calling 972 740 1243

https://www.zebco.com/fishing-reels

take a look and email them about your questions...they've been very helpful with me...i luv my Zebco Platinum 33

https://www.zebco.com/platinum-33nplbx6

thx .I did not know they made all those models. Appreciate the help.

Another fan of the Zebco spincast reels. I have a couple of Omegas and really like them. They are a little pricey so you might consider the less expensive Delta.

My Omegas have handled some pretty decent sized bass. I do not particularly target bass with them, but would not be afraid to use them for bass.

PM sent Eric.

I have a Zebco Bullet that I bought for my wife and it is a really nice spincast reel.

I also have several 33's for the people that fish with me that can't use baitcasters or spinning reels.

Zebco bullet is a very nice spincast reel, but not the lightest if your friend's hands aren't strong....the 33 or the omega are both a lot lighter and will work great. I have all three for the grandkids...and always carry one for myself for the small baits.

thx to all.,Leaning towards the Omega. Going to academy and see if they have any not in plastic so he can try. Right now he has the strength, just not the brain to hand coordination to release finger on spinning reels. Tff is great for all kinds of help

Zebco bullet is a beast. my young nephews used my daughters and they had no issue. It is a little heavier but its worth the trade. Also it handles braid just fine

What kind of braid did you use?

I tried Power Pro Super Slick 20 lb on my wife's and it did not like it at all.

Suffix 832 camo. I believe 30lb

I bought a zebco bullet for my wife. Too heavy. I gave it to a grandkid.

I'll give it a try! I checked the Super Slick I have and it is 30 lb also.

I have not had much luck using braid on a spin cast reel. I would stay with mono. I am sure some reels handle the braid better than the Zebcos that I tried it on.

As mentioned , I have had zero issues with braid. Matter of fact friends wife has the exact same set up and caught 11-4oz bass. Reel handled it flawlessly

thats awesome

@ Eric - i'll throw my vote in for the zebco omega's - i have a few different sizes of them. I use them to take either older, younger, or first time folks fishing with me. They have proved perfect for those who don't know how or have issues with reels. Though the other zebco models work - the omega's just have a slight edge due to better manufacture and QA - they cast almost as good as my spinning gear.

If you want to use braid - the trick is to go slightly heavier so that the line is a little stiffer - spin cast/spinning gear does better when the line has a bit of "spring" to it as it comes off the spool and braid has a tendancy to not have that.

thx to all that have responded. Will start looking for a zebco product. Glad they have improved since I used one ages ago

Zebco used to make a 888 (pretty sure that was the model) that had a star drag. It was big but the only spincast I've seen that would routinely hold up to upper slot redfish. Looking at their site doesn't look like it's available anymore.

Lot of catfish caught on the old 888's!

daiwa used to make some good spin cast reels. I have not looked lately. Can he use an underspin ( the kind with a lever ) ?

Again , Daiwa use to make some good ones. Hard to find , you might look on ebay , but I used an Abu 290 for years, until I graduated to
baitcast.

MO

Ouch ,, I just looked at ebay for the abu 290. asking $90. to $300. on the ones I could see.

I will have to dig out my old reels. I sold most of vintage Abu bait casters , I did not know the old abu spincast were bringing that kind of money.

MO

Mo

II think the underspin wont work for his and it is almost same motion as releasing line on a spinning rell. Pretty sure the button will be the ticket for him.

Academy had a poor selection of all the cheap ( non working ) zebcos. Honestly 2 of them would not release line at all and they are brand new.

No omegas or bullets in stock.

Was academy bought out awhile back? Store was diert, understaffed and a new checkout procedure that had people waiting a good while. I was going to buy a tent til I saw the mess. Went to gun counter.Not a sole there . You kid standing there looking bored. I said I like to check out. Kid say no I did nopt buy tent. Extremely poor customer service. Shoe section look like a tornado hit it

KastKing 6# test braid

Key is using small diameter line when using a spincast reel. I casts even light lures further, zero stretch for good hook sets at a distance of over 42'.
Here I compared casting distances between spincast (Daiwa) and spooning reels:


The spinning reel cast a 1/16 oz lure with soft plastic lure over 57':


The Daiwa Silvercast 100 just under 43':


This braid is not stiff and has a 2# test diameter thereby allowing light lures good action without the line bow of a leader; plus it's abrasion resistant. Other spincast reel brands do as well with this brand braid. No more monofilament or fluoro for me! Every fish photo I post on this forum was caught using braid.

For spinning or baitcast reels I would go up in lb test to 16 or higher.

I did not see any mention of what type of fish you guys plan to target. I have used and collected Johnson reels for over 50 years. For a price, I have several versions I would be willing to bring to a meeting for him to try out and sale to you for the going eBay price. Most are less than $40 and still perform like new. They range from those with 6lb to 20lb test line but you can not use braid on them, only monofilament.