But maddeningly slow. The old way we used to do it before Texas & Carolina rigs, creatures and the rest. Before the weed guard hooks came out you would see worms hooked all crazy kinds of ways (seems like now). I'm sure a lot of you remember all that stuff.

I do. Some of the early pre-rigged worms had beads and a small propeller in front of the worm. Great bait at the time.

Bingo. Indian Bay Bait Co. made them as I recall. I had a complete card of them at one time and let it get away.

Creme lure company made the first ones I saw and used in the 1960s.

Good information. Enjoyed the video.

I stand corrected: you're right. The ones we had were apparently a knock off. I had to hunt for and waited until I had the tag to verify that. Ours (in central Florida at that time) were carried by Western Auto.

From the bank last night. Using the slow technique with a 4" plastic green crawfish (hanging in the background), 1968 Zebco 33, 8 lb. test line, EWG hook, 1970's Ugly Stick.

Awesome to see ol' standby's still holding their own. Congrats and looking forward to more reports.
By the way those Zebco you tube video's are great. Thanks !!!

Happened to run across one still in the package - has to be from the 60's:



-- You're welcome, hope they help keeping yours going!

Luvin' the Zebco's. I retired a 101 that is almost mint. It is a combo- green reel and green/white rod. 4 1/2 footer. Caught a few panfish with a few moons ago.

It's hard to put them down. I keep saying I'll retire Grandad's '56, but keep on reeling them in with it.

You don't have to be a member to use this: Old Reel Collectors Association

I look for models of USA made reels to use and pick them up for nothing at the flea markets, and wherever. They are absolutely bulletproof to the point lighter spools, etc. are being manufactured for many of them. Penn and Ocean City (mostly) parts interchange as Penn learned at Ocean and even the model numbers are reflective of each other. I'm still lookin for a True Temper (last owner) Ocean City in the box for $10 - it'll come.

Lazy Ike had a worm my dad used to great results in the early 1960s. It had a metal lip in front and dual hooks. It was more of a rubber than plastic worm as I recall.

They were sold until some time late into the 80s or early 90s. I saw one listed on Ebay a couple of years ago.

I’m 52 years old and I was telling a friend about my first reel and it was a 101 combo. Many fish were caught on that, the 202, 404, catfish on an 808, 33, and an Omega 1, just to name a few. Fun times!

Came across these while looking for a Penn 146 Squidder Jr.:

Zebco 33's

The one on the left is the target.

I still use my old original 33's and I have an 808 that will still reel in those big catfish! Those Zebco's are bombproof if you oil them now and then!
They are the original bank fishing reels, and are still great fishing from spots along the bank with overgrown trees as you don't need to wind up and cast, but just a flick of the wrist and they cast a mile.