So I took my little boy out fishing at I got him a new Zebco push button reel. What I was surprised about if after I would cast it about 50% of the time when you started to turn the handle the line would not engage and start to bring in line unless I held the line with my left hand and pulled on it a little and the started reeling. I fished with these as a kid and it was so easy but today was a pain. I don’t remember these being a problem but it’s been a long time. Is this normal or is it defective? User error?

If you're using an 8 lb test or larger diameter mono, the line may be old and have a memory problem that produces coils vs line that wraps smoothly around the bell and close to the line p/u. I replaced mono with 6 lb test Kastking braid on all my spincast reels and can cast 1/32 oz jigs a nice distance with no problem and reel in line that stays against the p/u pin.

That is a problem that has haunted Zebco and other closed faced reel manufacturers for decades. Zebco has changed their reel many times to try and solve the problem. Ultimately the issue is that the spinner head assembly or pickup pin is not catching the line. If this happens and you continue turning the handle, as kids usually do, the line will twist and compound the issue. Reeling while you are hung on the bottom will also twist the line resulting in this problem. Replacing the line will often fix the issue temporarily, but unfortunately holding the line in your fingers when reeling in is the usually part of fishing with those reels. Different diameter lines work better in some models, so try changing the line size for better results. Good luck.

Every zebco I ever used did that. 80s Model metal ones even. Too much slack and the pin won’t catch the line to reel. Not uncommon to hold the line a bit to engage the retrieve.

Many of the Zebco reel I have used, dating back into the 60's, had that issue. Some were worse than others. I really think it has to do with the reel design and the type of line used.

What’s a zebco?

It’s what my wife uses to catch these weird green fish.

Here is some info that many of you may not know. Zebco used to make bombs for fracturing oil wells

https://www.fishingtalks.com/from-the-zero-hour-bomb-co.-to-zebco-2124.html

Bought my grandson a nice little Zebco 33 UL combo. Built like a tank. He is 3yrs old and is pretty hard on the setup but it's held up great. He can cast that thing pretty good. I learned on an old Zebco back in the day so its been fun to start him out the same way.

I have a couple of Zebco Omega reels for the wife and grandkids. They are a little pricey, but really nice reels. The Omega's have bearings like bait casters, so that makes them really smooth......

You didn’t mention so one can just assume you are using a GLoomis Coquest Mag Bass with that reel. I’ve found entry level Zebco reels spool line better with a Megabass Destroyer P5. I know it’s $200 less but seems to be more consistent.

😂😂😂😂

You just about have to put a little tension on the line for them to grab at first.

Or use a 1 oz weight under that slip cork.

Get the diawa silvercast. I think they are like 34 bucks. Way better than the zebcos.