I've been taking my 6 and 8 year olds fishing lately, with 7 foot baitcast rods and Penn Mag 10s. Those reels are great for dropping off the side of the boat, but I can't yet trust my kids (or teach them) to cast conventional reels.
Kids:"Daddy, can you cast mine?"
Me:"Could you leave it out there a while to give the fish a chance to bite?"
Spincast reels seem like a good option if I could maintain them for saltwater. I'm thinking something with 5lbs of drag that would work with 10-20 lb monofilament and be reasonably resistant to saltwater. I guess line capacity is also a consideration, since spincast reels don't tend to hold much. I'd like to be able to use it for pier fishing, light surf and bay.
Is there a classic Zebco or Abu Garcia that I can pick up at a reasonable price at auction? I would tend to buy something vintage and serviceable. Thanks for any suggestions.
Zebco 888 is your guy. Star drag and holds plenty of 15lb test for the youngsters. I still grab them from yard sales
John's right, the 888 is a great catfishing reel, we still use them for channel cats. Zebco even makes a saltwater version...just check eBay...there should be gazoodles of them listed. Don't forget the 808 and 733, these would fit the bill too. 8)
Thanks, guys. The 808 seems to come in different flavors... bowfishing, catfish, saltwater, with the saltwater being the most expensive. Do you know what the significant differences are?
Quote from: thorhammer on October 04, 2017, 04:49:31 PM
Zebco 888 is your guy. Star drag and holds plenty of 15lb test for the youngsters. I still grab them from yard sales
actually has a power handle.
Quote from: thorhammer on October 04, 2017, 06:02:09 PM
Quote from: thorhammer on October 04, 2017, 04:49:31 PM
Zebco 888 is your guy. Star drag and holds plenty of 15lb test for the youngsters. I still grab them from yard sales
actually has a power handle.
Thanks. I originally read your "888" as "808". I see a lot of newer 888s with a drag knob instead of the star.
Originally, the 808 in the 70's had a double handle and the little knurled wheel in the housing to adjust drag. The 888 that came after, maybe late 70's, had the star drag, power handle, and actually a ceramic pickup pin in the bell. I want to say it held a 100 yds 17lb test. perfect catfish / pier reel for a young angler.
I'll take those Mag 10's since you won't be needing them :)
Quote from: thorhammer on October 04, 2017, 07:16:07 PM
I'll take those Mag 10's since you won't be needing them :)
Thanks, buddy! I'll send them right over; just be sure that they look like this when you return them ;D http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=22851.15 (http://alantani.com/index.php?topic=22851.15)
Lol I knew what that thread was gonna be before I opened it....love my Mag 10's.
Shakesphere had a "synergy" reel a few years ago. Marketed for salt water. All stainless inside. I have one for whoever is youngest and it does great on little sand dabs.
Ron
Quote from: thorhammer on October 04, 2017, 07:16:07 PM
I'll take those Mag 10's since you won't be needing them :)
You know... I'd be willing to trade one Penn 10 in exchange for a couple yard-sale big Zebcos in good shape. PM me if you're interested. ;)
I checked my Zebco stash and I only have one large model to sell...and it's not exactly the best model 808. It's the first pic, one of the non-star drag models. This model 808 is light on features so I added the pic so you can recognize them. I think the star drag 888 is a better reel.
The second pic is also something I'd recommend. The 733 Hawg has star drag, selectable bait alarm, selectable anti-reverse, and the "direct drive" feature bypasses the drag. It was popular with bass fishermen...use 20lb. line and just yank them from the heavy cover. I use it with 17lb. mono and it has a nice smooth drag. 8)
Hi Joe,
Honestly, I don't like spin cast reels what so ever. They seem to twist line easily, if the line is slack, the pick to pick up the line doesn't engage, and drags have a lot to be desired. I would either give them a spinning reel or tighten the spool tension a little slowing how fast the line comes off the spool on a bait casting reel.
The reel may work well but I just have not had luck with them.
Bryan
Quote from: Bryan Young on October 05, 2017, 06:38:33 PM
Hi Joe,
Honestly, I don't like spin cast reels what so ever. They seem to twist line easily, if the line is slack, the pick to pick up the line doesn't engage, and drags have a lot to be desired. I would either give them a spinning reel or tighten the spool tension a little slowing how fast the line comes off the spool on a bait casting reel.
The reel may work well but I just have not had luck with them.
Bryan
I'm listening. Maybe I should put more tension on the spool or add magnets. Or start them on spinning reels. I just want some PEACE for fishing. :o