Reel Repair by Alan Tani

Spinning Reel Rebuild Tutorials and Questions => Zebco => Topic started by: Crow on September 13, 2020, 04:39:00 PM

Title: "saltwater" Zebco spincast ?
Post by: Crow on September 13, 2020, 04:39:00 PM
  I seem to remember that Zebco had a "large" spincast reel that was for BIG cats, and was "supposed" to be saltwater "proof" (or, at least, some what "resistant"). Can somebody give me a "number", so I can search for one ?  One of the "snowbird fishing club" (who can only use a spincast....and even THOSE gives him troubles :P) needs an "upgrade", and I thought I'd find one for him, get it serviced, and lined, so he can use it this winter. (assuming, of course, that the "virus" lets us go south...and the beaches remain open !)..........Thanks !,,,,,,,,,,,,,,Arlyn
Title: Re: "saltwater" Zebco spincast ?
Post by: Wompus Cat on September 13, 2020, 05:04:29 PM
ZEBCO # 55 .
Has a lot of Stainless
Big ol Turd but Reliable  .
Title: Re: "saltwater" Zebco spincast ?
Post by: foakes on September 13, 2020, 05:07:33 PM
Hi Arlyn --

The 808 or 888 could be the reels you're looking for.

If you can't find a good used one that isn't thrashed from SW use and poor storage/maintenance -- a new one is only around $40.

For large cats, stripers, and salt-water fishing -- these are really tough reels.  Some will even handle braid.

A good crank handle is key on these, IMO.

Best,

Fred
Title: Re: "saltwater" Zebco spincast ?
Post by: mo65 on September 13, 2020, 05:10:03 PM
Hi Arlyn,
   There are several models advertised as saltwater reels. The 808 and the 888 are both offered in "saltwater" versions, although I think any of the models would do fine. I've seen folks using them on piers. The biggest is the 270 Brute, but it's a collectors prize, too expensive to get wet.
The photo below shows my 888.8)
Title: Re: "saltwater" Zebco spincast ?
Post by: wfjord on September 13, 2020, 05:43:16 PM
Quote from: mo65 on September 13, 2020, 05:10:03 PM
Hi Arlyn,
   There are several models advertised as saltwater reels. The 808 and the 888 are both offered in "saltwater" versions, although I think any of the models would do fine. I've seen folks using them on piers. The biggest is the 270 Brute, but it's a collectors prize, too expensive to get wet.
The photo below shows my 888.8)

What is the line capacity and recommended test lb for a saltwater Zebco?

Nice grouping of reels, Mo, but the one that catches my eye first is the little black Mag 10xsg in the middle.
Title: Re: "saltwater" Zebco spincast ?
Post by: mo65 on September 13, 2020, 06:07:11 PM
Quote from: wfjord on September 13, 2020, 05:43:16 PM
What is the line capacity and recommended test lb for a saltwater Zebco?

Nice grouping of reels, Mo, but the one that catches my eye first is the little black Mag 10xsg in the middle.

   The 888 comes spooled with 25lb. mono, and it's what I use on mine. That's not a Mag 10, it's a Mag 50! That's how big those 888s are...they make the Mag 50 look small!
Title: Re: "saltwater" Zebco spincast ?
Post by: wfjord on September 13, 2020, 06:58:35 PM
Quote from: mo65 on September 13, 2020, 06:07:11 PM
Quote from: wfjord on September 13, 2020, 05:43:16 PM
What is the line capacity and recommended test lb for a saltwater Zebco?

Nice grouping of reels, Mo, but the one that catches my eye first is the little black Mag 10xsg in the middle.

   The 888 comes spooled with 25lb. mono, and it's what I use on mine. That's not a Mag 10, it's a Mag 50! That's how big those 888s are...they make the Mag 50 look small!

Ah, that's right!! Now that I look at it closer, I see the stainless steel handle blade and wider spool!
Title: Re: "saltwater" Zebco spincast ?
Post by: Crow on September 14, 2020, 09:07:48 PM
Thanks, guys ! I'll cruise ebay, for a while, and see what might turn up.  "Ron" has called me about 3 times, over the last week, "reminding me" that he needs a reel before we all "go south". I really need to start taking some "video" of our bunch, when we are 'on the beach"....sometimes I don't know whether to laugh...or cry! :D
Title: Re: "saltwater" Zebco spincast ?
Post by: Benni3 on October 16, 2020, 03:30:08 AM
Quote from: Crow on September 14, 2020, 09:07:48 PM
Thanks, guys ! I'll cruise ebay, for a while, and see what might turn up.  "Ron" has called me about 3 times, over the last week, "reminding me" that he needs a reel before we all "go south". I really need to start taking some "video" of our bunch, when we are 'on the beach"....sometimes I don't know whether to laugh...or cry! :D
If you get a 808 the better one's are from the 70's and 80's,,,, ;) if you still need one let me know I got 1 it's a1969 to 1976