The Zebco 33 has been a fantastic fishing reel since it’s debut in 1954.  The Zebco 33 is an ideal starter for kids or adults who have never fished before.  If you can push a button you can catch a fish with the Zebco 33.

Advantages:  Stainless steel construction does not rust, and simple operation.  Simply push the button and hold it, then cast and release the button, then real in your line.  The drag adjustment allows you to adjust how tight the line is, in case you hook a giant fish and need to let the fish run.

Disadvantages:  Hopefully you never have a “bird’s nest” of tangled fishing line inside your Zebco 33.  It’s usually not impossible to fix, but it can be very difficult to see what is happening inside the spool inside the reel, and very difficult to fix.  You should also make sure you get your Zebco 33 pre-strung with Zebco Cajun Smooth Cast Fishing Line because the premium line resists tangling.  Even though the Zebco 33 is difficult to clear a tangle, the good news is that it is so simple and reliable that it is unlikely that you will ever need to clear a tangle.

You can’t go wrong if you choose the Zebco 33, especially if this is your first pole.  Don’t let this “entry-level” option fool you into believing that you will have less success fishing.  Anglers have been hooking thousands of fishing with this reel since 1954 because it is one of the best, most reliable, and simplest reels available.