Zebco 33 Spincast Fishing Reel, Changeable Right or Left-Hand Retrieve, Built-in Bite Alert, All-Metal Gears, Pre-Spooled with Zebco Cajun Line

This was my first non-child reel when I was growing up and I got this for my girlfriend's 10 year old son for his birthday and he loves it. It's the perfect size for most types of freshwater fishing and some saltwater fishing. I feel like the quality is just as good if not better as the one that I had when I was a kid. It looks like it's built to last and I found the direct be exceptionally smooth. Setting the tension on the drag is easy it reels nicely. You can't beat it for the money. If you're looking for a fun casual real for yourself or a perfect starter reel for a kid that doesn't have a lot of experience the 33 is the classic place to start. There is a reason it's been around for so long

I love this REEL! Small yet mighty. One click the line goes out and very easy to reel in. Makes catching fish, getting it in the boat quick and easy. Smaller than others so it has a comfortable grip and great test line. For the beginner fisherman/fisherwoman, child or for experienced fishermen. Rest easy knowing this won’t fail.

Perfect for pan fish.

it’s a small reel that casts well and is pretty smooth, the “bite alarm” is a loud clicking drag and it works well. it’s easy to use and it feels pretty durable. good reel for the price

I can't say I've tried them all but have definitely tried quite a few low cost inexpensive spincast reels and this one lasted a LONG time and always worked great! It is great for kids but if you're an adult, like spincast reels, and have wrist issues and want to keep things as light as possible this is also a great reel for that. Only issue with this reel is the drag function. Not too hot :( But you shouldn't need it for panfish anyway so no biggie

Replaced a plastic reel on a Kids branded ugly stick combo. The previous reel was ok for play, but not a serious reel. A friend recommended a Zebco and for the price I don't see how this thing could be beat. Fits the kids rod perfectly. Casts respectable now, to the point I know I could use this setup for crappie and bluegill.The drag is plenty smooth. The bite alarm is a louder clicking noise. I was expecting kind of a jingle, this bite alarm is fine as is. I like that the Reel opens with a quick twist, rather than being threaded. Most important for the little one is that the button is easy to press in.

This is the first product review I have every written. I was super excited to try this out on the lake today. What a cheap POC! After receiving the reel this morning spent 20 minutes setting it up. On the very first cast the bottom housing popped off and the button flew into the lake, sinking to the bottom. What a POC! The cheap reel and pole set up I bought for my kids 10 years ago for $10 has been indestructible. Never fails. What gives? I'll post a follow-up if Zebco responds and makes this right but as of now I will never buy another Zebco product again.

come on- its a Zebco 33- probably the best begginner/intermediate level closed caster on the market for over 50 years. I've gone through MAYBE 4 of them in over 35 years of fishing....I still have the first one I bought that still performs like the day I bought it.