Zebco Rods & Reels: Slingshot Spincast Size 30 Reel & Rod Combo (Right Hand)

My sister has a disability and can only use the push button reels. We have bought many and my feedback is simple. The more you pay for these, the better they work.

I have bought her the Zebco Bullet Reel ($100+) and their Omego Pro rod and reel combo ($110+) and they are fabulous. She can cast almost as far as my bait caster or open reel set ups. They work easy, and have had very few headaches.

The "economy' rod and reels are OK, but... Things happen. After use the button sticks or line does not spit out as well as the good equipment. Eventually we take off the reel and replace it with a $40-50 from local shops.

When you buy a rod + reel combo the reel is usually not as good as a reel sold separately. Typically have fewer ball bearings and cheaper gearing. This is what helps you spit out the line, and reel in line.

I looked at all of these combos. Thinking maybe just buy them for the rod and a back up reel. My thoughts. I am not thrilled by any of them. They are just OK, may not last to heavy use, but are good for casual use a couple times a year or one trip to the lake with the kids. It is hard enough to catch a fish, you don't want your gear to suck or let you down when you do.

The gearing numbers - easiest explination how much line is put back on spool with every turn. None of these have great numbers compared to high end gear, but... they all work so not a huge consideration on a budget rod.

Many of these beginner reels are supplied with CRAZY Heavy line. 20 pound test is for Lake Trout, Salmon, Catfish, salt water fish... Not a 2 pound bluegill. This puts a beginner in a local pond at a disadvantage. The thick line does not disappear or camouflage in the water. So there is a delicious meal, with a big rope above it. Fish are stupid, but not that stupid. I experimented and put 4/6/8 pound test on some Zebco 7 series reels. It kind of worked but the pin did not always catch, extra line shot out and tangled internally. Some success with 10-12 pound line but, still had some back lash which interrupted fishing to untangle.

The best work around I have found is to tie a leader of lower test line below the bobber. So reel works as designed, and you fool the fish. However, this gives a point of failure. Knots can fail or slip, the lighter line can snap easier. But it does help when chasing pan fish.

The Size 30 - great for panfish. 10 pound line can catch bass, or some large fish. Still OK but a bit heavy for pan fish. Can work a lure or put a bobber on it. Great rod for Kids or sitting on the dock.

The 606 is OK... The Reel is decent but 20lb test is overkill. The rod is long, gives you more range to your cast, but the reel may not throw the line as far as a lighter test. Great if you are a beginner casting for bass, northern or game fish. Line is not great for bobber fishing.

33 Micro - If you cannot handle the button on back of every Zebco since the 1960's they put this lever on. This was a thing in the 90's. It works but there is a learning curve. It is erognomic to use a finger in not your thumb. It has 4 pound line making it the best rod in this list for panfish. The 5 foot rod will let you cast it about 20 feet or less. So you need to be close to target.

The Spyn 20 combo - spin caster surprised me and would be my pick. It is just above a beginner rod, you have to move the wire to the side, put your finger on the line and cast. There is a learning curve if you never used it before. It has 3 bearings which is decent (not great) but good for this price point. Honestly the rod is a good price for the money and the reel is pretty much free. You can put any line you want on it for the conditions you are fishing and it will work. Still it is a cheap rod, but... I would feel ok giving it to a buddy to use so they don't damage my $200+ set ups.

Last item on the list is the Size 30 reel. It is a step up from the previous reel on the combo above. It holds a bit more line and pulls a bit more line a turn (2") If you wanted to add it to a current rod you owned it is OK...

None of this is equipment for a fishing tournament. My family goes out 30 plus times a year, spends 1/2 the day or more on the water. Our gear is used, so I feel OK spending more so it works. If that is not you, you are going out for fun once a year, or half dozen times, all of this equipment will work. It is not the best on the market. It is OK to Good. Not great. If you have the means, you can do better. But none of it is complete garbage. Biggest negative was that Thick line on first example.

I don't want to sound like a snob. But trying to explain to people who may not know what they are looking at so they can make an informed decision.