Have you guys seen this thing? 2024

Sword of the Lord reply :

As fast as a baitcaster and can use braid. Plus all of its other features. This thing looks beast.

http://shop.zebcobrands.com/reels/spincast/bullet-zb3-10-bx3.html

Choporoz reply :

mopeds and hefty gals.....that's all that comes to mind...even with the open mind I bragged about just this morning....I can't get interested

Ratherbfishing reply :

I hate to be accused of being a "hater" (actually, I really don't care) but I have yet to meet a spincast reel I'd give the nod to. Note: if someone wants to GIVE me one of these, I'd give it a fighting chance but I'm certainly NOT shelling out a benjamin for one.

1201vilbig reply :

On 8/10/2017 at 12:28 AM, Sword of the Lord said:

As fast as a baitcaster and can use braid. Plus all of its other features. This thing looks beast.

http://shop.zebcobrands.com/reels/spincast/bullet-zb3-10-bx3.html

This could be the ultimate Ned Rig reel. I don't discount anything anymore. A few years ago we got schooled by my partner who had a boat load of Falcon rods & green Curado reels. He picked up a Zebco 33 with a tiny Brush Hog & won the dang tournament!

Jaderose reply :

I saw this thing in the Bass Pro catalog and my first though was "Why"? I just don't see the market for this. I'm sure it's a GREAT reel but if you're gonna drop that kinda coin on a reel, it probably means you're fairly serious fisherman and have probably moved past the Zebco phase. Not dissin it......just don't see the market for it. I guess the ned rig thing makes sense but my President does that for less money and I guarantee it's lighter

Sword of the Lord reply :

On 8/10/2017 at 12:53 AM, Jaderose said:

I saw this thing in the Bass Pro catalog and my first though was "Why"? I just don't see the market for this. I'm sure it's a GREAT reel but if you're gonna drop that kinda coin on a reel, it probably means you're fairly serious fisherman and have probably moved past the Zebco phase. Not dissin it......just don't see the market for it. I guess the ned rig thing makes sense but my President does that for less money and I guarantee it's lighter

I would say there's two factors.

If you can make a reel that is as fast as a baitcaster and can throw the light lures of a spinning reel, without the backlash or line twist, that's remarkable. Add to it that it can be spooled with mono, fluoro or braid. It's your all in one reel that takes the headache of line issues away.

Also, they're probably trying to get their brand and their iconic closed faced reel out in the spotlight.

If this reel doesn't eat line, doesn't knot up inside, doesn't have garbage drag, and yet can be a baitcaster or a spinner essentially, there's no reason to not be interested for reasons other than pride and ego in my opinion. Closed face reels are so taboo in bass fishing that nobody is interested in the fact that it appears they are very very close to being a better option with new technology. I'm not gonna say the Bullet is necessarily a better option, but if this is phase one of making them baitcaster level, I cant wait to see what's next.

portiabrat reply :

That thing is freaking heavy. It's about same weight as Shimano 400/Revo 60.

islandbass reply :

That is definitely a cool concept for those afraid to use a baitcaster. The thing that keeps me scratching my head is who in the right mind would pay $100 for a spin cast reel and a heavy one at that? A $100 gets you a basic no frills bc reel and a whole lot in a spinning reel. Go figure.

I wonder if they put up a weather balloon/feeler to see if there was a market for this.

Let at some of the species in the recommended uses:

# Recommended Uses:: Bass - Ok, I think; Panfish - Sure; Catfish - Huh?; Trout - Ok; Salmon - Seriously?; Muskie/Pike - Really?; Walleye - Not Sure

OCdockskipper reply :

I haven't used a spincaster in 4 decades since I bought the vaunted "Fishing Machine". Nonetheless, I have a wife who fishes with me once a year or so and she struggles with casting accuracy. I could see dropping $100 on this to make her rare trips more enjoyable and potentially raise her interest in going out more.

fishwizzard reply :

On 8/10/2017 at 3:58 AM, portiabrat said:

That thing is freaking heavy. It's about same weight as Shimano 400/Revo 60.

I started fishing with a spinning reel so the idea of a well-made spin caster is appealing just to have one to play with, but the weight and bulk of this thing is a complete turnoff. If that thing were as big as an egg and was much lighter I would absolutly buy one.

fishnkamp reply :

I have a friend that swears by his old Zebco 808 series spincast reel for hauling in big river cats, so I will not say those reels are all toys. I have seen him battle soms BIG river cats and tiger musky. I di have a Daiwa Omega + for my wife to use for throwing jigs. It worked well. I replaced it with an Irod Genesis spinning rod and she enjoys fishing it better. So this Bullet might be a good option to skip under docks with and who know what else.

WRB reply :

The Zebco Bullet isn't new and 2X the 33.

Tom

3crows reply :

There is no way to really feather the line like spinning or thumb with a bait caster, pushing the, uh, button, will result in an abrupt stop to the lure thus limiting casting accuracy. Sorry, I see no real point to this reel.

I understand the line pick ups are wheels, not pins, it may be the ultimate spin cast but it is still a spincaster.

I caught a nice shark on a fly rod with a Zebco 33 mounted, I was around 15 yo. I did not know any better, now I do. There is a time to grow up and leave behind the toys of childhood days.

Bluebasser86 reply :

Not being able to palm it would make it a no go for me even before that crazy price tag.

Sword Lord reply :

On 8/10/2017 at 12:28 AM, Sword of the Lord said:

As fast as a baitcaster and can use braid. Plus all of its other features. This thing looks beast.

http://shop.zebcobrands.com/reels/spincast/bullet-zb3-10-bx3.html

I just came to say......hmmmm.....that user name looks familiar!

KDW96 reply :

I think its more of a pride,image issue. I bought my wife and daughter an OMEGA Z03. I must say i am really impressed with its performance so far. Numerous 5plus bass and catfish,with no problems. The one thing that will help,is an occasional long cast or letting the line out quite a ways,and reelinging it back in under slight tension,which i do with my bait casters,keeps line packed and less loops etc.

Choporoz reply :

On 8/10/2017 at 9:02 PM, KDW96 said:

I think its more of a pride,image issue. I bought my wife and daughter an OMEGA Z03. I must say i am really impressed with its performance so far. Numerous 5plus bass and catfish,with no problems. The one thing that will help,is an occasional long cast or letting the line out quite a ways,and reelinging it back in under slight tension,which i do with my bait casters,keeps line packed and less loops etc.

And that about sums it up. Doesn't really matter how good it is. Few of us are ever going to consider using one.

Fishes in trees reply :

That reel is too heavy for me. Now when they come up with one with similar stats that weighs less than 8 ounces, then I might consider one for my collection of "borrower" reels.

fishindad reply :

I don't know about the previous commenters but I haven't used a spincast reel since I was a kid, some 50 years ago. It always amazes me how negative people have become with a general attitude towards pessimism. Has anyone actually held one of these and put it on a rod and casted with it? Are you comparing this reel to your Steez/Aldebaran/Tatula/Curado? This thing comes with a spare spool, has all metal gearing, reversible handle, and looks better built than the Zebco 33 I grew up with. I would definitely give it a shot at $85, which is what it would cost through retailers offering 15% off. As the OP mentioned, it would be completely backlash-free. Where I fish on the open waters of the Great Lakes making bomber casts to cover water, I could definitely see flinging baits and not worrying about backlashes - which have to be the most frustrating thing about revolving spool reels. Sure it's heavy and probably can't be palmed but if given a chance maybe Zebco would manufacture and market a smaller version that is lighter and palm-able? I love fishing my GLX/Legend Extreme/Curados but I consider myself to be open-minded to trying anything once : ) I hope this reel does catch on and Zebco markets smaller, lighter versions. The one thing this sport desperately needs is to introduce more young people and new anglers and if this reel helps, then I am all for it. The only negative comment I have is the model name they chose - "Bullet". If in fact they are marketing towards children and female anglers they could/should have selected a much more appropriate name.

Stasher1 reply :

On 8/10/2017 at 9:56 PM, Choporoz said:

And that about sums it up. Doesn't really matter how good it is. Few of us are ever going to consider using one.

Not to single you out, but it must really suck to be so insecure that you'd actually worry about what people think about the reels you own/use.

A reel is simply a tool to perform a task. Contrary to popular belief, a baitcast reel isn't the best tool for every situation and the same can be said for spinning reels.

Jaderose reply :

I couldn't possibly care any less what people think about the gear I use nor do I discount a person using a Zebco. I've had many, MANY people ask me about what kind of gear to get and 9 times out of 10 I'm talking to someone that is, at best, an occasional weekend warrior. I always tell them to spend a few bucks and get a decent Zebco or Daiwa Spincaster. But $100 for a Spincaster that weighs 13.4 oz. Let me say that again........13.4 oz. I would not want to throw 300 or 400 hundred times in the course of a day. I think my heaviest reel weighs a little over half that. I'm SURE it's a great reel. Just not for someone that is gonna be out for 10 hours like a lot of us on here are.

But.....I would like to give it a toss!

p.s. I've got an Old Tru Temper Uni Spin that I LOVE to take out and fish with occasionally. Caught many panfish and a few bass with it. NOT a gear snob.

Team9nine reply :

On 8/10/2017 at 11:36 AM, 3crows said:

There is no way to really feather the line like spinning or thumb with a bait caster, pushing the, uh, button, will result in an abrupt stop to the lure thus limiting casting accuracy. Sorry, I see no real point to this reel.

Feathering the line on a spin cast reel is rather easy, and I first remember learning how reading an article by Stan Fagerstrom, legendary trick caster, back in the 80s. The technique hasn't changed.

Granted, the majority of persons on this board would likely never purchase such a reel, but if you've ever hung out on a general fishing message board where anglers from all walks of life come and post pics, I could certainly see a market for these. Heck, just from all the negative comments alone, I'm tempted to buy one and post a video using it on the water and catching bass

Sword of the Lord reply :

On 8/11/2017 at 3:02 AM, Team9nine said:

Feathering the line on a spin cast reel is rather easy, and I first remember learning how reading an article by Stan Fagerstrom, legendary trick caster, back in the 80s. The technique hasn't changed.

Granted, the majority of persons on this board would likely never purchase such a reel, but if you've ever hung out on a general fishing message board where anglers from all walks of life come and post pics, I could certainly see a market for these. Heck, just from all the negative comments alone, I'm tempted to buy one and post a video using it on the water and catching bass

Good idea. I think I'm going to stoop lower and take a Shakespeare Excursion rod and a Zebco Platinum 33 on 10lb fluoro to a favorite pond this weekend and get video of me catching fatties. I have a lot of confidence in those little Zebcos for light stuff considering I was using them until I learned to use spinning gear. Always caught 1-5 pounders with no problems at all.

the reel ess reply :

On 8/10/2017 at 2:25 AM, Sword of the Lord said:

If you can make a reel that is as fast as a baitcaster and can throw the light lures of a spinning reel, without the backlash or line twist, that's remarkable.

You could always do that with a spincast reel. Fact is, 5.1:1 is pretty pedestrian for a baitcaster nowadays. I own three reels that are 7.5:1 and one that's 5.1:1. The slow one feels like it takes twice the effort to use. In the last couple years 7.5:1 has become normal.

Spinning reels can do everything this reel does better for less. I have one that cost $40 that just won't quit. I have another that I bought on a BPS combo that cost $70 for the whole combo that's more than a decade old, with heavy use.

But I'd certainly be open to hearing how well it works.

Sword of the Lord reply :

On 8/11/2017 at 4:54 AM, the reel ess said:

You could always do that with a spincast reel. Fact is, 5.1:1 is pretty pedestrian for a baitcaster nowadays. I own three reels that are 7.5:1 and one that's 5.1:1. The slow one feels like it takes twice the effort to use. In the last couple years 7.5:1 has become normal.

Spinning reels can do everything this reel does better for less. I have one that cost $40 that just won't quit. I have another that I bought on a BPS combo that cost $70 for the whole combo that's more than a decade old, with heavy use.

But I'd certainly be open to hearing how well it works.

I'm far more excited that this seems like the first phase in making a reel that has the power of a baitcaster and the ability to throw light like a spinning reel, while also being able to use braid, without the line trouble, than I am the Bullet itself.

They claim it's faster than a 6.1:1 baitcaster.

islandbass reply :

I just want to add that I have nothing against spin cast reels and as a matter of fact, my son started with the great Zebco 33 when he was young. The ease of use of them is excellent. I even used it a couple of times when he was "done" fishing and headed to the playground.

Also, I would never "look down" on anyone who uses a spin cast reel.

The super show stoppers are the price as I stated in an earlier post and the weight.

sully420 reply :

Why

gimruis reply :

One of the primary problems with spincast reels like Zebco and this one is that everything that comes in on the line - moisture, dirt, debris, etc and stays trapped inside that reel because the whole setup is enclosed. That stuff piles up inside there and the reel wears out a lot quicker than on a traditional spinning reel or bait caster.

3crows reply :

On 8/11/2017 at 4:19 AM, Sword of the Lord said:

Good idea. I think I'm going to stoop lower and take a Shakespeare Excursion rod and a Zebco Platinum 33 on 10lb fluoro to a favorite pond this weekend and get video of me catching fatties. I have a lot of confidence in those little Zebcos for light stuff considering I was using them until I learned to use spinning gear. Always caught 1-5 pounders with no problems at all.

I am quite sure there are reasons why one seldom sees a spincaster but in the hands of a child. My grandfather used them when his arthritis set in, it was preferable to not fishing. I do not agree that you can feather the line as effectively with a spincaster as with a BC or spinning outfit.

I could just throw the line and lure in the water with my arm and no rod and reel at all and then run up the bank to retrieve the fish, well, I think that is exactly what I did quite often with Zebcos. I did cast the lure out but it would lock up on the retrieve so I just ran until the fish was on the bank.

Further North reply :

On 8/11/2017 at 5:17 AM, Sword of the Lord said:

I'm far more excited that this seems like the first phase in making a reel that has the power of a baitcaster and the ability to throw light like a spinning reel, while also being able to use braid, without the line trouble, than I am the Bullet itself.

They claim it's faster than a 6.1:1 baitcaster.

Yeah...but 13+ ounces...who is gonna want to throw finesse with reel that weighs more than my musky reel?

On 8/11/2017 at 7:35 AM, sully420 said:

Why

That's it, right there...

Lures'n'Liberty reply :

I hate baitcasting reels. I use spinning reels and spincast reels almost exclusively. If you are considering buying this reel, PLEASE look at a Daiwa Silvercast. They're $29.99 at Cabela's right now and they are so much better. The big SC170 is faster than the bullet and about the same size. They're actual, honest to goodness metal reels, quality made, not overpriced plastic crap.

Sword of the Lord reply :

On 8/12/2017 at 2:29 AM, Lures'n'Liberty said:

I hate baitcasting reels. I use spinning reels and spincast reels almost exclusively. If you are considering buying this reel, PLEASE look at a Daiwa Silvercast. They're $29.99 at Cabela's right now and they are so much better. The big SC170 is faster than the bullet and about the same size. They're actual, honest to goodness metal reels, quality made, not overpriced plastic crap.

The gear ratio is worse, and you're talking 29.4 vs 29. Also, it's even heavier than the Bullet. The Bullet is also metal.

KVD has a YouTube video about the Bullet for those interested.

I feel you on hating one of the main bass reels. For me, I love baitcasters but hate spinners. I'm learning to use them though. However, I think I'm going to get the Bullet, and if it's what it claims to be, I won't even deal with spinning gear anymore tbh. No reason to force myself into it.

Lures'n'Liberty reply :

On 8/12/2017 at 5:02 AM, Sword of the Lord said:

The gear ratio is worse, and you're talking 29.4 vs 29. Also, it's even heavier than the Bullet. The Bullet is also metal.

KVD has a YouTube video about the Bullet for those interested.

I feel you on hating one of the main bass reels. For me, I love baitcasters but hate spinners. I'm learning to use them though. However, I think I'm going to get the Bullet, and if it's what it claims to be, I won't even deal with spinning gear anymore tbh. No reason to force myself into it.

The ratio is just the gearing, the spool size determines the final ratio. 1/2 inch per turn is a pretty big difference, and while yes, it's heavier, it's not heavier by much considering they're both past the 3/4 pound mark. If you're considering a spincast, especially for a kid or someone who's just getting into fishing that may not go out much and if they do, they'll likely upgrade, the SC170A a damned good reel that's a whole lot faster and will leave you an extra $70 to put in your rod or tackle box. You could get an SC170A, a Berkely Cherrywood, and a 3 month subscription to MTB for the price of the Zebco Bullet. You might even have enough left over to get a couple cheeseburgers at McDonald's, too.

Fishin Dad reply :

I think it is a cool concept. It would be wild to show up tournament day with 4 of these and dominate. Not realistic (heavy, expensive) but I would love one just to be a dork.

A dork in a good way, not a negative thing at all. Just my style.

OnthePotomac reply :

It is interesting that Woo Daves, the famous bass pro has said he still keeps a spin cast reel on the deck for worm fishing.

Sword of the Lord reply :

On 8/13/2017 at 12:27 AM, OnthePotomac said:

It is interesting that Woo Daves, the famous bass pro has said he still keeps a spin cast reel on the deck for worm fishing.

As technology advances and spincast reels expand to sport fishing rather than being aimed at kids and newbies, I could see them becoming regular rigs down the line.

smalljaw67 reply :

Way to heavy, anything over 7 ounces to me is heavy, I can deal with a reel up to 7.5oz for a casting reel and after that it is just too heavy, makes using a light rod a moot point. As for spin cast reels in general, I don't care for them but I found it interesting that Woo Daves fished with one his entire career on the Bassmaster trail. He said when fish were tight to cover a spin cast reel would allow his worm to fall straight down like a spinning reel but he couldn't find spinning rods that were heavy powered with the right action so the spin cast was perfect. With the casting reel the bait would swing away from the cover unless he manually peeled line off and often he would miss a strike if a fish hit it while it was falling, and because of that he always had a spin cast ready to go at every tournament he fished.

the reel ess reply :

On 8/12/2017 at 5:02 AM, Sword of the Lord said:

The gear ratio is worse, and you're talking 29.4 vs 29. Also, it's even heavier than the Bullet. The Bullet is also metal.

KVD has a YouTube video about the Bullet for those interested.

I feel you on hating one of the main bass reels. For me, I love baitcasters but hate spinners. I'm learning to use them though. However, I think I'm going to get the Bullet, and if it's what it claims to be, I won't even deal with spinning gear anymore tbh. No reason to force myself into it.

There's a negative review in the comments. It says it doesn't cast farther than spinning or BC reels and still gets the annoying tangles.

Sword of the Lord reply :

On 8/13/2017 at 2:04 AM, the reel ess said:

There's a negative review in the comments. It says it doesn't cast farther than spinning or BC reels and still gets the annoying tangles.

I haven't gotten one yet, so I don't know. However, I've read tons of user reviews from several retailers with the exact opposite experience. Time will tell, I will surely get this reel and try it out, and drop feedback afterwards. Best case, I love it, it works, I continue to use it. Worst case, my wife gets the best reel she could ask for, although she'd also be getting one if it performs well.

the reel ess reply :

On 8/13/2017 at 2:07 AM, Sword of the Lord said:

I haven't gotten one yet, so I don't know. However, I've read tons of user reviews from several retailers with the exact opposite experience. Time will tell, I will surely get this reel and try it out, and drop feedback afterwards. Best case, I love it, it works, I continue to use it. Worst case, my wife gets the best reel she could ask for, although she'd also be getting one if it performs well.

Yes, I was referring to the comments on the aforementioned YouTube video. It said the money was wasted.

Jaderose reply :

On 8/12/2017 at 2:29 AM, Lures'n'Liberty said:

If you are considering buying this reel, PLEASE look at a Daiwa Silvercast. They're $29.99 at Cabela's right now and they are so much better. T

This. Before I started using a BC I used Silvercast Spincasters. They are terrific reels

Maxximus Redneckus reply :

I dont go by whats said on youtube or reveiws.....most ppl call the rod a "pole" and the reelseat ..a thingyma jig that holds the reel from falling off the "pole" or the famous 4lb "string" keeps getting under my "8000" size penn spinfisher and its to heavy...lmao

MassYak85 reply :

I just don't see the point. Other than the fact that it's a spincast I don't see anything about the reel that a 100 dollar baitcaster doesn't beat it in (line capacity, drag, weight, higher ratios). Now if you MUST have a spincast, it does look decent...but man 13 and a half ounces? That alone would make me force myself to learn to use a baitcaster.

Lures'n'Liberty reply :

On 8/13/2017 at 8:49 AM, Jaderose said:

This. Before I started using a BC I used Silvercast Spincasters. They are terrific reels

Amen. Upon further review, there is not a damned thing about this Zebco that warrants a $70 upgrade over the SC or GC, or the 1960's era Zebco 33 on ebay.

3crows reply :

On 8/17/2017 at 2:44 AM, Lures'n'Liberty said:

Amen. Upon further review, there is not a damned thing about this Zebco that warrants a $70 upgrade over the SC or GC, or the 1960's era Zebco 33 on ebay.

How much did a Zebco 33 cost in 1970? If it was $10 then in 2017 dollars that is $63.

You know, all of those reels have a retrieve ratio of about five cranks of the handle per inch. What the "Bullet" has none of them do is a true 28 plus inches per turn retrieve. And supposedly the line runs in over wheels, not a steel pin. And a drag that works, and hopefully not pot metal gears that lock under load. Well, that last one not sure of.

I think some of these spincasts are growing in stature the more we wax nostalgic over them. I pretty much remember them all being pretty junky. Nostalgia aside.

Lures'n'Liberty reply :

You can still get a 1970 Zebco 33 new in the box on ebay for $10, so that's actually a $90 upgrade, and we all know that a 1970 model is greater than a 2017 model. The Daiwa SC and GC models have drag springs and washers very similar to spinning gear and they don't suck. The big honking SC170 has 29.4 inches per turn, faster than the bullet. The wheels on the bullet are actually problematic, while the pins are tried and true. Most of the spincasts out there are pretty junky, I agree, however the Daiwa GC and SC models are not, and they're $30. The bullet is not worth an extra $70. You can buy a silvercast, mount it to a 7'0 Berkley Cherrywood MF, still have $50 leftover for a decent ML spinning combo (check out an US80XD if you're really into spincast), and be set with quality hardware to throw any lure that you like under 1oz for the cost of the bullet that will last until you're ready to upgrade and can be passed on as an heirloom.

Further North reply :

On 8/14/2017 at 7:59 AM, MassYak85 said:

Now if you MUST have a spincast, it does look decent...but man 13 and a half ounces? That alone would make me force myself to learn to use a baitcaster.

Emphasis mine...it's the weight that baffles me.

The Abu Garcia Revo Winch that is on my dedicated musky rod weighs 10 ounces, has a drag that'll handle 22 lbs. and I can use it to lift a Volkswagen off the bottom of the lake.

I'm skeptical that the Bullet has anywhere near the capacity to handle a musky...and it weighs in excess of 30% more...I keep coming back to: Why?

the reel ess reply :

A less than stellar review

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZJsxKveY54

Sword of the Lord reply :

On 8/17/2017 at 2:44 AM, Lures'n'Liberty said:

Amen. Upon further review, there is not a damned thing about this Zebco that warrants a $70 upgrade over the SC or GC, or the 1960's era Zebco 33 on ebay.

1 poor review for 100 good ones. This is typical of any product. 2 things. 1, there's a manufacturing error for every product. 2, AND MOST IMPORTANT, Zebco said that if you use braid on this reel, to use 30lb. He said he was using 60lb braid. Gee...

Crestliner2008 reply :

From an old angler that still has 3 of the original Johnson Centurys, I'd say if it fits your pocketbook, go for it. I'll be a lot more comfortable with a Pflueger President at half that price.

Further North reply :

On 8/19/2017 at 7:36 PM, Crestliner2008 said:

From an old angler that still has 3 of the original Johnson Centurys, I'd say if it fits your pocketbook, go for it. I'll be a lot more comfortable with a Pflueger President at half that price.

...and 1/3 the weight...and probably with a better drag...

Bulletman20XD reply :

On 8/10/2017 at 12:28 AM, Sword of the Lord said:

As fast as a baitcaster and can use braid. Plus all of its other features. This thing looks beast.

http://shop.zebcobrands.com/reels/spincast/bullet-zb3-10-bx3.html

How bout you grab a couple and use them for a couple trips and report back to us all. Use those things down here in south Texas and they won't last a single trip!

Sword of the Lord reply :

On 8/23/2017 at 4:47 AM, Bulletman20XD said:

How bout you grab a couple and use them for a couple trips and report back to us all. Use those things down here in south Texas and they won't last a single trip!

Kind of irrelevant. You buy your gear based on what and where you personally fish, not on some place half way across the country.

Sword of the Lord reply :

I finally got a Bullet. I took it out earlier this afternoon. I did everything I'm not supposed to do. I used a spincast reel (10 Stren mono) and threw wacky rigs on the mono. Caught 3 in the 45 minutes I was at the little pond down the road. Small sample size, but no lockups and casts a mile. I used a 6'6" M/F Lightning Rod. The bass didn't seem to care about the reel or the mono on a finesse tactic. I spent 15 minutes burning a spinnerbait to test out the retrieve more than anything. It's FAST. Didn't catch a fish on the spinnerbait, but then again, I've gotten exactly one spinnerbait catch out of this pond in 4 years. They just don't work in that little hole.

Also, it's really not that heavy. Balances out on a rod.

Sword of the Lord reply :

The Bullet is working.

3crows reply :

I am glad it is working out.

I still do not understand this reels purpose. Casting out from shore is one thing but for fishing from a boat/kayak and casting back toward shoreline and under docks and onto and around other obstacles, how do you control the flight of the lure and stop it at just the right moment?

Sword of the Lord reply :

On 9/5/2017 at 5:38 AM, 3crows said:

I am glad it is working out.

I still do not understand this reels purpose. Casting out from shore is one thing but for fishing from a boat/kayak and casting back toward shoreline and under docks and onto and around other obstacles, how do you control the flight of the lure and stop it at just the right moment?

Engage the reel handle. I'll have my bait flying through the air then "click" it just when I need to and it lands where I want it.

You don't understand that there are many people out there who are one of the following?:

1. Old time spincast users who are excited to be able to throw burner baits.

2. Newbies

3. Wives and children

4. People who hate baitcasters and spinning equipment because of backlash and line twist, so they're glad something exists that can use braid and has the speed of a baitcaster with small bait capability of a spinning reel.

Etc. There's a lot of reasons people would want this. It was hard to find in store for months after it was released and online ordering was put on back

order. It's still not that easy to find one in store. When I went the other day they had 1 left in stock and the BPS guy said they fly off the shelf. Having actually used one now, I can see why. Extremely well built and fast. Casts a mile and still no lock up. Drag works great. I'll use it far more than any spinning combo. Taking this and a baitcast combo is all I need anymore.

3crows reply :

I am pretty sure spincast reels suffer from line twist mightily.

I saw one in Cabalas, it is a nice looking chunk of metal. It is also rather heavy and bulky, but serious looking.

I got my wife an Omega, the black one, a couple of years ago since when kayak fishing she has her hands full as it is. And she is not a serious bass lady. She mostly just paddles around and flings the lures into tree brnaches, usually beyond my capability to retireve them. The reel has worked fine though it is painfully slow. But she does not know the difference and she has fun. The new Bullet corrects the slow reel speed to at least a moderate pace but it added some weight. Maybe if it had a composite body, stuff like Shimano and Diawa use, not plastic, the weight could come down a tad.

My grandfather finished his fishing career with spincast reels due to severe, crippling arthritis. That said, he loathed the the things but they were better than nothing and by that time he just enjoyed being out.

david in va reply :

On 8/10/2017 at 8:02 AM, fishnkamp said:

I have a friend that swears by his old Zebco 808 series spincast reel for hauling in big river cats, so I will not say those reels are all toys. I have seen him battle soms BIG river cats and tiger musky. I di have a Daiwa Omega + for my wife to use for throwing jigs. It worked well. I replaced it with an Irod Genesis spinning rod and she enjoys fishing it better. So this Bullet might be a good option to skip under docks with and who know what else.

Well as some of you know, I fell and hurt my shoulder, right one too, well I broke out the old 808

put on fresh line and went fishing. I can cast left handed with it. I forgot what a pleasure it was just to fish and not worry about line issues. My cast were all over the place , but I still caught fish.

I am putting it back into service until I can cast right handed again. Who knows may even keep it in place of the line twisting, line hopping off spinning reels

Hulkster reply :

I was under the impression that by design, spin cast reels had greatly reduced casting distance compared to baitcasting reels and spinning reels.

that and at 13+ oz which is heavier than almost all bass spinning reels (with not much line capacity)

even the 5000 size ones, makes this sort of a head scratcher unless its for kids etc who haven't yet mastered the art of spinning or baitcasting reels.

nothing really wrong per say (other than the casting distance) but for the money spent there are way better options out there that weight much much less.

Sword of the Lord reply :

Caught with the Bullet a little bit ago.

Further North reply :

On 9/9/2017 at 9:32 AM, Sword of the Lord said:

Caught with the Bullet a little bit ago.

NIce fish!

So...do you feel like those bass would not have been caught without the Bullet?

Sword of the Lord reply :

On 9/9/2017 at 9:53 AM, Further North said:

NIce fish!

So...do you feel like those bass would not have been caught without the Bullet?

No. But the Bullet catches good ones just fine, is the point. That old girl ran into heavy vegetation. I was using a M/F rod with the Bullet and 10lb mono and got her out of some bad stuff. They tell me these things are not good for that.

A few people were interested in tests and results, and I'm just saying those YouTube videos aren't phony. This thing is the real deal.

Sword of the Lord reply :

I need to revisit this thread. The Zebco Bullet is... Trash! It worked great for about a month. But then the lockups started. Then the line chewing. And now it sits in a dark closet corner because the pickup pins have failed and the trigger to engage the reel doesn't work. It doesn't/didn't even last nearly as long as a Platinum 33.

BaitFinesse reply :

If you want to cast light weight baits, want the high speed of casting reel and want to keep the cost around $100 then take a look at some finesse casting reels.

Tatula Fuego CT with Ray's DIY spool.

Haibo Smart 50.

Further North reply :

On 10/15/2017 at 2:28 AM, Sword of the Lord said:

I need to revisit this thread. The Zebco Bullet is... Trash! It worked great for about a month. But then the lockups started. Then the line chewing. And now it sits in a dark closet corner because the pickup pins have failed and the trigger to engage the reel doesn't work. It doesn't/didn't even last nearly as long as a Platinum 33.

Thanks for the follow up. Good to know.

DINK WHISPERER reply :

I considered one for my son before I started him out on bait casters..... Then i saw the price tag and weight!

Lures'n'Liberty reply :

My Daiwas are still catching fish, brought a Silvercast into duty after my trusty Mitchell 400 failed about 1 mile into a 14 mile float trip 2 weeks ago and it worked flawlessly, all day long, reeling in dink after dink after dink on a 3/8 jig and a paddletail.

Boomstick reply :

Well let me know if you get one and how it works out for you. The only spincast reels I ever used have been cheap Walmart worthy garbage, good for a kid but that's about it.

2180

Have you guys seen this thing? 2024

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