How to Service a Zebco Omega

[@tripplebeards3427]

Thanks for the video. I have the zo3. Bought it new. The plastic ring inside the spool cover on mine cracked. It would tear up the the line when pulled out with the drag. The reel body corroded really bad under the paint. It ended up bubbling the paint off. Zebco customer service is replacing the complete reel. Hats off to customer service!

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

Nice testimonial. Thanks for sharing!

[@tripplebeards3427]

@@OutFishing13Matthew just received the replacement reel...it's the new style updated 2023' Omega Pro! Zebco shows the Z03 is out of stock so they must have substituted with an upgraded model!!!!

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

@@tripplebeards3427 amazing

[@andrewhondo]

i got the z03 its a tank its alwasys my go to for catching every thing

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

I am looking forward to using it.

[@marcusredding8440]

Great video. I just picked up two of the zo3s

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

Thanks. Enjoy those reels. They are nice ones.

[@kriskabin]

Thanks for the education on these Omegas, I just bought the Zo2 & good to learn more about it. 👏

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davewashburn8930]

Yep, winter is a great time to service all your fishing gear & organize tackle. Start taking inventory for spring & making that wish list!!!

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

I need to start working on organizing all this gear. Rotate through it during the summer. I have my favorites, but I like using it all.

[@michellecalvin2892]

Hey Matthew. I have a zebco omega z03 pro that will NOT stop letting line out. The prong thingees (sorry) click after I turn the handle when I push the release button. I cannot find any videos or answers of what exactly I need to check or look for. Really hate to toss a $100 reel in the trash!

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

Those prongs are the pick up pins. When you push the button they retract into the spinner cone so you can cast and when you start reeling they pop back out to catch the line and reel it in. If you think it is broken I could use it for spare parts.

[@michellecalvin2892]

Funny guy, funny guy. The pop out pins are working just fine. I was asking what could the issue be with the line always free spooling out of the reel since the pins are popping out as they should and when they should. There isn't an anti-reverse switch but that is how the reel acts.

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

@@michellecalvin2892 Thanks for the additional information. Now I understand what you are talking about. The anti-reverse in these reels is a small roller bearing that is located on the middle of the main shaft. See 9:00 in the video. That roller bearing must go in the reel in a certain direction. It has 6 little pin bearings that make it work. If it is missing a pin bearing or is missing altogether then the anti-reverse will not work. Did you buy a brand new reel? Zebco has a great warranty.

[@mitchsellers9853]

What do you do when the grommet or rubber washer on the front cap, rivet are there but missing rubber washer? Omega 171

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

A lot of guys are finding creative ways to repair those. Go to the hardware store and look in the plumbing supplies at grommets, seals, etc. Maybe a big rubber washer? Here is how I have repaired one. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f5-zeKZsZaaId9E

[@johnnywomble4581]

I'm trying to get a reel handle for a Zebco Omega 33. It's one of the old Omega. Do you know where I can find one? If so,could you please let me know? Thank you

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

The best place to try is Zebco Shop and Swap group on Facebook facebook.com/groups/387880111984612/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

[@rondremckennon3277]

Great video matt thats my favorite reel is the z03 omaga i am order another one off ebay

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

They are a great reel! I am super impressed with them.

[@rchydrozz751]

I really want the shinny non painted Omega, but it has a double handle. I want the single handle like the Pro. Not sure if they sell a single handle I can replace it with.

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

You could call Zebco and find out. The part number for the single handle is a VN318-01 for the ZO3 Pro. They will interchange. See Zebco.com

[@williams7384]

Would love to see a service video on the Zebco Omega 113! Love the vids

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

Coming soon!

[@patriciasanders6955]

Liked the video. I would not recommend using grease in the pickup pin assembly. Grease can hold dirt or thicken as it ages therefore slowing down the retraction of the pins causing the line to get caught when casting.

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

Thanks for watching and thanks for the tip.

[@lucky92brand]

I have the omega z03. It’s a new reel and I don’t use it often because it sounds like something it’s wobbly inside and rubs. Not sure what the sound is.

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

I can't think what might be doing that. It might be the spinner cone is not tight. Contact Zebco.

[@jimmeyer2860]

The drag on my 2 reels seems to work fine, but it doesn’t function properly. I disassembled, lubricated and reassembled, but no change. Any suggestions?

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

What does the drag do? Does it seem to catch and surge? How old are the reels? One option is to replace the drag assembly. See www.TackleService.com

[@jimmeyer2860]

@@OutFishing13Matthew The drag is very stiff and hard to pull out. Like it’s frozen at full drag. Any way to loosen it up?

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

@@jimmeyer2860 I have not had that problem. The drag system on these reels cannot be taken apart to be serviced. Here is a possible solution. Take it apart and use a blow dryer on a low setting and warm it up. Dont get it hot, just warm so you can still just handle it. Then apply grease to the side and front to get grease and oil where the drag washers are. The heat will help the grease get drawn in. If that doesn't solve the issue you will need to order new drag assemblies

[@jimmeyer2860]

@@OutFishing13Matthew Thank you!

[@jimmeyer2860]

@@OutFishing13Matthew I replaced the drag assemblies for $3.24 each and problem solved. Thanks for the advice!

[@wayneking5985]

Matthew, I like your videos. BUT the real reason I subscribed is I looked a bunch of them and you responded to everyone who had a comment. There are plenty who want subscribers but don't want to take the time to respond to their subscribers. To those, I do not subscribe.

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

Thank you for subscribing and watching. I do my best and enjoy the interaction with the audience. Plus I like helping others get their reels going.

[@rebuildbob3480]

Rebuild Bob Matt I watched a lot of your zebco videos most of my reel are ZEBCO’s. Just bought two zebco bullets.Looking for a good quality grease and oil let me know thanks

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

I like the Lucas reel oil and Penn grease.

[@U2513]

@@OutFishing13Matthew Penn over Lucas red grease?

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

@@U2513 I love the Lucas red, but after a couple years, the Penn is growing on me. And it is easy to see how much is still on the gears. So... Penn is my new favorite.

[@barryz1969]

Great video! Will the handle cross over to a 33K or 33 platinum?

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

No, it the handle will not cross over from an Omega to a 33K or a 33K Platinum. Hower you can still order the handles for all three of these models from TackleService.com.

[@barryz1969]

@@OutFishing13Matthew very good, thank you for the prompt reply!

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

@@barryz1969 YW!

[@codypatton7908]

I love the video I was wondering if you know wether the Daiwa gold cast is a good reel

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

I have 2 old Daiwa spin cast reels. SP100. Very well built. I am making a service video for them. I have caught big catfish with them.

[@edwardroberts2997]

Matthew is that rotor cromed

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

You are asking about the spinner cone assembly? I believe so.

[@mitchsellers9853]

Yes

[@dieselbill6086]

Great video! My wife uses a reel like that, but the trigger button with the rubber came off and then the plastic trigger broke.... Do you know where I can get a new trigger? She also has a smaller version of it. Thanks for posting the video!

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

Oh no! Sounds like she uses it a lot! You don't have to take the whole thing apart. You just need to take the front cover off and the spool off to get to the screws to take the back cover off. Here is the part number. Thumb Button QE009-01 See this page to order the parts. www.tackleservice.com/Consumer/Product_detail_m.aspx?ProductID=2603 The part is not to much, but you will pay $5+ for shipping. Order a couple of those buttons. See this video on replacing a Zebco Bullet button. It is basically the same operation. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pHPShqB7l5t4Z5Y

[@dieselbill6086]

@@OutFishing13Matthew Thank you very much Sir for the info!! Yes, she has used it a lot lol.... I’ll order a couple for each reel... Thanks again!

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

@@dieselbill6086 You are welcome. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@dieselbill6086]

@@OutFishing13Matthew Just wanted to update you about the repair on the thumb button!… Your video was very helpful on taking the back off to put the new part in!… The reel is like brand new again and the wife is happy!… I ordered some extras in case it happened again! Thank you very much Sir for taking the time to post the videos on the Omega reels!

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

@@dieselbill6086 Awesome. Glad it all worked out and she's back in business.

[@anarchyghost704]

What do you do if the top that holds the spool in place doesn't come off?

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

Are you referring to the spinner head assembly? The part with the pick-up pins? One thing you can try is put it in the freezer over night. Then take it out, hold the handle and try screwing it off. If it will still not come off, then contact Zebco.com customer service and send it in to be replaced or serviced. OR are you talking about the front cover?

[@anarchyghost704]

@@OutFishing13Matthew the spinner head with the pick up assembly

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

@@anarchyghost704 Make sure you are holding onto the handle to take it off. Try my suggestion about the freezer. That can loosen things up by shrinking the metal a bit. If that does not work, contact Zebco customer service. They are very good about repairing or replacing a reel. I think sometimes that those spinner heads are put on too tight at the factory.

[@kipperwhite2976]

Question pls : Borrowing G/sons Rhino Max extreme combo 2go Pier Fish @ NC Coast. Hopefully won't mess it up N SW? & what is best way 2 clean it since will be there a couple days TY alot !

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

Take the cap off when you finished and run fresh water over the line and the cap Let it dry over night and put the cap back on.

[@kipperwhite2976]

sub'd today TY 4 info can they be used in saltwater w/o damage ? As a DAV only reel I can fish with due 2 injured hand!

[@kipperwhite2976]

If OK 4 SW use how 2 clean it after ? TY

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

@@kipperwhite2976 They can be used for salt water, however you should remove the cap and rinse the spool with fresh water after each use. Change your line once a year at least and wash the empty spool. See if you can find an older Zeboc Omega 33 or Zebco Omega One. They were made from stainless steel and are very corrosion resistant. Or see if you can get a Zebco 33 Max Salt Water on Ebay. Or see of you can get a 808 Salt Fisher from Zebco.com. They are more expensive but what you need. Any reel used in or around salt water needs regular cleaning. Thanks for asking!

[@brianjmt5213]

Out of the whole zebco line which reel would you recommend?

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

I love this Zebco Omega. This is a very well built reel and will last for years. It doesn't have the fastest retrieve if you want speed. If you want speed, then get a Zebco Bullet. Fast and well built. The new Zebco 33 Platinum that just came out this year is a very nice reel too. Mid range price and well built. I guess it all depends on what you are after. There are also the heavy haulers if you are going after big cats. Then there are the very nice vintage USA made models. Zebco Omega One, 808 etc. What are you fishing for?

[@brianjmt5213]

@@OutFishing13Matthew I will be fishing for a little of everything. Nothing really big I do have a saltwater reel for the big stuff. I am just tired of dealing with bird nest etc... I dont usually have time to do a lot of fishing so I never get good enough with the bait casters. Plus I have lost a couple rigs $$$ fishing from kayaks. But after watching almost all your vids I figured this is the perfect route. I went out on the limb and bought a new 33 platinum today. I did a partial strip down and oh boy are they stingy with the grease. Going to do a complete break down clean and re-grease & oil tomorrow. I looked at all the models and decided the new Platinum was the way to go for price and quality. The Delta was a close second but hard to find. Only thing that I see so far that is a little sketchy is the little plastic threaded piece that is under the cone housing. But it is a very smooth reel. Thanks for your vids and keep them coming.

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

@@brianjmt5213 you will really enjoy that 33 PL. Did you get a combo? Use it with the line that came on it and then change it to a good mono brand sometime this summer. I would stick with 10 lb test. Service it once or twice a year and it will last a long time. Welcome to the Zebco fan club!

[@bobmcgehee1749]

Can’t hear you

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

I just checked and the volume is just fine. Check your volume settings.

[@dcantz67]

these reels SUCK. when u cast it will stop half way through cast and sometimes the pressure will snap line loosing lures left and right!!!!

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

Everyone has their own opinions. I have never had that problem. Generally that is a symptom of having to much line on the spool. Whether you use a spin cast, spinning or bait cast reel, it is important you have the reel set up right or you will have problems with all three types.

[@dcantz67]

@@OutFishing13Matthew bro ive owned 3 and ALL 3 do it...ive been fishing over 50 yrs and never had as big of issue as this!!!

[@OutFishing13Matthew]

@@dcantz67 I believe you. Thanks for sharing your experience.