Zebco Big Cat Catfish Combo Review & Test - Good Budget Rig?

[@cheapskateaquatics7103]

Just because its cheap doesn't mean it's junk! Grew up using zebco rod and reel, never had any issues

[@PhotoBob]

I’ve got two kids and I’m always having friends up to my lake cabin. There is always a learning curve when it comes to by baitcasters and spinning reels. Ive really grown to appreciate the Zebco spincasters. They can handle most things I throw at them and to be honest I love fishing with gear that isn’t $300 or more dollars. If I break a Zebco I just go buy another. If I break a Loomis it freaking hurts. And I catch the same amount of fish in both. I’ll be picking up 2 of these for my kids....even though I’ll probably use it more😀 great review!

[@Bughunt89]

Photo Bob I agree, I’ve only ever fished with Zebco because I’ve never had any problems with them so why fix what ain’t broke

[@quyle9483]

I have the older version of this rod and reel combo called the 808 Catfish fighter. In service for 10 years and landed a 35lb flathead this year with it. I do break down and service the real every year. The gears are getting alittle worn so I'll be purchasing the bigcat xt spin cast reel. I honestly love this setup. My dad got it for me for a birthday present. A 22year old me couldn't have been more ecstatic since I thought my days of getting presents was over LOL. It's no top notch piece of equipment in the scheme of things. But personally I can't replace my this rod. -a proud Zebco product owner.

[@thejellyranger7679]

Needed an inexpensive setup in a hurry, grabbed one of these and I gotta say I enjoy the heck out of it. Feels good to cast, nice action too. Thanks for the breakdown and info, will come in handy when repair time comes

[@BigT962]

I got the old spinning version of this called the “Hawg Seeker” with electronic bite alert. 10 years ago it was right about $45-50. Wouldn’t trade it for anything, it’s been nothing but reliable and has landed so many channel cats. I’d certainly recommend a Zebco catfishing setup. Great video!!

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Thanks! I had a hawg seeker spinning combo also. Unfortunately saltwater fishing with it while on a vacation ruined the electronics.

[@BigT962]

@@TheWeekendAngler That’s a bummer! Admittedly, I rarely use the bite alert as I usually fish rod-in-hand but it’s a cool feature no less. Happy fishing to ya!

[@farhenheit628of1200]

My big cat xt spincast reel and big cat 7 foot casting rod just came in. Its huge! I cant wait to use it!

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Awesome! Tight lines, my friend!

[@FishinNFreedom1776]

I've been a round reel guy for a long time now, that being said it is still so much fun to break out an old 33 classic or 808 ect and feel like a kid again. And they are tried and true, a little cleaning and a little oil they just keep workin!! Cool vid

[@bigpagla]

I'm excited to try my big cat rod. I didn't order the combo, just the 8ft 2 rod which I'm pairing with a baitfeeder that has more line capacity and max drag. I know everyone talks about carbon fiber and graphite, but, in my humble opinion, theres nothing like a fiberglass rod off the river bank on a summer day. Plus these rods are much lighter but still look like they have a little backbone.

[@anthonysmith3648]

I just bought this going to try it out this weekend and it’s my 1st fishing pole thanks for the video!

[@Vector38-b9t]

I'm sold I havent used an enclosed zebco reel in years I got to get it and try it now thanks for the video👍

[@donnadixon8991]

sir....i come across your video....and really enjoy it....to many people put down zebco rod and reels.....if they ain't paying a hi dollar for there equipment they or not happy.....for my self that all i use is zebco's and shakespeare reels....i've caught some nice size catfish with them from zebco 33..404..202...808...733...and there easy to clean grease and oil.... thank's again for the video....................

[@Flathead-fb5tk]

Me and my girlfriend both bought the spinning version of this combo. And I agree, for the price it's not bad at all. It does seem to handle much more lure weight than advertised. We casted Santee rigs from the bank with one once weights and decent size baits with no problems. She reeled in a good sized channel from a long distance away the first trip out. I've had a big blue catfish slam this rod in a rod holder and it did great. The drag works well too. I was pleasently surprised with it!!!!!

[@TheWeekendAngler]

They're definitely good rigs for the money. I'm planning on putting this and a few other budget rigs to the test next year when we return to Mendota. I'd like to see how they perform against a 20-30lb channel cat in shallow water.

[@Flathead-fb5tk]

@@TheWeekendAngler Hey man. Finally getting to report back lol. My girlfriend landed her personal best blue catfish from the bank with the spinning version of this. It weighed 32.79 pounds in the net. It slammed the rod in the holder and put up a hell of a fight. But the zebco handled it and brought it to the bank. Just thought I'd let you know that this is a tried and true budget rig in my opinion.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

@@Flathead-fb5tk awesome and congrats to her on a new PB! I put this combo through a torture test at Lake Mendota along with some other budget combos. That video is in the works.

[@Flathead-fb5tk]

@@TheWeekendAngler Thanks man!!!! Looking forward to the new video!!!

[@adnacraigo6590]

I have always liked the bigger Zebco reels (808, 888) for catfishing.

[@derekdavis6508]

I'm using old 33 max now, and regular 33 I skip catfish across the water, budget combo's are very decent these days, I look at both Zebco and Ugly stick combo's, I seen a new one called Mako I may try out.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

I agree. The only one I've found that really disappointed me was the ugly stik ugly tuff spincast reel. I wanted so badly to like it, but two 12lb channel cats absolutely destroyed the gears in that reel

[@derekdavis6508]

@@TheWeekendAngler I'll have to test some out, I usually make up my own combos, but it can get expensive.

[@eduardocuellar5870]

Awesome video and catches. I got my Wal Mart version BOSS HAWG 808. Caught my personal best on big mouth bass. Its a work out casting with it but do able. Thanks for video.

[@christopherstiltner7858]

Although I've never used the Zebco 808 reels, I do use the Zebco Big Cat casting rods paired with Lew's Lazer XL baitcaster reels. Works really well so far.

[@ohiobassangler8781]

All I’ve ever fished was Zebco and Shakespeare. Never had a problem with either so that’s what I’m sticking with

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Fish with what you have confidence in. It does make a difference.

[@ohiobassangler8781]

The Weekend Angler absolutely! Have a good Easter and thanks for the review on this combo. I just received in the mail last week and have yet to test it out

[@pyrodave6407]

For the price these combos are 500 times better than the Shakespeare spin cast combos at Walmart for 50 that have junk reels that can't even reel in a 3 pound channel catfish. I threw away the reels on them Shakespeare combos I got for my 7 year old son and stuck zebco 888 reels on them. I just ordered this combo off Amazon for him today for a Christmas present

[@carlosmarrufo2350]

I rather use a 833 Hawg reel. thanks for taking the time to evaluate and test the reel in real time.

[@captainflannel8558]

its a 733 hawg thats now called the max33 theres a 888 but not a 833 the big cat xt is the new imporved 888 and the big cat is the new imporved 808 they have extra bearing n more metal gears like the old ones

[@tannertuner]

@@captainflannel8558 there’s an 808 Boss Hawg combo. It’s pricier than this big cat rig he’s reviewed. This thing he’s reviewed isn’t a “rebadged 808”. It’s more like a knock down version of it or the 733/33 Max.

[@catinassassin7721]

This would be a perfect rod and reel for my wife she can't cast a baitcaster reel she hasn't Zebco 808 now but I don't know if it's got all metal gears I'll have to check if not I'll probably get one of these for her she's probably like it thanks for the review keep up the good work

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Sounds great. I put an Amazon link to this exact combo in the video's description.

[@buckshot6481]

Got this reel on a Lews 7.5 rod for Christmas, love it.

[@Johnleefromthemist]

Great Vid , I did own a Zepco Cat Hawg seeker bought ten years ago rod still solid reel fell apart after 6 years of great use .... (Zebco HAWG SEEKER/702MH WithBITE Alert SC Fishing Rod and Reel Combo) love them zepco's they make fishing just a little more exciting god bless

[@Yelladog78]

If you step up to the big cat XT version it's the old 888 pro staff with 4 bearings. Both are great but the XT is the Cat's meow

[@TheWeekendAngler]

That's excellent information! My buddy Heath and I had discussed trying out the XT version and were wondering the difference. The 888 was bulletproof!

[@zedwpd]

They are $55 today after a 20% discount

[@kateandgeraldsmith2711]

Great video! I fish for big cats and am concerned with the reteaval on such fish. Like 20 lb. Plus.What do u think? Again great vid. Thnks

[@TheWeekendAngler]

I would trust this on a 20 to 30lb cat in light to moderate current. It's probably capable of handling bigger fish than either you or I would be comfortable with. I took the reel off of one of these and put it on a slime cat rod for my daughter recently.

[@djdave011]

has anyone been able to fix or replace that thumb button?

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Haven't had one break yet, but I'd imagine the part is available from zebco

[@kent7525]

Can you use a 3oz weight on that combo the specs on the sinkers are way too small did you throw a 3 oz with that

[@TheWeekendAngler]

It will throw a 3oz without any difficulty

[@kent7525]

@@TheWeekendAngler Thx bro enjoyed the video

[@joebuck66]

Nice channel cats. Very good review. Great video my friend.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Thanks Joe!

[@tylerhurd9569]

Can you review the bill dance zebco?

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Is that the Bill Dance quantum catfish combo offered by Bass Pro Shops?

[@tylerhurd9569]

@@TheWeekendAngler yes! They also have a bass/crappie version too.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

@@tylerhurd9569 sounds good. I'll put them both on my wish list and grab them next time I'm at bass pro. I'll probably wait until the spring to give them a thorough test. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@andrewhondo]

i got my granddaddy's 808 from the 60's there defiantly built well hell i still use it for catfishing

[@kaelsaxe]

Thanks for the review - I guess the one I've picked up today is a little different - but enough similarities to make the review useful! Mine's a Zebco Big Cat as well, but 8ft, 25 lb line on it, 10-40lb line weight and 1/4-2 oz lure weight. Sadly, mine also cost a good deal more ($52.99) but eh, inflation, right? 😂

[@765outdoors]

good video overall, no complaints honestly.

[@theoriginal1sk118]

Zebco is like Volkswagen, Quantum is like Audi, and Quantum PT is like a Porsche. In other words, all are great!

[@wespeacock793]

Looks like you got a decent set-up dirt cheap and it's always nice to have a couple of 2 piece "guest rigs" on hand. Many of my friends can't use a casting reel and it can be awkward casting a bait for another guy. Almost all can cast a push button....almost LOL!

[@TheWeekendAngler]

You know, I've had the Reel now for a little more than a year. This year at catfish conference I purchased my daughter one of the 5 ft slime cat rods. I moved one of the Zebco big cat reels over to that slime cat rod so that my daughter can handle it easier. It handles a decent-sized fish without any issue and it has the added benefit of maxing a slime cat Rod almost perfectly

[@zayneunderwood1488]

I just bought one of these on Amazon I hope it was worth the money.....

[@Hillbillywoodrum]

Great review I'm currently interested in the 808 or 888

[@laurierounsville2491]

What's the difference between the zebco 808 and the Big cat?

[@johnathonkelp3587]

I tried 2 from Dick's, both ended up not releasing drag at all. Went and had them pull one off the shelf when i returned them, the one we tested wouldnt release drag either. They removed all of them from their shelves and replaced them with ugly sticks.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Ouch! Yeah they'd be about worthless without drag. Flashbacks to the 80s model direct drive zebco reels.

[@jbake5022]

Really glad you made this. I've been looking at the big cat spincast combo for a while. Was wanting a more portable channel cat rod I could hand to family and casual fishing friends and not have to worry about birds nests. Looks like this is gonna be perfect, and handle what I need it to. Thanks for the through review, well done. I just ordered one of Amazon. What weight lead sinker do you recommend using with this?

[@brujero13]

Great video, thank you for sharing.

[@MikeS63301]

Upgrade that reel with bearings. It’ll smooth it out when reeling in your catch.

[@HeyItsDyl]

I know this is 9 months late, but how would one go about that? I lvoe playing around with spincasters.

[@tannertuner]

@@HeyItsDyl kzbin.info/www/bejne/p5Kxd3iAo6p7sKc

[@craigsmith540]

I've got a quick question. A dumb one, because i have never seen this but doesn't this reel have an anti reverse feature? I have on and it doesn't seem like it does. I can literally pull the line out and the reel just runs backwards. I don't get it. opinion?

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Yes it has anti reverse. Make sure you turn bite alert off. When it's on it disables anti reverse.

[@craigsmith540]

The Weekend Angler with the bite alert off, it just spins in reverse when I pull the line. Hard to set a hook that way lol

[@TheWeekendAngler]

@@craigsmith540 definitely. It sounds like there's something wrong with your reel. Give zebco a call at 800-588-9030

[@jamesstalnaker8937]

Enjoyed video, very well done, thanks.

[@joshsamuelson1793]

Impressive gear for the price.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Definitely! I plan on giving it another workout next month when I put it against the 20+ lb channel cats on Lake Mendota in Wisconsin.

[@joshsamuelson1793]

@@TheWeekendAngler I have yet to find a proper workout for my big cat setup. Last year I got a 19 inch large mouth but it wasn't much for the pole.

[@mikeingeorgia1]

Very thorough review!

[@N-B-MMA]

I use a 1oz stainless egg with cut bait and my rod is only rated to 1.25 oz haha

[@larrycooper7408]

Very good video. I have a 888 that I've had since the 70s still working. And have landed fish over 100 lbs..

[@LazaroNoe2011]

Olá, Boa noite! Sou aqui do Brasil, como faço para comprar um conjunto deste equipamento, (vara + spincast). Aqui no Brasil, é raro, encontrar este equipamento. Por favor, me retornar.

[@troutbum2255]

What size lead was the rod able to handle?

[@TheWeekendAngler]

It handled 3oz without issue. A few nights ago I used it with 4oz and half of a good sized bluegill. I don't think I'd go more than 5 or 6 though.

[@captainflannel8558]

i m sure that would handle a plenty big trophy cat my grampa only ever used zebco 33 404 even 202 with just a basic zebco rod n he caught plenty a big cats on them even up n the 50 to 80 lb range people just convence themselves they need big huge expensive gear but reallity is ya dont hell i rember my grampa caughting a 30lb blue on a dam cane pole so

[@hillbilly4christ638]

Lots of money left over for beef jerkey!

[@WingStop-zv1sk]

Excellent reel but the bite alert is dum

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Yeah that's fairly pointless

[@edwardroberts2997]

Man are you twisting the line

[@jaman5735]

glow in the dark, has to do with intensity and not length of exposure to light!

[@trackermikewade]

Going to get your mama one

[@brianberkley5901]

Monkey business at Zebco, ya, I have 2 reels one is

[@brianberkley5901]

Based on 808 and one is based on the 888. The combo is so unbalanced. The best on a budget in my experience is the 888 on a Berkley big game rod or 808 on a heavy Zebco Big Cat or any big cat variation on a Berkley Big Game rod at any length depends on what test your going with. It's almost like all the Big cat variance seem more balanced on a big game rod from Shakespeare or Berkley not so much Zebco oh change out that Cajun stuff in a year or so on any Zebco. I Use Ande monofilament or Ande braided up to 50 test.

[@steveguyett384]

Don’t try that with braid you will lose a finger

[@TheWeekendAngler]

It's been a couple of years since I shot this video. To what are you referring?

[@jeddiajones4570]

Why is inexpensive equipment always good for those on a "budget" or good for kids or beginners because it's "simple to use?" Do people not on a budget like to blow money on more expensive equipment? If something works, it works and you can spend the money you save on more gear. As adults, do you like things to be more complicated? Try a little more common sense people, this ain't rocket surgery.

[@TheWeekendAngler]

This is a budget rig because it's cost effective. Is there better equipment out there? Absolutely! Do I run this on a regular basis? No. I prefer baitcasting equipment for larger cats because, frankly, it will hold up longer than spincasting equipment does. Baitcasting reels are a little more complicated, however. This video was made to show a decent rig that won't break the bank.