Zebco Big Cat XT Bait Casting Reel - Review - Demonstration - SLINGABILITY

Here is my review on the new Zebco Big Cat XT bait casting reel.
In this video I I install it on a tangling with catfish rod and add 80 lb braided fishing line to it. Once complete, I commence to testing its slingability. After the first cold cast, it didn't cast far but that was user error. The second cast, however, got my attention at the distance it traveled and after numerous other personal casting contest for slingability, I determined that this was a good reel thus far but I'm still testing on big fish. I will report later this year.
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[@ABird-sz8bj]

That is the same as the Zebco/Rhino RBCXL or Quantum Bill Dance Catfish Baitcast Reel. I have been using the RBCXL for a few years. They do cast great and i have not had any problem with bigger fish. The largest i have caught is around 25lbs, the drag is excellent when you need alot. There are regular handles for them out there, Most of the Zebco handles fit it. I have had Zebco send me worm shafts and washers, Pawl's and all the parts to do Maintenance on the Reel just by calling the Support number and telling them what i have and they send them free. I sometimes buy second hand so they needed maintenance when i got them, they send the parts 2 day ship and never asked a dime from me. Tell them what i have what its doing and they send replacement parts and even how to Videos. They have been great reels and great support

[@larryfriesenhahn4947]

I got 3 of them and they perform very well. I have had them for about 6 months and they havent failed yet! I have 2 of the smaller ones and the 1 that you have, so far I'm happy with them!

[@FatBoyDan]

great video, while many of us have our favorite reels will never trade in. yet that reel will fit the budget of many of the fishermen across the USA. and good to see zebco with more catfish stuff. I support zebco in many ways they help many young fishermen get in to fishing with their combos and gear. thanks steve for the review.

[@reelrelease5628]

🎣Definitely going to have to try this reel out! Great review! This channel continues to make all of us better anglers with every video! Thanks Steve!🎣

[@Anthony_626]

Because it launches so far, I bought one of these reels to put on my Okuma Longitude 12' surf rod. Being a bank fisherman, I love the distance this reel gives you!

[@seamurda100]

I don't mind a loud clicker. Better than using bells when you're night fishing.

[@starsnipe8810]

way better than using bells at night

[@kevintaylor6171]

Thanks for the tip on putting the monofilament and then the braided line I never knew that thank you so much

[@jamescovington3370]

Thanks Steve love the video keep them coming. Can not wait to see you do a update review for this reel.

[@bobsmoot2392]

When I'm wanting to have mono on first, but use up all the braid from a smaller spool, I put all of the braid on first. When the braid is all on the reel, I splice/tie on the mono and fill up the rest of the reel with mono. The line is all on... But backwards. Then... (Away from other boats) I tie the mono end onto the boat somewhere and let all of the line out while motoring slow. When it's all off the reel, I cut the mono off the boat, (Don't drop it!) put it back through the guides, tie it in the reel and reel it all in. That way, I have all of the braid on top, and the exact amount of mono under it. Fits the reel perfect.

[@wayneeden98]

I think I like it, I have watched this video several times and I'm feeling convinced to try it out

[@boskodiaz4906]

i would like to see you do a review on the kastking rover reels.great video by the way.

[@riverrat6105]

good seein ya Steve! I like smaller reels to the that Zebco looks like it's gonna be a good reel.

[@shaunflanegin9491]

I own two as well as the big cat 350 Xt. Love em!

[@danwestrick6169]

that reel would be awesome for me, since i only bank fish for catfish. the distance your gettin casting from bank you could cast across a lake if you wanted to. Love your videos, keep up the great work.

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

thanks for stopping by to leave a comment Dan

[@jimpryor6474]

hi Steve i wanted to say i enjoy your videos very much i grew up catfishing i live out in Arizona and yes we do have lakes out here in the desert we have some of the very best Flathead fishing here and we mainly use live bluegill and carp and cut bait here and we use free spool and bait clickers mainly and i think this reel would be a very good addition to my reels i use so i look forward to hearing more about this reel thank you

[@haroldjonrs6947]

Looks like mite be a docent reel Steve looking forward to seeing your review later on in the year...

[@TheWeekendAngler]

Thanks for the review. Interested in seeing how it handles the big blues.

[@riverrat6105]

good seein ya Steve! I like the smaller reels too but that Zebco looks like it's gonna be a good real

[@TNRVG]

I do like smaller reels too. Looks like it casts extremely well! They actually put bearings in it (2). Now to catch a fish on it!

[@riverrat6105]

Good seein Steve! I like smaller reels too but that zebco looks like a nice reel

[@charlesgholson4451]

This reel is basically identical to the Bass Pro Gold Cup 20 with less bearings and a higher price tag. Would be interesting to run the 2 side by side and see if there is much of a difference. I have 2 Gold Cup 20s and they are decent reels for the money ($50 on sale), but are definitely made more for trolling than casting. This is also the same reel as a Quantum Controller 30 with a new color scheme.

[@tomw3380]

I am going to have to stick with my Abu Garcia 6500s & 7000s. That clicking would drive me nuts. But for someone else, if they like it and the price is right, Go for it.

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

yea i 'm not fond of the clickers

[@elijahturner3291]

Steve Douglas The Catfish Dude try the kastking reels

[@cerealkillerjigs]

i would say the same thing. his braided line looked like a kastking product.

[@crazytrappy7906]

Tom Waskom I agree pluse for fishing paylakes there is no need got them big reels

[@pureblood3127]

Tom Waskom Allright !!! abu garcia man here too , you should look into the (6600 record high capacity ) they are much higher quality then the 7000 series ! I only use the 6600 LC rocket myself because I am a bank fisherman only and around a lot of sand !

[@jwulfee173]

thanks for the review, I've been a big fan of the CatMaxx for the last year, that clicking would drive me nutz. LOL

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

yes sir me too

[@jimallison6292]

Great review my friend keep them coming and as far as the clicking sound that would not bother me much I have clicking sounds in my head anyway lmbo have a good un.

[@Truckerdaddy]

My dad always taught me to follow through with the cast which mean your rod tip should be pointing at where you wanna cast not pointing almost straight up in the air. But to each their own. I've always been a bank fisherman, so I guess the following through allows you to cast a little further.

[@andyjame8506]

*Very sensitive. I love its color and already tried using in Doha corniche with some good feel catches like big sized fish*

[@robertchillcott7669]

The first time you hook up with Mr Whiskers you'll forget all about that clicking noise......😁

[@wayneeden98]

Watching your video on this big cat at least I learned how to work it , it looks like it's has a lot of potential, and watching you work it ,it is really smooth, I think you sold it,

[@jamesgarrett4531]

I bought mine after I saw this video and the 8ft heavy action matching rod I've fought gar IN THE SABINE RIVER with this rod and reel it HELD ITS OWN!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@KFieLdGaming]

Definitely a reel that's suited towards trolling. I have a few very similar to that one, same concept. Not the kind of reel you'd want to cast with. I use them when I'm trolling crankbaits for walleyes. Can't remember the last time I've used a Zebco product though, usually there on the low-end. And I think the mid-range reels are where the real value is.

[@welltester]

Kudos to the camera operator,

[@leonardpennypacker]

That’s the reels I’m going to try thanks Steve

[@drtdbbt2588]

Look up when attaching your line to the spool the Ducan Loop, much easier. Uni-knot it still the best for attaching two lines together, especially if your main line gets shortened over time and you have a fish on and come to that union, it won't break.

[@jrloopy1984]

Awesome video Steve. That light clicking sound is the anti reverse. Each click is a point on the Anti Reverse. My Shimano Tr200 does it too.

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

no anti reverse on this one

[@charlesluck3536]

The clicking sound while reeling is the anti-reverse dog that has a spring on it to keep the dog engaged all the time against the anti reverse ratchet. If the reel didn't have an anti reverse, the handle would spin backwards. Maybe it doesn't have instant anti reverse.

[@jrloopy1984]

That's it. My Shimano does the same thing.

[@ssearl3231]

I fish with with any kind of reel so I know that I would give those a try as well

[@JimmyCricket61258]

Saw a Bill Dance commercial that showed a size in the series that looked more like the CatMax reels. Thanks Steve

[@TimmyTwoGuns]

Hey Steve, can you please give me an update on your thoughts about this reel? Just bought one today and I'm curious how it's going to hold up. Thanks for your time and all of your great advice!

[@plutoplatters]

ideally... I like the level winder to disengage when casting...

[@calcrappie8507]

Nice looking Zebco. Looks like it could handle live bait flathead fishing with a longer/somewhat heavier stick.

[@marcoslusso2163]

Another good lesson on fishing for catfish

[@zackwhetzel8508]

Love the video may need to give this a try but I got a cat max hooked up to my twc whisker whip which works very well so I'll have to see what works better

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

let us know how you liked them

[@illinoisfishing7211]

Awesome looking reel

[@Curt621]

Are they pretty good at not backing lashing

[@markshane2686]

Great video Steve, what kind of knot did you tie to connect the mono to the braid? It looks like you tied it really fast.

[@TheBlubiushelties]

Hi Steve! I am headed to Nashville this weekend and would like a recommendation of where to go catfishing while down there. Any recommendations & advice would be greatly appreciated.

[@lessage760]

looks like a nice reel hope you showsome fishing with it down the road sir

[@anthonyridge2323]

Steve, it's SO nice to hear you say you dont care for the Power Handles! I thought I was the only one who preferred the 'non-power' handles(i guess that's what I'd call em anyway). I actually cant stand the Power Handles and it drives me nuts that all of the good Abu Ambassadors come with them as the only choice. But, its not enough to sway me to another brand of baitcaster, I do LOOOOOVE the classic, timeless old-school Ambassadeurs. At least the models still currently made in Sweden.

[@ronaldnorris2179]

I don’t care for em either!!! I have several 6500 and 5500 Abu’s and don’t want them on there!!!!

[@bloodhound122]

just picked one up so i hope it's durable.and i don't mind the clicking sounds beast lol.

[@CrunkyOMan83]

4:25 u use over hand knot to tie braid to mono? i would of used like a alberto knot, for plastic reel thats pretty pricey for zebco.

[@FishOnIsMyHandle]

Thanks for the review! Red right north !

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

thanks

[@dougdowney1228]

Been looking at this reel on amazon. Just purchased one after seeing this video. Clicker a little annoying, but can live with it. I fish from bank and liked the distance you got out of it. Now to find the right rod to match it with.

[@chadharrelson2880]

Check out the new combo. I have 2. www.zebco.com/big-cat-bcxt350702mh-ns3

[@nathanrandall4047]

Nice reel I still use the old 808,s🎣

[@anthonyridge2323]

Wonder if it's so loud when reeling with the actual clicker off might because it needs greased? It reminds me of a ratchet I have. When I first bought it, it was obnoxiously loud u til I got bored and decided to take it apart and use premium quality grease on and in it. Just an idea, anyway.

[@johnnyrebel3925]

Hey Steve another nice video.What brand did you use before you went to Catmaxx?

[@goofey1]

Damn two spools of line😮

[@Yelladog78]

Those are underrated reels for sure

[@mississippihuas]

Looks like a great bank reel

[@lesrinehart933]

Reminds me of my old 3 on the tree pick up true blue

[@terryjohnson6823]

got a tangled with catfish rod and a cat maxx went and tryed it yesterday.works great

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

great choice

[@405-OK]

We got to see this thing hauling in some hogs Steve and a year or so of fishing abuse. Sticking with my Penn's till then. Thanks for the video sir !

[@ricardoibanez2759]

Very versatile reels. Small shark, Alligator Gar, Kingfish, Redfish, Big Catfish. C'mown. Versatile very powerful Drag won't let u down. Budget.

[@garyanddoris6022]

I like my ole guide series reels they are dependable, I’ve worn a trench out in the pay lakes with that dude and fifteen pound test stren and pulled in a fifty one pounder is my biggest....

[@bryansmith5339]

They have deepsea shakspeer reel I guess. Should I get just a plan Abu Garcia baitcaster or the deepsea reel for casting 8oz to 6oz wait and brim.

[@Countryboy85tn]

Mr.Douglas what type of rods do you use for catfishing and are they 1 or 2 piece rods

[@TheArby13]

Steve, is there any way to remove the clicker? It has to be just a small paddle that sits against the gear: (Like a baseball card on a bike spoke)

[@captainpegs0740]

What about the spin cast version for small rivers?

[@ajrockinshockin2893]

Really nice review. I've never owned a bait cast reel. I do a lot of bank fishing so the distance (slingability 😆😆) appeals to me. Not a big fan of the clicking noise. I'm curious to see how it will hold up when you catch one of those big blue boys. Thanks again for this review.

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

thanks for stopping by, i agree with you on the clickers. be sure to stop back soon as I hopfully will know how she handles the big boys.

[@jeffjackson5331]

Cool! Im curious to see how it does in action.

[@johnnyperreaux9478]

Very good reel

[@iwlocal1]

Nice review! Thanks!

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

thanks for stopping by

[@juanjaramillo421]

hi steve my question for you have tried other lines like spiderwire bc ive been using it for a while now please give me your thoughts

[@tyrailr]

Cool review. 👍🏼

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

thanks

[@unclefrankonap1953]

please advise me on whats a good bait casting and all around good pole and for reel for shore and boat fishing for cats .

[@Captain-ku2rm]

Steve, did you ever decide if you like the Big Cat XT better than the CatMaxx reel?

[@BadmanTurns]

Steve if you want a super good catfishing reel Abu Garcia/Pro Rocket 7000 or Penn Fathom Lw 20 both of these 2 reels are more then perfect for catfishing I pull out 50 pounders in less then 1min using these,, I know they are above $150 but they are worth it.

[@Nikegolfplaya76]

I have okuma that makes that clicking noise and has the same lever action. I don't really care for either but it is a good reel.

[@RealisticFishing]

Chucking it way out there!

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

it was slinging long ways

[@brianbaker5757]

I love your channle

[@jacobstacy588]

I been using Garcia 6500c and 5500c I bought new 80s yeah over the years they will strip out but easy to fix

[@heathschwab]

is a good looking reel got good distance but the clicker it would drive me batty. i have 1 or 2 that clicks like that only use when fishing off my boat. well have fun with it. god bless and fish on.

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

thanks for stopping by heath

[@derekvinson2218]

Looks like one of my Shakespeare salt water reels...usually to drop over side of boat....but did catch a 38lb flathead with it on lower Chatahoochee.

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

these do feel a little more sturdy, time will tell

[@peterlopez9403]

Hello Steve..do these reels come in. Left hand retrieve .I want one

[@kbbgood]

What kind od line is that blue line you put on this reel? And what kind of backing and size do you use.?

[@darrellsteimling]

You would like the bigcat xt 350 little smaller and reg handle

[@slimnruby]

I wander how well it would pair up with a rhino indistucable medium heavy rod

[@coolbreezeinkc102]

What length rod is best for big cats & ehat reel is best ,bait or spinning reel?

[@timothydavis6332]

It's been about a year since you posted this review. What are your overall thoughts? I'm looking to add a new conventional/baitcaster style reel and keep running across this one. Appreciate any info. Thanks.

[@colantru6740]

catfish

[@cerealkillerjigs]

who's your braided line manufacturer. i get the same color braid from Kastking along with my reels.

[@090faller]

I like a slightly smaller reel also. I use a Shimano Calcutta for salmon and catfish also. for a stronger reel like that check out a charter special they run about 130 bucks and have a lever drag. real strong stuff.

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

ive used the Calcutta's as well, nice reels

[@090faller]

Yes they're bit 230 bucks isn't cheap lol.

[@haroldcale4767]

Steve I am like you so I'll stay with a smaller bait caster. Thank you .

[@rhodesainhunter1038]

okuma 350 komodo's or the 350 citrix, get both on sale during the winter at wally world online. Best, toughest, smoothest, low profile reels there are.

[@BigCatRiverFishing]

Can't wait to see how those bad boys do!

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

be sure to check back as i will have more on them when i fish with it more.

[@BigCatRiverFishing]

Steve Douglas The Catfish Dude will do! I've been looking for a new reel bigger than the catmaxx to put some mono on for flatheads that doesn't cost an arm and a leg!

[@robertmount1379]

So do you still use these reels ? And how did they hold up

[@kevintaylor6171]

You like casting that new real it looks nice

[@zito007]

Can't find one with a power handle? Where did you get that from?

[@michaelrogers4285]

Good video, but I too will stay with my Abu Garcia 6500 & 7000’s. I am going to give the Bass Pro Cat Maxx a try !

[@williamcolvin3609]

Have you tried the 5600 series for Catfishing?

[@baronkeithprevostjr6810]

Hey Steve Douglas the catfish Dude I want to know have you tried using the Sougayiling fishing reels and did you catch anything with it

[@SteveDouglastheCatfishDude]

no sir but i am seeing post about them everywhere

[@truman1379]

did you change hooks?

[@bloodhound122]

how's it fishing for ya so far Steve.

[@MReynolds101]

Nice new reel but the clicking sound would drive me nuts.

[@skflinch5339]

Steve why, you got me hooked on Bass Catt reels i have five of them and love them. that looks like way to much reel for catfishing.

[@kernalbagunz397]

What pole are you using