Reel problems

My wife uses only spincast reals, because she dispises the bird nests that the spinning and baitcasting reels can cause.

So when I saw that Zebco has come out with the new version of the classic 33, I was all over that. But wait theres more. The problem that keeps happening is this.

When she casts, it casts beautifully, for about 5 casts, then she will cast, and it either wont cast more than 3 feet, or wont cast period. I have put new low memory line on it twice, and still have the same problem.

Well the other night, I had my son take the end of the line and pulled it all off of the reel, and noticed that the line was twisted more than I have everseen a line twist. . I was under the impression that Low memory helped prevent this? Am I wrong?

After about 10 times of pulling all of the line off and reeling it back up, I got the twisting out of the line. We went out fising, and again it Stopped casting. . What the HE!! is going on? Is it something that she is doing while casting/reeling in? Is is the line? I am not sure what else to do. Anyone have any suggestions, before the big hammer falls on it.

What line specifically are you using with it? My son uses Berkley XL 4lb on his Shakespeare closed face reel without any problems.

Dave

10lb I want to say Trilien. Can’t exactly remember. I will have to look. Maybe that is my problem. Maybe I am using to heavy of a line, but I believe that it came pre spooled with 10lb something.

Well I fell on my reel a couple days ago, bending the handle. Stupid stock Shakespear reels I tell ya

I hate knocking the old 33’s because they were so good for so many years, as long as you didn’t get into any REALLY big fighting fish. They had a low endurance under those conditions. Anyway, I’ve seen that some of these spincasters just aren’t made well. I’ve abandoned all but the micro 11 Zebco, which I also use 4lb. Trilene XL on without any fuss, as long as casting distance isn’t an issue.

I’ve switched over to Diawa and Shakespeare. I like the Daiwa Sivercast 80 with 6lb. and the Silvercast 100 for 8lb. XL. I use only XL on spincast reels. I’ve had no reason to switch so I’m staying with it until it gives me a reason. These reels are at Fleet Farm or Gander/Galyans for $20.00.

The Shakespeare is also weak on big fish but it does perform well. I’m currently using the “STEEL” model and so far, so good. I just got it last year and only used it one afternoon, but by the sounds of it, that’s one afternoon more than you’re getting out of the 33. These models are at WalMart/Fleet Farm…… and who knows where else, for only $10.00. If it comes with 10lb. mono, switch out for 8lb. XL. You will like that better.

Now, just to throw a twist at you, if you can find an old Abu Garcia Abumatic 170 in well kept, good condition, they’re probably one of the best spincasters ever made. I’ve got one from my ex-father-in-law and it works AMAZINGLY well with 12lb. XL line! I have a pair of newer Abumatics but I haven’t tried them out yet so I can only really recommend the old 170. It’ll run you anywhere from $20 to $70 on Ebay, depending on appearance and mechanics, but they are IMHO, the best spincaster ever made. I rarely use mine anymore because of the nostalgia and pristine condition it’s in, but once in a while I’ll pull her out of the padded case and fight a few fish with her! Flawless everytime and casts from Hudson to Miami! lol!

One last consideration, is she using a snap swivel at the end of the line? I’m sure you’ve considered that but I had to ask it anyway.

I’ll second Ken on the silver cast. We couldn’t keep the 80 and 100’s on the shelf at Gander. I never used one, but I didn’t have hardly any come back either. For $20.00, I thought they were the best spincast available.

I bought my ex a Shakespeare Synergy Steel which I took stock line off of and respooled with 10lb fireline. This reel has never failed and since she outfished me and I had to get rid of her (the ex) I use this reel for river cats since it even has a bait clicker. In my opinion monofilament line is the problem with these reels, it stretches and twists too easy.

I would put 15# Power ro on and set the drag so it doesn’t slip as easy.

Maybe you just put a little too much line on it. When I used to use reels like those, after a few fighting fish, I’d have to pull the line out the reel (after casting and closing bail) till it was tight. This helped with the pick up, and seemed to help keep it casting right. Don’t use them anymore because they just don’t seem to hold up to bigger fish. Great for smaller fish though.

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I would put 15# Power ro on and set the drag so it doesn’t slip as easy.

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I second that, as well as try Spider Wire (braided). I have many different reels and have never had a problem using these two lines.

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I would put 15# Power ro on and set the drag so it doesn’t slip as easy.

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I’m surprised to hear this works. I talked to a fella once who went back to mono because there wasn’t enough “bounce” in braided line and kept hanging on the pickup pins. Maybe the pins were malfunctioning. But if that was the case, why is the mono working for him? I know for the reasons I like braided lines, I’ve never been inclined to put it on a spincast reel. I’ve always reasoned it to be too limp and increase friction. Baitcast and spinning reels, definitely a YES on superlines.

Being a long-time user of the old ’33’, I took a look at the new ones. I personnally thought the ‘classic’ reel looked cheap-reminded me of the old ‘202’s and ‘404’s. Then I saw the 33 platinum. Hmmm…this looks to be built a little sturdier(Actually had some metal in it). Picked one up, and although I have probably only used it a half dozen times, so far I am impressed with it. Smooth casting, and no problems with line twist. Thankfully, if I do have problems with it, I can just toss it and rebuild one of the old ones out of my ‘bucket ‘o’ 33s’!
Hope a different line will solve your problem!

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I would put 15# Power ro on and set the drag so it doesn’t slip as easy.

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Im also surprised to hear that. I tried braided line on my son’s closed faced Shakespeare and had to go back to mono. He has the small “trigger” type that comes with the ugly stick combo. I was more interested in the rod then the real. He had broken the tips off 3 other rods before we got the Ugly stick.
Dave