Zebco Rhino Series Spinning Reels

I purchased the Zebco Rhino Series Spinning Reel & Rod last year while I was in between deployments. I was home at a perfect time last year, the salmon and Steelhead were running. I fished more last year than I had during any other previous year. I knew that I was deploying to Iraq, so I fished like there was no tomorrow. My seven year old daughter also loves to fish. We were on the river as often as possible. She would laugh like all get out when I hooked a salmon and they would take off up river. She was jazzed to see a big fish jump!

Some fishermen would say that this reel is too small for these larger fish. It’s not, if you like to fight with your fish. I have caught huge rainbow trout, Steelhead and Salmon using a regular fishing pole. It just makes the catch that much more fun! You have to have your drag set just right. If you catch a large salmon using a trout pole, be prepared for one heck of a fight. Setting the right amount of tension on your drag is most important! If you set your drag too tight, a large fish will simply snap your line. If you set your drag too loose, the fish will take all of your line and snap it off at the reel. You have to set your drag somewhere in the middle. This way the fish can still take off but he has to work at it. Generally, the fish will get tiered after a few minutes of pulling on the drag of your reel. The fish will always have one good burst of energy as you get it close to the bank or boat.

I have no problem using the larger fishing poles and reels either. I just prefer using a smaller rod and reel for the action and the fight! You can use a large pole with heavy line and just tighten up the drag and literally winch the big fish in. I don’t enjoy fishing unless my drag is going and the fish have a fighting chance. On the other hand, if you have a cheap reel while fishing for larger fish, you’ll smoke your reel. If you prefer the fish like myself and use a smaller rod & reel, you’ll need to shop for quality fishing gear. This is where the Zebco Rhino Series Spinning Reels come in very handy. Zebco is not known for producing a quality reel. As a matter of fact, this is the first decent Zebco trout reel that I have owned. For the price, I doubt you could find a better reel.


• Twist Reduction System (bale)
• Wide Range Front Drag System
• Quality Bale Loop
• Smooth Bearing drive
• Light weight body
• Selective continuous Anti-reverse
• Aircraft-grade aluminum spool
• Die-cast aluminum power handle
• Soft-touch crank knob


My Final Thoughts On Zebco Rhino Series Spinning Reels

Why do I like the Zebco Rhino Series Spinning Reels? They are built very well and are priced to sell. This reel can take a beating and still land the big fish. I used this reel for three months and caught all sorts of Salmon, Steelhead and Rainbow Trout. I would say that I gave the reel a decent field test. It is made to last. The inner parts of the reel are made of high quality brass. There is no plastic on this reel, it’s all high quality, high impact metal alloys. Another good thing about the reel is it's smooth casting. The reel will really get your bait out there. It has a far reaching and very smooth cast.

These reels start out at just $25.00, That is hard to beat! I give the durable little reel four of five stars. I hope Zebco will continue to produce more high quality fishing products in the future. I would recommend the Zebco Rhino Series Spinning Reels to any trout fisherman. Like I said, if you like a good fight, try this reel while fishing for the larger Salmon, Steelhead and Rainbow Trout. The Rhino reel can handle it. Take someone fishing!

WEB SITE: http://www.zebco.com/

Additional Gear To Bring While Fishing For Fresh Water Trout

► Tackle Box
► Eagle Claw, or Gamakatsu # 8 fishing hooks
► Stringer
► Sinkers
► Worms rubber
► Worms live
► Gerber, multipurpose knife
► Swivels
► Small Net
► Basswax crawdad scent
► B.A.N.G crawdad scent
► Panther Martin Lures
► Klawdad
► Fly’s
► Soft Rubber Crawdad bait
► Extra fishing line, 8 to10 lbs
► Waders, if you use them
► Fishing License & State fishing Regulations
► Gerber multipurpose knife
► Microlight Flashlight
► First Aid Kit with bee sting and snake bite kits
► Cellular phone
► Camera
► Compass
► Map of the area
► Small inflatable raft or tube

Thanks for the read,
~Mac

©2004 Joe McMaster

Recommended: Yes