If you fished in the past half-century, chances are you ran across this reel.

The Zebco 33.

Its 60th birthday is this year, and Zebco is celebrating by introducing a new version.

The Zebco 33 Spincaster is the reel that taught America to fish,
Bill Dance says.

Spincasting reels, invented by Zebco, are easy for beginners to use.

The thumb push-button casts the line easily, and the closed-faced spool discourages tangles.

The Zebco 33 has been improved, Zebco says.

The new version includes an improved thumb-button, improved line-laying on the spool, other mechanical improvements for castability, a smoother and more durable gear train, a better bearing system, a hook holder and more.

The different models available are the Authentic 33,  the Ladies Authentic 33 in a pink color, the Gold 33 that’s kind of a souped-up version, the Platinum 33 with a higher gear ratio for speed, and the Custom Z 33 in blue or red colors

Related reels are: the 33 Custom Z Spinning, an open-faced spinning reel; the 33 Black, a spincaster colored black with different features; and the 33 Rhino, a version of Zebco’s separate Rhino line of reels.

Like in the past, different rod-and-reel combos are also available.

By now, you might be a little old to want a spincaster for yourself, though many anglers still favor them.

If you feel too old, we bet you’d like your kid to fish a Zebco 33.

It's a classic for that.

For more info, visit Zebco’s website or see Zebco’s catalog.