How to Operate a Zebco 202 SE

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The Zebco 202SE is an entry-level enclosed fishing reel, popular with young anglers and parents. The Zebco 202SE has an aluminum spool, plastic and stainless steel handle, aluminum body and a built-in hook keeper. The 202SE comes pre-spooled with 10-pound monofilament line. There are stainless steel pickup pins and an adjustable drag on the reel. The gear ratio is 2.7:1 and the reel has a 75-yard line capacity. A stainless steel screw holds the handle on the spool.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Casting

Things You’ll Need:

Lure
Hooks
Bait

Step 1

Cast your line. Press your thumb on the cast button on the back of the reel. Hold this button down while keeping the body of the reel on the top of the pole. Slowly bring the reel and pole over your shoulder. Quickly flip the pole out over your head with the thumb holding the cast button down. Let the line sail out and carry the lure or bait and hook out into the water.

Step 2

Release the button when the lure or hook and bait hit the water. Begin turning the handle in a clockwise direction, slowly, to bring the line and lure through the water and back to the reel. If bait and hook fishing, let the line sink and keep the reel static.

Step 3

On the lower left hand side of the reel that faces you, and with the thumb/casting button, locate the small drag switch. Push the switch forward when a fish strikes the lure or hook. Push the switch forward to release the tension. When the fish slows down, flip the switch back to the original position to increase drag.

Step 4

Spin the handle around and bring the line into the reel with the fish on the lure or hook. Turn the handle evenly and quickly, trying to avoid fast and jerky motions. Push the drag switch to the forward position if the fish starts to run again or begins to put up a string fight. Let the reel take line out with the fish.

Step 5

Spin the handle to begin bringing the line and fish back in toward you. Allow the reel to spool the line as you turn the handle quickly and smoothly.

Tips & Warnings

Practice casting with and without sinkers to get a feel for the process.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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