
Who is Zebco?
(2012.201.B0155.0398, photo by P. Southerland, Oklahoma Publishing Company Photography Collection, OHS). Founded at Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1949, Zebco is a major manufacturer of fishing equipment.
How did the zero bomb company become Zebco?
Hi guys, How the Zero Bomb Co. became Zebco. The Zero Bomb Co. started making time bombs used in oil production in 1932 and in 1949 with their patents running out and demand down, they were looking for a new product at the same time R. D. Hull was looking for a backer. They liked his idea and started making reels.
Who makes Zebco fishing gear?
In 2001 the W. C. Bradley Company bought Zebco from Brunswick, but in the early years of the twenty-first century the headquarters of the nation's best-known fishing gear manufacturer remained in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
When did Zebco stop making oilfield materials?
Soon afterward, through regional marketing under the name Zebco the product became so popular that in January 1956 the company changed its name to Zebco and ceased to produce oil-field related materials.

How did Zebco get its name?
The regional marketing name – Zebco – became popular, but the bottom of each reel's foot was stamped with the the name of the manufacturer, Zero Hour Bomb Company. The official name change to Zebco came in 1956, soon after a friend of President Dwight D. Eisenhower asked the company to send a reel to the president.
Who invented the Zebco reel?
Jasper R. Dell HullFounded at Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1949, Zebco is a major manufacturer of fishing equipment. It began with the invention of backlash-free fishing reel by a Rotan, Texas, watchmaker and itinerant inventor named Jasper R. Dell Hull, who was better known as R. D. Hull.
Is Zebco a good fishing brand?
Zebco is the undisputed market leader in the spincast reel category, and has been for many decades. This is not entirely surprising, since they invented the first spincast reel in 1949. And while they also make other reel types, spincast reels are by far their most popular models.
Is Zebco an American company?
Zebco is the last American company still mass-producing fishing reels in the United States.
When did Zebco go to China?
In 2001, it cast a line into deep water by moving production of its rod-and-reel sets and most of their packaging—what Zebco calls flatboards (carded blister-packs that merchandise the rod-and-reel combinations) to China. An estimated 90 percent of the packaging components were obtained overseas at that time.
What brands does Zebco own?
With brands under Zebco's umbrella including Zebco itself, Browning, Rhino, Quantum, Radical and Black Cat plus Preston Innovations, Korum, Avid Carp and Sonubaits, among others, it seems likely that this would lead to one of the largest portfolios of tackle names in the world.
Is Zebco still in business?
As it is four years later Zebco is now owned by the WC Bradley Company, and although its manufacturing opeation is overseas its headquarters is still here. "You still have design, engineering, your quality assurance, marketing, sales, finance everything is still based in Tulsa."
What is Zebco 33 bite alert?
What is the Bite Alert™ feature and how is it used? The Bite Alert™ feature allows you to set the reel to emit a loud clicking sound when a fish takes your bait (handy when you're away from your reel or when it's sitting in a rod holder). Just flip the switch to turn it on or off.
Can I use braided line on a closed face reel?
Most closed faced reels can handle up to a 12-pound test fluorocarbon line, which is ideal for jigging. A braided line would be the last option.
Who owns Zebco now?
Rather OutdoorsRather Outdoors (“Rather”), a global leader in the fishing industry, is pleased to announce that it has acquired Zebco Brands (“Zebco”), the Tulsa, Oklahoma-based manufacturer of fishing rods, reels and accessories.
Are Zebco reels made in China?
Zebco decided to make most of its low-end reels at factories in China.
Does Zebco own Lews?
Zebco is a preeminent marketer of fishing tackle and outdoor gear. Operational since 1949, it is now one of the oldest companies in the Rather Outdoors portfolio of brands. Rather also owns Lew's, Strike King Lures, Salmo and Fox fishing companies.
Where is Zebco made?
ZEBCO. Founded at Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1949, Zebco is a major manufacturer of fishing equipment. It began with the invention of backlash-free fishing reel by a Rotan, Texas, watchmaker and itinerant inventor named Jasper R. Dell Hull, who was better known as R. D. Hull.
Who bought Zebco fishing gear?
In 2001 the W. C. Bradley Company bought Zebco from Brunswick, but in the early years of the twenty-first century the headquarters of the nation's best-known fishing gear manufacturer remained in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bobby D. Weaver.
When did Zebco start producing reels?
They partnered with Hull and produced their first reel, called the Standard, in May 1949. Soon afterward, through regional marketing under the name Zebco the product became so popular that in January 1956 the company changed its name to Zebco and ceased to produce oil-field related materials.
Who bought Zebco reels?
In 2001 the W. C. Bradley Company bought Zebco from Brunswick, but in the early years of the twenty-first century the headquarters ...
