The Zebco 808SW fishing reel is a budget priced reel designed for saltwater fishing. After making an unexpected overnight stop in a coastal town while on vacation, I purchased a couple of these reels to use for fishing from the beach. Though I paid a good bit more for having to buy the reels at the last minute, the reel can be purchased for about $30 online and at discount retailers. Zebco also offers the reel as part of a combo package that includes a two piece 7 foot medium-heavy action rod. The combo sells for about $50. For a saltwater reel at this price, a person cannot expect too much, but the Zebco 808SW did perform better than expected.
In appearance, the 808SW looks much like other spincasting reels. However, the reel is made from corrosion resistant components to allow for use in saltwater. Though conventional reels can be used in saltwater, the saltwater will corrode the internal components of reels made for use in freshwater. Reels designed for saltwater fishing can also be used for freshwater fishing with no problems. The front of the outer body of the reel is made of stainless steel, while the rest is made from ABS plastic. While not the first choice of most experienced anglers, the simplicity of spincasting reels makes them an excellent choice for kids or beginning anglers. Zebco sells the reel pre-spooled with 20lb test. Though sufficient for many saltwater uses, the Zebco 808 Saltfisher is not intended for fishing for the heaviest saltwater species.
The Zebco 808SW has a rugged feel despite the low price and largely plastic body. As with most spincast reels, the drag adjustment is changed by turning a disc partially exposed through the housing. While this makes quick adjustments difficult, the drag does work and has a wide range. The reel has a gear ratio of about 2.5:1 which provides a good bit of power but does slow retrieves. This is not much of an issue for most saltwater situations. In fact, more power and a slower retrieve is better for fighting fish with a comparatively light saltwater reel such as the 808SW.
While the 808SW Saltfisher is a budget priced reel, it will get the job done. The reel is a useful choice for those who want to do a little fishing on a beach trip but who do not want to spend a lot of money on a reel that will not get a lot of use.