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Zebco Fans!

ABU's obvious build quality led to the development of symbiotic relationships in other countries, one of which I'm just beginning to learn about now, ie Zebco in the USA. Mr Clinton Beeler is bringing me up to speed on this interesting expansion to ABU's products in the USA.

I have also been fortunate enough to have been taken under the wing of noted USA spinning reel expert and much aclaimed author of "The Wright Guide for the Reel Man" Ben Wright! I don't think he intends to change of his book from "reel" to "real" in his next edition of the book. Very shortly we will have access to much more information (both text and pictures) with respect to the ABU/Garcia/Zebco relationship in the USA. Buy his book personally from him at Ben Wright [spinrite@rochester.rr.com] before the last 39 of 500 total print run disappear forever. I have secured mine!

Zebco Cardinal 554, 555 and 557's

Zebco cardinals models 554,555 and 557
These would be the last Cardinals that were sold by Zebco

They were sold from 1979 to 1980, only
all were the new look cardinals with a tan color body, rear drag knob on rear of reel, skirted spool and reversible handle.

554 had 5 to 1 gear ratio weight 10.8 oz
555 had 5 to 1 gear ratio weight 14.2 oz
557 had 5 to 1 gear ratio weight 16.8 oz

These were the same as the ABU models 54-55 and 57 that were introduced in
1978 and discontinued in 1982.

Abu would Acquire the Garcia corp. in 1979 and end all ties with Zebco by 1983

Beautiful BW studies linked from here

Thankyou Ben on behalf of ABU fans for your sharing nature in freely providing this info and these pictures

Now Thanks are offered also to Clinton Beeler who has recently gifted these 3 beautiful reels to my collection.