Zebco

“Zebco” originally comes from Zero Hour Bomb Company, the Tulsa‑based manufacturer that created the first spincast reel in 1949 and later adopted the shortened name.

Detailed Explanation

1. Historical Origin of the Name

• Zebco began as the Zero Hour Bomb Company, incorporated in 1932 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, producing electric time bombs for oil drilling. zebco.com
• In 1947, watchmaker R.D. Hull brought his idea for an enclosed fishing reel to the company.
• By 1949, the company produced the world’s first spincast reel, which revolutionized recreational fishing. Smithsonian Institution
• Due to confusion caused by the word “bomb” (including an incident involving the White House), the company officially changed its name to Zebco. zebco.com

2. Modern Brand Usage

Today, Zebco is a major fishing‑tackle brand known for:

• Spincast reels (including the iconic Zebco 33)
• Rods and rod‑reel combos
• Accessories for recreational fishing
  The company is now part of W.C. Bradley/Zebco Holdings, Inc., based in Tulsa.