Push-button fishing delivered a wave of angling independence

  • PUSH-BUTTON FISHING REWARD--The push-button wonder of Zebco reels that evolved in the 1950s put fishing opportunity literally at the fingertips of anglers of all ages, and the tradition continues today. Push-button operation makes teaching how to fish simple. There's a great feeling of independence that comes with being able to grab your rig and head out fishing. (Photo by Jim Steiert)
    PUSH-BUTTON FISHING REWARD--The push-button wonder of Zebco reels that evolved in the 1950s put fishing opportunity literally at the fingertips of anglers of all ages, and the tradition continues today. Push-button operation makes teaching how to fish simple. There's a great feeling of independence that comes with being able to grab your rig and head out fishing. (Photo by Jim Steiert)

    A declaration of independence for kids from 8 to 80. A chunk of that independence through the years has come thanks to a simple casting reel creation from the 1950s.

    For us growing-up kids the declaration meant we were headed either to the mud-cat dense playa on Uncle Tony’s place that Dad farmed, to the reclaim pit on the southwest corner of the home place that I had stocked by hauling purchased c…