Pflueger President Spinning Reels

Spinning reels have become of renewed importance to the steelhead fisherman with the rise and expansion of jig and side-drifting techniques.  Certainly, the Shimano Stradic is an excellent choice in this category in regards to quality performance and dependability.  At $120 each, the purchase of multiples for outfitting a full boat, or an avid angler, can get expensive.

Recently, there have been some solid additions to spinning reel offerings, attractively priced in the $70 range.  In additions to Shimano, Abu Garcia and Daiwa, Okuma has a fast-growing reputation with their spinning reels, as does Pflueger.  

Five months ago, I bought a host of Pflueger President spinning reels in a "35" size.  In terns of specifications, these reels have all the features you would expect from a quality reel: instant anti-reverse, Sure-Click bail, anti-twist titanium line roller, machined aluminum handle, graphite body, spare aluminum spool and 9 stainless steel ball bearing construction. Unfortunately, there are dozens of reels all over the map in price with similar specs.  To get a feel for these reels you have to fish them.

The Pflueger President's have a number of great features on a rod.  First, I love the size.  The 35 size has a compact main body with a bit larger diameter, shallow spool that holds just enough line and not a yard more (about 120 yards of 10lb.).  With minimum capacity you don't waste a bunch of good line every time you change it.  Spin the handle and the President's fluid nature is apparent.  The reels are smooth, without the slightest wobble.  

After the cast, the bail comes over with just the slightest pressure to the handle.  I've not had to force the bail to engage once.  A consistent drag is at the core of importance.  Low startup pressure, adjustable in small increments, and the drag feeds hot fish with an even flow of line---no lurching (which is evident when the rods pumps as a fish runs). 

I’ve paid close attention to other anglers fishing the reels in my boat.  To date, they’ve garnered nothing but compliments and have given anglers nary a problem.  No quirks that take some time to get used to.

My enthusiasm for the Pflueger President spinning reel is tempered by the fact that I’ve only had these reels five months, through off-and-on fishing.  They’ve been great in this period, so I know they’re not junk.  But are they great reels?  Longevity of performance will be the deciding factor.  With February, March, April and May being prime months for wild and broodstock winter steelhead, along with early returning summer steelhead, there will be an answer available a few months from now.

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