REVIEW: Pflueger President Reel

Rule #24:  If you intentionally kill an animal, you are morally obligated to eat it.

VIEWS & REVIEWS:

[I'm going to start a series under this title that will include my theories of fishing methods, issues, etc., and reviews of tackle and gear--everything from swivels to swivel seats.  I don't receive any kind of compensation in either money or products to write these--dammit--so you know I'm honest.

Maybe wrong,  but honest.]

Pflueger President Reel:

This reel comes in a series of five sizes, from the largest model that weighs 10.9 oz. with a maximum drag of 12 lbs. to the smallest which weighs 8.3 oz. and has a maximum drag of 9 lbs.  I chose the second lightest of the models.  It weighs 7.2 oz., its maximum drag is also 6 lbs.  Other spec's:  It'll hold 110 yards of 4 lb test monofilament, or 140 yards of 6 lb. braid.  It has 9 ball bearings in its gears and one in the handle.  It recovers 22.4" of line per turn of the handle.  All of these models have a gear ratio of 5.2:1.

I received this reel as a gift last season. Paired with a Bass Pro Shops Micro-Lite, 7' rod, this reel has been the best I've ever used.  I love the solid feel of the reel.  The retrieve ratio is just right for me--I have used spinning reels with retrieves that were too fast . . . the fish were simply freaked out--NOTHING moves that fast!

I haven't caught any fish larger that 2.5 lbs. yet, but the drag engaged when it should, which, let's be honest,  is weird for a spinning reel.  I almost lost a fish because I wasn't sure what the drag was doing!

[I will continue to add to this review as the season progresses.  I think it's important to review things over time, not just in a snapshot.]