We continue to explore the list of fishing brands and today we will find out how another popular American brand, Pflueger, can please us. Also, in this article, we’ll take a look at the top 11 reels from this company and select the best in each category. Interested? Let’s go then!
What is This Brand – Pflueger?
The company has existed since 1881, its founder is Ernest Pflueger. At first, it was generally a small enterprise that only made fish hooks. The company later expanded its production to fishing reels, and in 1916, the first Pflueger Baitcast reel came out, blowing up the market at that time and becoming the benchmark among fishing reels.
It was from this moment that the brand gained fame. To this day, the company remains the leader in the production of fishing equipment. The products of this company are used by professional anglers in various competitions and tournaments.
Pflueger makes its products mainly for demanding anglers who are willing to invest in good quality. The company’s product line includes several types of reels: spinning, fly, baitcasting, trolling. And also various combos with these reels.
Our Top List 11 Best Pflueger Fishing Reels
Since the company overwhelmingly makes fishing reels, let’s take a look at 11 of the best models from Pflueger. We have specially selected models of different classes and price ranges for you so that you can choose the best for yourself.
1# Pflueger President Spincast Fishing Reel – Best Spincast Reel
Let’s start with the easiest and cheapest reels to use – spin cast. The best reel in this category is Pfluger President. Why is the reel so good? Unlike most spin-cast reels, which only come with one pin, the President offers 2 titanium pins. This is a great feature that will enhance the strength and durability of your reel.
The reel construction is made of lightweight but durable aluminum. The frame and cone are coated with corrosion-resistant material. The soft rubber knob provides a perfect grip on the durable aluminum handle. Besides the powerful spool applied drag, the reel is equipped with an instant anti-reverse function. The drag is quite smooth and powerful, it handles with a 6-7 pound bass without problems.
Also, 5 ball bearings inside provide additional smoothness and performance. This is a very nice addition because it’s very rare to see more than 2-3 bearings in spin-cast reels. But there are also unpleasant things, but only one. The line the reel is supplied with is weak and of poor quality. Under heavy loads, it breaks and wears out rather quickly. Therefore, I recommend that you replace the included line with your own.
2# Pflueger President XT Low-Profile Reel – Best Baitcasting Reel
Another reel with the name President, but of a different type – baitcasting. The manufacturer provided the reel with a fairly good number of bearings – 9 pieces. Each one is corrosion-resistant, allowing you to fish even in seawater. The magnetic brakes are quite smooth and quiet, and the adjustment is very precise from a position 0 to 10. The handle is made of aluminum, has very pleasant to the touch cork knobs, but the body itself is made of rather cheap graphite.
But if you don’t drop the reel, then the paint lasts quite a long time without scratches and chips. The reel works really well with a braided line and pulls out everything from half-inch minnows to 15-pound bass. There is no backlash, even when working with spoons that are difficult to adjust. Pulling out the reel at first feels a little harsh, unlike the more expensive models. But after properly adjusting the brakes, it goes like clockwork. Great reel for the money.
3# Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Fishing Reel – Best Spinning Reel
With baitcasting and spin cast we figured out, now spinning. I chose the Pflueger Supreme XT as the best spinning reel. The frame and rotor of the reel are made of magnesium, which is a very durable metal and extremely lightweight. Magnesium won’t load your hands and will withstand fishing in any weather and water. The spool has a different material – double anodized aluminum. This is done for better performance and less reel weight. The reel is initially set to braided line with rubber lugs, so mono won’t work very well here.
The carbon drag system is very high quality. It’s sealed and lightweight, preventing water and dirt from getting inside. The system is strong and doesn’t overheat under heavy loads. The handle is made of carbon fiber and is 20% lighter than aluminum. Generally, it works nicely, but it’s quite difficult to adjust, especially if you’re on ice fishing with gloves. The reel quickly switches to the left or right side. Another plus is that the reel makes a clicking sound when you open the bail and prepare for casting. And the cherry on top is 10 smooth stainless steel ball bearings that resist corrosion and ensure smooth operation.
4# Pflueger Lady President Spinning Fishing Reel – Best Spinning Reel For Women
High performance at a great price! This fishing tool is the first in its class in specifications and performance, making the reel amazing. This reel is specially designed for ladies’ small hands. Well-made and nice looking. It works for left-handed people as well as for right-handed. The reel allows the line to be wound directly onto the spool without twisting. Braking system made of stainless steel that provides constant smooth braking and corrosion resistance. For such a price you’ll be impressed. Can be an awesome present for your girlfriend, wife, or sister, so you can enjoy fishing together.
5# Pflueger Automatic Fly Reel – Best Yo-Yo Fishing Reel
Many old-school anglers would snub this reel, but this reel really makes it easy to control the fly line. This model of the fly reel can be easily operated with one hand for use in boats or kayak where a free hand paddle or pole is required. It’s heavier than many other reels but worth the bit of extra weight. Such a reel will be an excellent find for beginners. The reel is perfect for walking around a pond casting for medium-size fish. The reel has a trigger that lifts the line itself as soon as the fish bites the bait. This reel is durable and shows great performance.
6# Pflueger Patriarch XT Spinning Fishing Reel
High-quality, lightweight, and great reel. The CNC double anodized aluminum spool works flawlessly with the anti-vibration titanium roller for long casts. It is reliable, long-lasting, and easy in use. The Patriarch suits professionals and for those who just started to go fishing. This model has innovative fancy designs and a wide range of unique features. If you would like to have a smooth and effortless fishing experience this reel is all that you need.
7# Pflueger Arbor Spinning Fishing Reel
This is an impressively smooth reel for its price. Braids can be attached directly to the spool, eliminating the need to use the backing to reduce slippage. This fishing tool is powerful and durable, now it is unnecessary to exert significant efforts on the handle while pulling out the fish. It has 9 stainless steel ball bearings and a double anodized aluminum spool. Such design significantly extends the life of the reel without any backlash and eliminating the need for unscheduled maintenance of the mechanism. This model has many useful details such as a permanent anti-reverse bearing. With the Arbor spinning reel, your fishing experience will be pleasant. Such a reel will be a good addition to your fishing box.
8# Pflueger Trion Spinning Fishing Reel
Another great little reel that has smooth casting and retrieval. You’ll be happy with an attractive design and compact size. The reel has a strong body and rotor and aluminum spool. Internal components perfect set up for various fishing needs. This reel suits on an ultralight rod for small stream fishing. But works like a dream for ice fishing too. You’ll really like this little reel and definitely can put it on the ice rod. If you are a careful angler, this reel will serve you for a very long time.
9# Pflueger Medalist Fly Black Aluminum Fishing Reel
This reel uses a smart click-and-pawl drag instead of the old-style carbon drag. Nowadays is difficult to find such a reliable fly reel. This is a well-known model – a modern classic with high castability. The reel has an elegant design and looks laconic. If you had a plan to widen your collection of fishing reels, this one should be the first in a queue. The reel has a quick-release spool and convertible two-sided retrieval. This model is versatile and easy to master and use. You can target various fish species with it. The Medalist is simple but does the job perfectly.
10# Pflueger Trion Spinning Reel White
The Trion Spinning Reel performs smoothly and has such a price that makes anglers smile. This beautiful reel comes with 6 stainless steel ball bearings for flawless casting and retrievals. This spinning reel has all features to be for you a lifetime fishing partner! With the help of this model, you have a chance to catch more fish varieties than on any other reel. It fits all types of fishing. You can catch fish from shore, boat, or kayak. With this reel, you can do your first tries at fishing and do it very successfully. It can be a great gift for your anglers-friends, their skills level doesn’t matter.
11# Pflueger Trion Spincast Bronze Fishing Reel
This fishing reel can impress with an outstanding performance. You’ll be surprised with the function of the drag as that often seems to be questionable on these little reels. This is an unusual fishing tool that has an ultra-lightweight body. This one casts smoothly and comes with the ready line. The handle is slightly loose, but that doesn’t seem like a big problem. If you need the ability to do far casts while shore fishing this reel is perfect for it.
You will like how you can play to get some straight movement and then hit the trigger to release line. This reel is good enough for trolling. But the handle is a bit short so that the gear ratio is a bit slow. Suits mostly for targeting panfish also could handle bass and a couple of smaller northern pike.
Why Should You Buy Pflueger Spinning Reels?
You may have noticed that the vast majority of Pflueger reels on the list are spinning reels. There are several reasons why Pflueger spinning reels are so prevalent:
- Versatility. All the spinning reels on this list are versatile. They are not only suitable for salt and fresh water, but they can also handle different weights of bait and fish.
- Lightness. The materials used in Pflueger spinning reels are mainly magnesium or aluminum. These metals are incredibly light but very strong. Thanks to this, your hands won’t be tired when fishing. You will be able to hold the rod with the reel in your hands for several hours at a time.
- Twisting resistance. Pflueger spinning reels have a fixed and open bail that allows the line to run in a straight line. This saves your line from kinking and breaking.
FAQ About Pflueger Reels
If you still have questions, in this section you can find the most frequently asked questions about Pflueger reels.
Summing Up
Buying a reel is a very responsible and time-consuming business, which can sometimes be confusing. We have written this guide to help you make your choice. We chose a company that is the leader in the production of reels in the USA and narrowed the list down to just 11 models. Hopefully, after reading our guide, you will be able to pick the best reel for you. Have a nice fishing!
Tags: #pflueger reels / #pflueger spinning reels / #pflueger fishing reels / #pflueger reels reviews / #vintage pflueger reels / #pflueger president / #who makes pflueger reels

I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).
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I agree with your article. Pflueger reels are known for their durability and smooth drag system, making them a great choice for both freshwater and saltwater fishing. What size Pflueger reel should I use for bass fishing?
The size of Pflueger reel that you should use for bass fishing will depend on the specific type of fishing you plan to do, as well as your personal preference.
If you are planning to do mostly casting with a few light lures or live bait fishing you should look for a smaller reel around 2000, 2500 or 3000 size.
This size reels are suitable for light to medium fishing for bass.
If you are planning to do heavy duty fishing such as jigging or flipping, then a larger reel around 3500, 4000 or 5000 size could be more suitable.
These size reels can handle more line and bigger fish.
It’s also recommended to pay attention to the weight of the reel, you want to make sure it feels comfortable in your hand and easy to handle, especially if you will be fishing for longer periods of time.
Ultimately, the best way to determine which size Pflueger reel is right for you is to test it out and see how it feels while you’re fishing.
For me, too the Pflueger President is a popular reel among anglers due to its lightweight design and corrosion-resistant construction. How do I troubleshoot problems with my Pflueger reel?
If you’re experiencing problems with your Pflueger reel, there are a few common issues that you can troubleshoot on your own before seeking professional help. Here are a few things you can try:
If you’ve tried these troubleshooting steps and you’re still experiencing problems with your reel, it may be best to take it to a professional or contact Pflueger’s customer service for further assistance.
It is also worth mentioning that your reel could be under warranty, you may want to check with the place of purchase or the manufacturer.
Happy with your article. Pflueger reels also offer a variety of retrieve ratios and gear ratios, providing anglers with options for different fishing techniques. Please write: What are the best Pflueger fishing reels?
Pflueger is a well-known brand in the fishing industry, and they offer a wide range of reels to suit various types of fishing. Some of the best Pflueger reels, depending on your needs and preferences, may include:
Keep in mind that this list is not exhaustive and depending on the specific type of fishing, there could be other reels that would be better suited to your needs. However, these Pflueger reels are all highly rated among anglers for their quality, durability, and performance, so they are a good starting point for finding the right reel for you.
My personal opinion is the reels have a sleek design and are lightweight, making them easy to handle for extended periods of time. The brand offers a wide range of reels to suit different fishing needs, from freshwater to saltwater. Pflueger reels are a great choice for anglers of all skill levels. What are the key features of Pflueger reels?
Pflueger is known for producing high-quality fishing reels that offer a range of features to enhance the fishing experience. Some of the key features of Pflueger reels include:
Overall, Pflueger reels are known for their quality, durability, and performance, which makes them a popular choice among anglers. They offer a range of features that are designed to enhance the fishing experience and make it more enjoyable for anglers of all skill levels.