Pflueger Fishing Reels

How To choose Pflueger Fishing Reels?

Below, you’ll discover how to select an angling reel that suits your style or target species, regardless of the location or type of fish you’re pursuing.

Spinning Reels vs Conventional Reels vs Baitcaster Reels

To effectively target both saltwater and freshwater species, it’s essential to understand that there are three primary types of fishing reels available: spinning reels, baitcasting models, and conventional reels. The first step in selecting a new reel is to decide which type to consider. Let’s explore each type and their respective advantages.

1. Spinning reels

A spinning reel features a fixed spool that the line wraps around via a rotating bail arm when you turn the handle. Spinning reels are the most widely used type of fishing reel. On most models, the handle can be adjusted for either right- or left-hand retrieval, which is an important factor if you have a preference for reeling in with your left hand, given that many reels are initially set up for right-hand operation.

Metal wire arms, known as bail arms, are straightforward and dependable. They make casting easy by flipping over to release the fishing line, then retracting to reel it in. The simplicity of maintenance and the ease with which tangles can be resolved make these reels an excellent purchase.

You can find spinning reels priced anywhere from $10 to over $1,000. Generally, spinning reels are well-suited for a wide range of fishing, from light to heavy, except for targeting large fish such as saltwater species or freshwater giants like alligator gars, giant catfish, or sturgeons.

The simplicity of spinning reels, combined with their broad price range, makes them ideal for beginners fishing in freshwater or light saltwater conditions. Often, combinations of rods and reels available in stores feature spinning reels and rods.

2. Conventional reels

In conventional reels, when the handle is turned, the line is wound onto a cylindrical spool located above the rod. These reels typically feature a button or lever that releases the line from a free spool, and many of them also come equipped with a built-in clicker that notifies the angler when a fish takes the bait.

In the conventional fishing realm, two types of conventional reels are commonly found: those designed for casting and launching baits from the coast or beach, typically paired with the right rod for this purpose, and those that are not configured for casting but can be dropped directly over the side of a boat, pier, jetty, or used for trolling.

Although conventional reels tend to be more expensive and challenging to operate, they prove invaluable in specific scenarios, such as targeting large species like bluefin tuna and large sharks. In situations where over a thousand feet of braided main line is necessary, a spinning reel would not be adequate, making a large, two-speed conventional reel essential.

For casting lures or baits directly over the side of a boat or jetty, a conventional reel is the optimal choice for saltwater fishing. With some experience or a willingness to practice, a model designed for casting becomes an excellent tool for targeting larger fish, such as striped bass, from the shore or beach.

3. Baitcasting reels

Similar to a conventional reel, a baitcasting reel is mounted above the rod and winds in line in the same manner, but it features a lower profile. This design makes it particularly suitable for freshwater fishing scenarios, such as lure fishing for bass. Although baitcasting reels may present more challenges in casting compared to spinning reels and are more prone to tangling, they are lightweight, efficient, and can be highly satisfying to use for those who are proficient in handling them.

Despite being hybrids, spin casting reels are considered unnecessary and lack advantages, so we won’t delve into them here. Beginners might opt for them due to their inclusion in affordable kits rather than their suitability as an ideal choice.

It’s crucial to recognize that various reel types typically demand specific rods to complement them. Therefore, before pairing one reel with another, ensure it is designed for the intended reel type.

A spinning reel will be labeled as “Spinning,” while a conventional and baitcasting reel will be designated as “Conventional.” Additionally, there are baitcasting rods with special grips designed to enhance comfort and ease of casting.

4. Saltwater vs freshwater

The reel may not perform optimally in saltwater, making it a crucial factor to consider when selecting the appropriate reel.

Reels designed for both freshwater and saltwater applications typically incorporate corrosion-resistant materials and feature sealed mechanisms to minimize the entry of saltwater. If you use a reel not suited for saltwater, you may quickly notice rusting issues after exposure, underscoring the importance of choosing a saltwater-compatible reel to avoid such regrets.

Fully sealing a reel against saltwater corrosion is challenging due to its numerous moving parts. However, some high-end reels incorporate advanced bearings and magnetic oil systems to minimize corrosion risks. Consequently, saltwater-specialized reels often come at a higher cost compared to freshwater counterparts, but their increased durability justifies the investment.

To prolong the life of your reel, consider using a corrosion-resistant lubricant spray such as Corrosion X. Regularly wash your reel in warm freshwater with a mild detergent. For optimal performance of freshwater reels, clean them regularly with clean water and apply a suitable lubricant and oil to ensure smooth operation.

5. Fishing reel size numbers explained

Most fishing reel manufacturers follow certain general rules for sizing their reels, but there is no universal measurement system in use. To provide clarity, let me offer as much information as possible.

It is common to encounter reels named with numbers, such as 3000, 300, 30, and so on. It’s crucial to focus on the first part of the number as it typically signifies the frame size and spool capacity of the reel.

This serves as a rough guide to reel size, but for better illustration, we’ll refer to them on a 1000, 2000, etc., scale. Some reel models might simply include a “3” in the name for clarity.

Fishing reel sizes: 500 to 3000

In ultra-light fishing scenarios, like ice fishing or micro fishing, the smallest spinning reels typically begin at 500 sizes. These reels are compact enough to comfortably fit in the palm of your hand.

As we get acquainted with 1000, 2000, and 3000 models (often referred to as 10/100, 20/200, 30/300, etc.), we become familiar with very light inshore and surf spinning reels. These are ideal for targeting species such as bass, bluegill, trout, and catfish.

Anglers targeting fish up to 20 lbs with lures or small baits will likely find a 3000-size reel to be a versatile and practical choice. This size allows for casting and landing decent-sized fish without the need for a heavier reel, which might be cumbersome for young anglers or overpower lighter rods. Many people find it to be a good starting point for their fishing endeavors.

Fishing reel sizes: 4000 to 6000

Spinning reels in sizes 4000, 5000, and 6000 are designed to handle larger fish and longer lines compared to smaller spinning reels. Reels of this size are well-suited for catfish, carp, pike, and muskies, as well as fishing for small to medium offshore species. They excel in heavy surf fishing, especially the more expensive designs that feature heavy-duty components and metal bodies.

The 4000-6000 size models, equipped with a robust drag system, are highly capable of handling large fish and are often the preferred choice for many dedicated fishermen.

Fishing reel sizes: 8000, 10,000, and above

For tackling larger freshwater species, anglers turn to tools that come in sizes 8000 and above. With a drag pressure exceeding 30 lbs, these reels offer serious stopping power against medium-sized sharks or large rays. 8000-size reels are capable of holding several hundred yards of braided mainline ranging from 40 to 100 lbs.

Reel manufacturers now commonly offer sizes as large as 10,000, featuring beefier drags designed to resist large sharks and rays. These reels can boast line capacities as extensive as 750 yards of 40-80lb braided mainline.

Fishing reel sizes: conventional reels

While some conventional and baitcasting reels may share the same size, there are notable differences between companies. In the realm of large conventional reels, sizes like 20, 30, 50, 80, and 130 are common for big game reels. These sizes cover the range from small jigging reels at 20 to the medium-capacity 30 and 50 reels, and up to the substantial 130 size.

When assessing reel sizes, it is often more straightforward to determine their placement in the size range by comparing overall reel weight and line capacity between different models.