The name Pflueger has been around for some time. My first fly reel was a Pflueger although I do no remember the model it served me well over the years. However it finally gave out and I had to purchase a new reel recently I purchased one of the 7-8 weight Summit Series Fly reels and I must say that I am impressed with this new reel by Pflueger. While fighting steelhead here in Idaho I have enjoy the way the Summit Series is capable of handling these often aggressive fish.
This large arbor reel has two ball bearings and a one-way clutch bearing for especially smooth operation. Both the aluminum frame and spool are forged, machined, and anodized for improved strength, and they are also corrosion-resistant. The drag is a center disk system and delivers superior control to the line drag. The spool has is equipped with an easy-release switch and can be swapped out with a spare spool quickly if a line change is needed. It has a large rubber on the retrieve arm allowing for a secure grip while retrieving your line. This reel is also able to convert between right and left hand retrieve features.
If you wanting a good looking and performing reel for less than 100 bucks, I recommend choosing this one. It works very well, It is a bit wider than I imagined it would be yet it does seem to handle exceptionally well. Pflueger is a name that I believe and trust in and is also sold on my personal website. The newer series of Pflueger fly reels, meaning the Summit and Trion series are just great reel values for your money. I have gotten a lot of budding fly fisherman started using Pflueger fly reels. Pflueger has now made it possible to own a top end fly reel without the inflated price tag.
You owe it to yourself to take the time and look at one of these reels give one of them a try. The history and appeal of a Pflueger fly reel makes it a great reel to own and use.
More Info: Visit www.steelhead-gear.com
March 24, 2008 - 10:12 am - posted by Brig Graff
I’ve got a buddy who was one of the designers of the Sage fly reels and swore up & down about them. How do the Pflueger ones compare?
August 12, 2008 - 1:16 pm - posted by Sean
In response to Brig Graff, I own a Pflueger Summit #1656 and my brother owns a Sage 1650…or should I say used to own. After using my Pflueger, he traded in his Sage reel for the Summit 1656 and won’t go back.
In my opinion, the Sage reels (and most fly reels, for that matter) are often highly overpriced; segregating an entire population demographic from enjoying this great sport!!. The Pflueger fly reels (Trion, President and Summit) are perfect examples that you can get a HIGH quality, aluminum reel, for less than the big “brand names” charge.
If you’re trying to decide between the Sage and the Pflueger….go with the Pflueger!!
August 12, 2008 - 4:11 pm - posted by Brig Graff
many thanks for the advice! I will definitely have to check one out…..
August 17, 2008 - 2:03 am - posted by Tim
Hi:
About Pflueger fly reels. Well, I started out as a fly fisher at the age of 8. I have been fly fishing now for over 40 years. I have been using my Trion 1978 for 4 seasons here in Alaska and I have no complaints. My Trion was a gift from my wife. I see that there are reels that go for 5 times the price, but in terms of performance, I haven’t figured out why I need to spend $500 on a fly reel. Sure, I bet those top shelve reels have a lot to offer, but so does my Trion 1978.
I wanted a second spool for my Trion 1978. Finding gold in Alaska turned out to be easier. The price of a new Summit was about the same as the price of a new spool for the Trion, so rather than pull my hair out trying to find a deal on the extra spool, I just cracked my piggy bank and got a Summit 1678. If there is a better deal out there than the Summit, I would sure like to hear about it. Some day, when I go for Steelhead, I am going to take along my Medalist 5/6 and try it. I be it will handle it.
August 18, 2008 - 8:40 am - posted by Brig Graff
Yeah it does seem a little ridiculous to drop crazy amounts of $$ on a reel, especially on the lighter fish when the reel is mostly just line storage.
Alaska — wow man I’m jealous….whereabouts?
September 16, 2008 - 11:51 am - posted by d watkins
I own 6 pflueger fly reels. supremes, summits and presidents and the new summit 5/6 which is all the reel you will need . I have it on my t-3 6 wt and it is every bit as good a reel as many 200. plus reels.The drag is flawless and the finish is great and these reels are rugged.
September 16, 2008 - 5:31 pm - posted by Brig Graff
good to know. any tips on a rod? again, buddies are always saying that Sage is the way to go….but they are spendy.