Pflueger President Review: My Spinning Reel
A few years with the Pflueger President size 30 for drop shotting and finesse: why it is the best spinning reel I have used, and the one downside to watch.
The short answer
The Pflueger President is the best spinning reel I have ever used. It is light, casts and reels smoothly, and feels durable, and after a few years I have not had problems with it, apart from line occasionally slipping under the spool. I do not fill the spool to maximum capacity to stay safe.
Pflueger President Spinning Reel, Size 30
Best for: Drop shotting and light finesse
A light, smooth spinning reel that I have owned for a few years. It is the reel on my finesse spinning rod, a 7-foot medium heavy Vendetta, and I use it for drop shotting.
Pros
- Light in the hand
- Smooth casting and smooth reeling
- Feels durable, with no issues in a few years of use
- Handles light lures without the problems I run into on a baitcaster
Cons
- Line can slip under the spool if it is not attended to
- Slow 5.2:1 gear ratio
- I use spinning gear sparingly, so my time on it is limited
I have owned the Pflueger President for a few years, and it is the best spinning reel I have ever used. I do not fish spinning gear much, because I love fishing with a baitcaster, but when I want to go finesse, this is the reel I pick up.
How I use it
I use it for drop shotting. It started out on an Ugly Stik that I have had for years, and I have since moved it onto my Abu Garcia Vendetta spinning rod, a 7-foot medium heavy fast, which has the same dimensions as my casting rod. I spool it with 10 lb Sufix 832 braid and a 10 lb Berkley Vanish fluorocarbon leader.
You can see the whole rig in my finesse spinning combo guide, and learn the technique in my drop shot guide.
What I like
It is light. Fishing finesse all day means holding the rod for hours, and the President does not feel heavy in my hand. Bass Pro lists the size 30 at 6.2 ounces.
It casts and reels smoothly. Light lures go out easily, and the retrieve is smooth. Spinning gear lets me fish lightweight lures with confidence and without the problems I run into on a baitcaster.
It feels durable. After a few years, I have not had trouble with it. It feels solid in my hands.
What to watch for
Line can slip under the spool. This is the one downside I have run into. Occasionally the line slips under the spool, and if it is not attended to, it can be quite a problem. To be safe, I do not fill the spool to maximum capacity.
It is slow. The size 30 is listed at 5.2:1. That suits drop shotting, where I am working the bait slowly, but it is not a reel for covering water quickly.
Who should buy it
If you want a spinning reel for finesse, like a drop shot, and you want something light and smooth that holds up, I can recommend it. If you fish a baitcaster most of the time like me, it makes a good second reel for the light stuff.
Check price on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)The Amazon page covers several sizes and hand orientations, so select the one you want before ordering. This review is based on a few years of my own use of the size 30. Specs are from Bass Pro’s listing.
Not sure whether you want spinning or baitcasting gear? I explain how I choose between them in Spinning vs Baitcaster for Bass.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Pflueger President a good spinning reel for bass?
It is the best spinning reel I have ever used. It is light, smooth casting and reeling, and feels durable in my hands. I use it for drop shotting, which is finesse bass fishing.
How long have you had your Pflueger President?
A few years. I first fished it on an Ugly Stik I have had for years, and I now have it on my Abu Garcia Vendetta spinning rod.
What is the downside of the Pflueger President?
Occasionally the line slips under the spool, and if it is not attended to, it can be quite a problem. To be safe, I do not fill the spool to maximum capacity.
What size Pflueger President do you use?
Size 30. Pflueger lists the size 30 at 5.2:1, and Bass Pro lists its weight at 6.2 oz.
What line do you use on it?
10 lb Sufix 832 braid in low-vis green, with a 10 lb Berkley Vanish fluorocarbon leader.
Should I get a spinning reel or a baitcaster for bass?
It depends on the lures you throw. Spinning reels handle lighter tackle better. I fish a baitcaster most of the time because I handle it better, and use spinning gear for finesse.