Pflueger President Size 30 Or 35?

[J33wolf]

My older spinning reel broke and I am replacing w/ a Pflueger President. I just can't decide on the size. I currently have a Shimano Symetre and a Stradic FJ both in a 2500 size and a Sahara in a 1000 size. This spinning reel will be used mainly for throwing chatter baits and spinnerbaits maybe weightless T-Rigs. Any preferences out there on the sizes of the Presidents. This is my first non-shimano spinning reel. Thanks.

[masterbass]

I prefer the 30 size president

[Goose52]

Agree - 30-size is the sweet spot for general purpose bass fishing.  A 35 is bigger/heavier than you need.  A 25 is a very handy size (not full size, but not quite ultra-light)...but not as versatile as a 30.

[21farms]

pflueger 35s are big reels. the 30-size is more comparable to your shimano 2500s.

[J33wolf]

Thanks for the info. Helps the decision process.

[Creekcrappie]

Yes 30 size for the presidents. The 35 is quite large.

[Kevin22]

Depends on what rod you are going to put it on. I wouldn't put a size 30 on a 7' rod, nor would I put a size 35 on a 6' rod. I would say for throwing baits like that you would want the 35 or even 40, unless you are planning on throwing them on 6-8# line. For finesse fishing I would want the 30 or even 25. 

[Goose52]

I sometimes don't put a 30-size on a 7' rod either...I sometimes run a 25...   Here's a 25-size Supreme on a 7'1" rod - it's been working for the last 2574 fish (as of Sunday):

 

 

Chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits?  No problem. This buzzbait was tossed on a 30-size with YZ Hybrid.  Want stouter line?  Run braid.  Not much you can't do with a 30-size reel with 6-8lb line on one spool, and 20lb braid on the other. Hopefully, the reels are still shipping with two spools and cost-cutting hasn't come into play. 

 

 

I have 10 Pflueger spinning reels (1-20, 2-25s, 5-30s, 2-35s) and as you can see, the 30s are in the majority.  My 35s hardly get used. 40 size - maybe if I moved back to California and fished saltwater again...

[Kevin22]

KVD uses size 40 quantums (even bigger than pfluegers) for all his spinning fishing. Most serious panfish anglers are also going to size 30-35 reels for UL fishing. Reason being is that they will cast more accurately, and farther, with the line coming off the bigger spool. Far less loops and wind knots as well. I have found the same. I will not use anything smaller than a size 2500 shimano for bass. 

 

That's not saying I don't have several UL reels. 

[deputybc]

KVD uses size 40 quantums (even bigger than pfluegers) for all his spinning fishing. Most serious panfish anglers are also going to size 30-35 reels for UL fishing. Reason being is that they will cast more accurately, and farther, with the line coming off the bigger spool. Far less loops and wind knots as well. I have found the same. I will not use anything smaller than a size 2500 shimano for bass. 

 

That's not saying I don't have several UL reels. 

I do not think the bigger the better. I have all the sizes of these reels and never had this problem. A size 20 with 10 lbs braid and a Med'Lite rod is what i use for throwing drop shots for huge smallmouth and largemouth.

[Mr. BattleArmor]

I have a Supreme and prefer the 35 size for the amount of line I can keep on the reel. Doesn't seem to large at all for me, mostly throw plastics on that set up. I guess it could be different because the Supreme is so light compared to other reels that a larger reel doesn't seem as large. I would pick it based on the line you plan to use. 

[SirSnookalot]

The president series are heavier reels than their supreme counterparts, not that I think the weight is prohibitive.  I use 3 supremes, each one is matched up nicely to the rod it's on.  I don't think the 35 supreme is too big for bass, on my 7' med rod it is exceptionally comfortable.  However I don't think a 35 president on my same rod would feel as good.  If the president was my choice I'd probably get the 30 size.

[jbw252]

The rod you are using comes into play with your decision, but since you mention the current reels you use - I would go with the 30 size.

[F14A-B]

Yea, snook said it... So I don't have too.. Go 6930 I use 6935... On a 7' kistler... Medium/ fast it's a trife bit bulky.. Requires lots of 6& or 8 lb line..

I have almost always used 4000 & 5000 reels... But I like a smaller spinner now, old habits die hard!

[J33wolf]

Thanks again to all of those who took the time to respond. I will most likely go with the 30 size. Sounds like it will be plenty for me.

[Goose52]

Re KVD and 40-size reels. One would have to acknowledge the technical advantages of using a large spinning reel for ultimate casting distance and for line management purposes (especially for flouro). Expected from a professional looking to optimize to the last degree his equipment when fishing in something like the Classic with a half-million dollar payday.  That's also why Pflueger offers the Arbor reel for those that want those advantages but with a smaller gearbox.  BUT - for recreational fishing - IMO the disadvantages outweigh the small advantages. Excess weight, and grossly excess line capacity, for me, trump the small increase in casting distance. Line management?  Not a big issue with me as I use line appropriate to the rod, reel, and application. But generally, I use:

 

20 size - 4lb

25 size - 6lb

30 size - 6-8lb

35 size - 10-12lb

 

Braid fits into the equation based on line diameter and what line capacity I want.

 

So, for me, reel selection is based on what lb test I want to run, what line capacity I need, how heavy the reel is, and what rod its going on. 

 

Everyone should select gear that works for their purpose, and gives them enjoyment...and all sorts of gear will work at the end of the day.  You pays your money and you takes your choice (thanks Bogey!)

 

Lastly, I'll have to admit using a "40" size reel for bass. In this case it was a 40-size Shakespeare which is somewhat like a 35-size Pflueger. It was matched with a 7'6" m-xf rod and 10lb test line.  Good combo for what I used it for - everything matched and balanced pretty well.  It worked, caught fish...

 

 

 

Thanks again to all of those who took the time to respond. I will most likely go with the 30 size. Sounds like it will be plenty for me.

 

I think you will like it !

[K_Mac]

I am a little late to this thread, I've been out using my size 30 Presidents to catch bass.   With 8# Seaguar Red Label or something like it, they are all that's needed for me. Of course what does need have to do with fishing for most?