Pflueger President Loose Bail Spring

[fin]

I’ve had this President for about 3 months and I started noticing a clicking noise when retrieving light-weight baits, like a weightless fluke. It doesn’t make the noise if I cut the line and just turn the handle. I finally noticed the bail is loose, wobbling around. There's no resistance at all. The screws on each side are tight. It looks like the bail spring must be worn out already.

 

Is there a way to fix it without buying a new spring? Maybe cut the spring or stretch it? (I haven’t opened it to see how it works.) Add a paper thin washer?

 

 

It’s still under warranty, but I can’t return it this time of year.

 

I’ve been throwing a lot of spinnerbaits lately, the heaviest is 3/4 ounce total weight. I’m guessing that’s the cause. My Shimano Siennas could handle that. They have a little play in the bail, but they’re like 5 years old and not as much play as the Pflueger already has.

[MN Fisher]

Unless you get a new part directly from Pflueger's approved parts-vendor or have them repair it, you'll void the warranty.

According to http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/Pflueger-reel-parts.html

https://www.ereplacementparts.com/pflueger-parts-c-186372.html is the authorized place to get replacement parts .

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Warranty it. Just take it to the store and swap it. 

[fin]

15 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

Warranty it. Just take it to the store and swap it. 

Bought online from DSG. They have a local store, but it's a nightmare to get to with traffic.

[MN Fisher]

1 minute ago, fin said:

Bought online from DSG. They have a local store, but it's a nightmare to get to with traffic.

Well, it's either deal with the traffic, order the part from the approved vendor, or void the warranty all-together. If something else breaks that's major and you've voided the warranty, you're out of luck.

 

I'd deal with the traffic personally.

[AC870]

Fix it, sell it, get something else. 

[fin]

2 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

Well, it's either deal with the traffic, order the part from the approved vendor, or void the warranty all-together. If something else breaks that's major and you've voided the warranty, you're out of luck.

 

I'd deal with the traffic personally.

 

It's only $3 for the spring from the site you linked. Who knows how much for shipping. Driving to DSG is risking my life, potential damage to car, couple hours round trip. I dunno, I think online sounds a little better.

 

 

[Dogface]

I'd call Pflueger. Explain that it is new and they will probably send you the part.

[fin]

5 hours ago, Dogface said:

I'd call Pflueger. Explain that it is new and they will probably send you the part.

That's a good idea. Definitely worth a try.

 

 

[fin]

Just opened it up and found the spring was broken about 1/8" at the end. I stretched the spring out a little and we're back in the race.

 

?

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

You got lucky. Some bails are a nightmare to get the springs in right. 

[fin]

58 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

You got lucky. Some bails are a nightmare to get the springs in right. 

Yeah, I was afraid it was going to jump out when I opened it and not be able to find it or maybe it would be a nightmare to hold in place while trying to close it back up, or whatever, but it's a pretty simple design. Maybe with an original spring it might be more difficult.

[Pikeman12]

Had the same thing happen with my pflueger trion. Happened quickly after I bought it too. Opened it up and it was the spring and its a pain in the ass to get it in right. I just threw the thing in the garbage and bought a sahara. 

[FishTank]

9 hours ago, Pikeman12 said:

Had the same thing happen with my pflueger trion. Happened quickly after I bought it too. Opened it up and it was the spring and its a pain in the ass to get it in right. I just threw the thing in the garbage and bought a sahara. 

 

I had the same issue with a President and ended up returning it and getting another Shimano.  It was shame because I liked it.  It was just a good, do all reel but if it doesn't work, it needs to go back.