Pflueger Medalist reel?

[pault23]

Hello all,

I'm sorta new to the whole sport of bass fishing and I'm hooked. I only have occasion to fish unfortunately occasionally as I am away at college for most of the year. I have been fishing with a pretty decent set of tackle 10 lb. test and, (some crank baits, spinner baits, worms, minnows, poppers etc.) but I am fishing with a pretty crappy rod and reel. It is a $30 zebco spinning combo. I like the rod a lot actually, it's light and is made of graphite so it's pretty sensitive but the reel is a nightmare. I do mostly bank fishing so I don't need a power house but was wondering if anyone had any suggestions of a relatively affordable reel or reel and rod combo. I have been looking at the new Pflueger Medalist and like that but like I said I am new to the sport and don't want to waste my money. Any tips for someone just trying to get started in bassin' would be greatly appreciated. Thanks a bunch

P

[SirSnookalot]

If you are on a budget there are many great choices.  To name just one, Pflueger trion about 40 bucks, smooth as a baby's toosh.  I have seen them in combos as well.  For an affordable outfit you can't go wrong.

[dodgeguy]

the medalist is a great reel.do not buy a reel with a graphite frame.they flex and can break.that rules out the trion and the regular president.the president xt and medalist are both aluminum and have no flex.if you could save a few more $ you could get a supreme which is awesome for $99.

[MitchIsFishin]

Dodgeguy is right about aluminum frames not flexing, and an aluminum frame reel probably will last longer. That said, a number of guys (including myself) use graphite framed reels (I have a Trion-great reel), and unless you snag a monster cat or a 24lb striper, you won't have a problem. I know Muddy & SirSnookAlot have caught larger fish than me and they haven't had issues with these types of reels. A Trion is a fine choice for your first real 'reel' and you can upgrade later.

[bilgerat]

Another vote for the Trion here. Bulletproof.

Also, Mitch is on the money about the graphite vs aluminum question. To me, it becomes an issue with larger saltwater reels, not so much with freshwater. I have the little 25 size Trion. Early in the season I foul hooked a huge brown carp that ran me 8 ways to Sunday. That reel did not flinch.

[SirSnookalot]

The key to buying any equipment is what it's used for. I would not buy a graphite frame for saltwater.

Most people on this forum bass fish and unless you're from California you're not catching really big bass, most are thrilled with a 5 pounder. A graphite framed reel is going to handle fish 5-10# with no damage, personally I'd pay more attention to the rod. If you are targeting pike or muskie, I'd go aluminum all the way.

I think it's easy to get caught up in over buying for ones needs.

[cart7t]

I have one medalist. Personally, get a President instead.  Better reel.

[I.rar]

i have both the 6725 and 6740 pflueger president and they are great reels for the money. i never hooked onto any larger fish , but ive had plenty of peacock bass run out some line and the reel will pull them back to you with no problem. both have seen saltwater , and after a good rinse , i wouldnt of been able to tell.

smooth as butter and pretty solid.

[dodgeguy]

I have one medalist. Personally, get a President instead. Better reel.

gotta disagree.no way is a graphite frame president better than an aluminum frame medalist.i've broken many a neck on a graphite frame spinning reel fighting 5 pound largies in the weeds . this will never happen with an aluminum frame medalist or president xt.

[Dan:]

I have one medalist. Personally, get a President instead. Better reel.

agreed. I have a Medalist and I would not mind trading it for a President.

Actually, if you are still interested in the Medalist, send me a PM. It's in decent shape and I would be willing to sell it pretty cheap.

[SirSnookalot]

My medalist is my barracuda and bonita reel, now they very hard fighting fish 10# + and really pull that drag, the reel has performed flawless.  My president was ok but not in the same league.  I cannot comment on the president xt.

It boils down to your target species, for any size bass the president is more than adequate.