pflueger criterion

[BrianinMD]

what are peoples thoughts on the pflueger criterion baitcast reel??

I have always been a spinning reel person, decided to take the dive into a BC and got the pflueger criterion. However I could never get casting right, for some reason I get backlashes a lot. The odd part is the backlash occurs at the beginning of the cast not the end. Is this a sub-par reel and I am trying to learn by beating my head against the wall or am I just an idiot when it comes to BC's?

[Muddy]

I am a FLOOGER MOOK, but the truth is the truth unless you buy; Patriarch,Summit,President,Asaro or a Trion, you are apt to either be disappointed or once you learn step up to one of those other reels instead. I would much rather a used Trion( I bought all mine used and in great condition for 45 bucks off the flea market here) than any of the Purists,Criterion or Echelon models.

[MSPbass]

I have to agree with the above. I only use Pflueger reels and recommend them often. However, I also suggest staying away from the graphite models. Of course, they're a little more dough, but stick to their aluminum frames and you can't go wrong.

That being said - backlashes are a part of learning to use a baitcaster dude. It's just part of baitcasting really. So your problem might not be the reel so much. In fact, your Criterion might be a great reel to learn on! And learning how to throw lures on a baitcaster should be your priority in the beginning. Once you can throw baits on that, you'll probably look at baitcasters in a different light. For now, practice thumbing your spool, adjusting your centrifugal weights, setting your cast control knob properly and avoiding bird's nests. And believe me, they happen in the beginning of a cast just as much as the end; maybe even more. And do it on dry land; in the yard, on the road, wherever you have some space. Don't even worry about how far they go right now. I suspect you'll be throwing baits with that Criterion pretty far after some practice though. Who knows, you may even end up loving the thing! Good luck

[BrianinMD]

I have been reading thru everyones suggestions and the threads for tips to casting BC's. One issue I see is they refer adjusting your centrifugal weights, and setting your cast control knob properly however this reel only has one adjustment know beside the handle. I purchased the reel as part of a combo and do not have a manual. Any thoughts on the best methods for adjusting this type of BC?

[BrianinMD]

Okay, for anyone who has this reel also. To adjust the brakes turn the left side of the reel counter clockwise. The adjust is 0 thru 6, 0 being no brakes used, 6 is all engaged. Even though plueger support said they shipped the reels set on 6 mine was on 0. Wondering now if that played a part in inability to cast consistantly with it....

[MSPbass]

You said Criterion, right?

Does it look like this? http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/products/criterion_lp_baitcast_reel.html

Is there a dial on the side oposite the handle; like on this reel:

http://www.pfluegerfishing.com/products/products.php?p=6

[BrianinMD]

there is no dial on the side, you have to remove the cover to make the adjustment

[MSPbass]

Just wanted to clarify. After your last post, I wasn't sure. But yeah, if all the breaks were off, your spool with spin pretty fast and that's hard to control. I think most folks set their brakes with 2 on. It should be done in pairs, by the way. But don't feel dumb starting with them all engaged; and that would be pushed out, not in. (Sorry, just want to make sure again.) It's a hard thing to learn though man. It takes time and practice. You'll get the hang of it if you stick with it though. Try 4 on/2 off, at least. Once you can cast that a few feet, take off the next pair and I bet you'll be surprised at how far you can cast. You'll also be able to feel how much faster the reel spins with less brake engaged.

I know it's not a Bass Fishing RG article, but Google "baitcasting 101". That's a handy article.

[BrianinMD]

thanks fishcat, the people and articles on this site have been great.

I set it at 4 for now, will have to see how it goes. I have to admit the setup just feels good in my hands was just not having any luck with backlashes. And they kept happening on the start of the cast which should be helped this adjustment....

got my license today, now just need to get a break to get out....

[J@k3 01s3n]

how do you get the cover off?

[BrianinMD]

Just turn the cover counter-clockwise and it will come right off, the brake setup is just underneath. I ended up putting it on 2, I now have been doing pretty well with it.

[Bean Counter]

I've found that if I throw too hard with an abrupt start, it causes backlashes at the start of the cast. If I have more of a smooth speedup with an abrupt stop then thumb the spool, to slow it down, just before the lure touches the water I don't have backlashes.

[J@k3 01s3n]

Brian, thanks so much for the advice! I kept seeing that many people liked their criterion, and I was like, huh?? Mine was just horrible because I couldn't figure out how to set it up. Now I set it on 4 and its great! I might move it down to 2.

[emeterio]

Hi there, I'm new to the baitcast fishing stuff, and I want to ask if there is a video of how to setup the centrifugal brake system of the criterion.

Sorry fot my poor english it is not my native language

[bama_bassin]

I have the criterion also and have been really struggling with backlashes.  I was almost to the point to buying another reel.  Although, now after reading these posts, I see I need to adjust my brakes.  I am going on a trip this weekend and will try this now.  Thanks for the help.

[BrianinMD]

bama, I solved the problem with the criterion by getting a Revo S and sending the criterion to the closet. Right out of the box the Revo performed outstanding. No matter how much I played with the brakes on the criterion it never would work well, I would get a couple cast in then back to backlashes.

[bigtimfish]

My pfleuger problem ended whe I threw it in Toledo Bend. Mine would free spin whenever I would catch some grass. Trying to just shake the grass off of the lures would cause it to freespin and birdsnest. Set the hook on a fish=birdsnest. Ridiculous. I'm sure when you spend $150 or more they make a top notch reel, but honestly I rarley spend more than $120. They will never get my money again.

[Muddy]

I have 5 Pflueger trions, new 99 each, I got all 5 used for 45 , fish em hard, with out any issues. Mine are on my rods, in my boat and they serve me well. If you do not know how to cast, practice it isn't the reels fault.

All the companies: Pfluger,Shemano,Diawa all make cheap, graphite reels that are just not as good as when you hit the aluminum frame models, all of them do it.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

I have 5 Pflueger trions, new 99 each, I got all 5 used for 45 , fish em hard, with out any issues. Mine are on my rods, in my boat and they serve me well. If you do not know how to cast, practice it isn't the reels fault.

All the companies: Pfluger,Shemano,Diawa all make cheap, graphite reels that are just not as good as when you hit the aluminum frame models, all of them do it.

thats the reel problem, it's not a pflueger problem, just a cheap reel problem.  I have 5 Pflueger baitcasters and 2 spinning reels.  I have 3 Patriarchs, a Supreme, an Asaro, and 2 Presidents and not a problem with any of them and didn't pay over $130 for any of them

[BrianinMD]

I would not have an issue buying another pflueger, I can say it would not be a criterion or other cheap model. I have heard a lot of good things about their other products, the criterion is just not a good one.