Thinking Of Getting A Pflueger Patriarch Bc

[ChrisAW]

No, I'm not worried about the quality really. I have an opportunity to get a brand new off the shelf Patriarch for less than half price, and I really don't want to pass up the chance.

The only problem I have is that its a right hand retrieve, and I'm a lefty. I've gone out of my way to get the left hand reels that I need because I can't work any action with the rod in my left hand. It's just awkward seeing as I've ALWAYS used a left hand reel.

But I decided that what I could do is use this reel on my crankbait rod, since I don't normally impart a TON of action on crankbaits. A few twitches here, a rip through grass there.. I think I could get away with it. I'm ambidextrous with just about anything else but casting/reeling, so I'm hoping this may could be a way to break me of my inability to fish right hand reels if its the only thing I can get my hands on. Has anyone else had this problem?

[dodgeguy]

No, I'm not worried about the quality really. I have an opportunity to get a brand new off the shelf Patriarch for less than half price, and I really don't want to pass up the chance.

The only problem I have is that its a right hand retrieve, and I'm a lefty. I've gone out of my way to get the left hand reels that I need because I can't work any action with the rod in my left hand. It's just awkward seeing as I've ALWAYS used a left hand reel.

But I decided that what I could do is use this reel on my crankbait rod, since I don't normally impart a TON of action on crankbaits. A few twitches here, a rip through grass there.. I think I could get away with it. I'm ambidextrous with just about anything else but casting/reeling, so I'm hoping this may could be a way to break me of my inability to fish right hand reels if its the only thing I can get my hands on. Has anyone else had this problem?

i am a patriarch lover but the 6 to 1 isn't super fantastic for cranking.i have the opposite issue as i can not use a lefty reel.i love the patriarch but i think you would be ill advised to spend 200 on a reel that will never be comfortable for you.

[ChrisAW]

i am a patriarch lover but the 6 to 1 isn't super fantastic for cranking.i have the opposite issue as i can not use a lefty reel.i love the patriarch but i think you would be ill advised to spend 200 on a reel that will never be comfortable for you.

Its the 7.1:1 actually, and I'll be getting for around $100 instead of the normal $200.

[dodgeguy]

Its the 7.1:1 actually, and I'll be getting for around $100 instead of the normal $200.

7to 1 is way to fast to crank.the price is right but i don't know if you'll get used to it.

[ChrisAW]

Well before I left work today, I did put it on the same rod I have here at home for crankbaits and it didn't feel too awkward just cranking like anyone would. The thing I have a problem with most would be working a bait like jerkbaits, imparting all that action.

And I know slower gear ratio is normally better, but I'm already using a 6.4:1 Revo SX on my crankbait rod, and I'm pretty used to fishing real slow with that when I need to. I don't do a lot of DD crankbait fishing. The majority of cranks in my box are shallow divers or lipless. I keep up to 16' divers in my box but most deeper than 6' are still pretty much new.

[KYntucky Warmouth]

Wouldn't use it for cranking but I'd buy it in a heart beat.

[breezy]

I bought a Patriarch 71LP on sale a couple months ago. So far it's been a great reel, similar to a Revo but feels a little smaller in my hands. I've been very happy with the reel and from what I've seen and read the finish seems to be much more durable than the Revos.

That being said, if all your other reels are LH and using a RH reel feels awkward I wouldn't go out and purchase a RH reel. Yeah it's a good deal, but if you shop around and wait you should be able to find a good deal on what you want. The only reason I see to try out a RH reel is if you're left hand dominant and want to start holding the rod with your dominant hand, there may be some minor benefits. Otherwise if you're right hand dominant and already used to LH reels, the only advantage I see to RH reels is availability.

[deaknh03]

If it's the xt, I would buy it regardless of dexterity. If you can't get used to it, you will surely be able to recoup your money at the $100 price you paid.

[ChrisAW]

I think I'm convinced to stay away from it. I may instead spend the money to replace one of my cheaper rods that I'm not very fond of.

[ChrisAW]

Well, while I was working, I couldn't help but play with the reel and I decided to go ahead and get it. We had a deal running this weekend that some of our "discontinued" models were 40% off, plus another 20% off I get for working at Gander.

So, I bought it, got is spooled last night and tried it out this morning. Man, I'm glad I did. I don't really have any problems like I thought I would. I remember trying to use a few of my friends right hand reels before and couldn't get used to it. Now, I have no problems cranking, I can roll casts with my left hand instead of switching as well.

And as for the reel.. Wow. The dual braking system makes a huge difference. I'm probably going to take a little bit to truely get used to adjusting it for best results, but it still casts like a dream. Overall I'd say I would have been stupid to pass up that deal.