When his son Earnest A. Pflueger took over the family business and founded the E. A. Pflueger Company, he expanded the company from fish hook manufacturing to all aspects of fishing tackle and gear. In 1916, the first Pflueger baitcasting reel was manufactured in Akron, Ohio, and became a benchmark of the fishing reel industry. The first Pflueger spinning reel was introduced way back in 1954. Over the years, Pflueger has continued to be one of the world’s leading rod and reel manufacturers. The legendary line of Pflueger rods and reels are designed for the discriminating angler and have always been popular with fishermen who appreciate high-end quality. The Pflueger product line has something for every angler and includes baitcasting reels and combos; spinning reels and combos; ultralight reels and combos; bigwater spinning reels and combos; bigwater trolling reels and combos; fly reels and fly kits. Pflueger products have always been world famous for their innovation, dependability and attention to detail and continue to combine pride in craftsmanship and commitment to new technology to create a line of superior fishing products. Simply put, Pflueger products perform.
QUARTET OF PATRIARCHS
Pflueger currently offers a quartet of Patriarch spinning reels, the top of the line for Pflueger’s family of spinning reels, in sizes that range from light to ultralight. These reels deliver lightweight handling and top-of-the-line durability by employing advanced materials in the construction of their major components. The Patriarch spin-fishers deliver lightweight handling and top-of-the-line durability by replacing average stainless steel parts with high-end titanium, carbon fiber and magnesium components. Nine stainless steel ball bearings deliver ultra-smooth performance. A near-frictionless XCR bearing provides up to ten times more corrosion resistance.
Lightweight, ported aluminum spools with a double-anodized finish and a high-strength carbon arbor will stand the test the time in the unforgiving saltwater environment. The ultra lightweight, magnesium body, rotor and sideplate are protected with a proprietary three-step coating to provide premium corrosion resistance and durability. The solid titanium main shaft is 30% stronger and 43% lighter than comparable stainless steel shafts. The carbon handle with EVA knob is 20% lighter than comparable aluminum handles. The sealed carbon drag system and durable titanium-coated line roller are sure to bring a fish to a stop. Each Patriarch’s instant anti-reverse bearing will provide solid hooksets. Other handy items include a spring-loaded line clip and sure-click bail. Each reel is easily convertible to either left- or right-hand retrieve. A spare aluminum spool and neoprene carry bag is included for fast changes in the field.
COMMON TRAITS
All Pflueger Patriarch spinners feature a moderate 5.2:1 gear ratio, which is not too fast or too slow, but just right for the job at hand to make a lure dance to entice strikes from predators and still have enough leverage to be able to get some cranks on the reel handle during the ensuing rod and reel battle to bring them quickly to boatside. A total of ten smooth bearings will keep all internal parts moving in peaceful harmony when a big gamester is doing its best to rip the reel’s gears apart. You can dial in a max of eight pounds of drag on the lightweight 9525 and 9530 reels, with 16 pounds of drag on the larger 9535 and 9540 models. Line recovery will very from 24.5 to 32.7 inches for every crank of the carbon handle and EVA knob, based on the model selected. Other notable features include a sealed carbon fiber drag system, solid aluminum bail wire, a sure-click bail that provides an audible signal when the bail is fully opened and ready to cast, plus an anti-twist titanium line roller.
No matter which of the four Patriarch spinners you prefer, the MSRP is the same at $199.95. Pflueger is a part of the Pure Fishing network of USA-based tackle companies.
