Reel Question

[Nor*Cal]

Hows it going, folks?

I have a question. My buddy gave me this Pfleuger Medalist 1595 reel for my birthday last year. I just recently dug it up and studied it. He told me it works so i thought I may as well try to put some line on it and give it a try.
8722

My main question is, can anybody tell me what Weight Line I should buy for it? It doesn’t say what weight you are supposed to use with it. Thanks in advance. Also, I’m wondering if anybody knows anything else about these reels? Any info would be appreciated.

Cheers,

[David Lee]

5 to about a 9 wt . I use the several 1495's I have for everything in freshwater , but mostly Bass Bugging . They take a WF-8 Bass Bug taper and a moderate amount of backing , and are indestructible .


D.~

[Rich Morrison]

I'd say more to the point is what sort of rod are you fishing. Getting the line wt for the rod is primary and then secondary is will the reel work. Ultimately all it does is hold the line so, unless you are cramming a 7wt line onto a 2.75 inch reel or fishing this old medalist and it's 40 yr old drag for Tarpon, the reel will work. There is also a question of balance for the reel with the rod. You CAN put a 4" reel in a 7' 3wt glass rod...but do you WANT to?

Here is a nice article on some of the history...
http://www.flyfishohio.com/Guide_to_Pflueger_Medalist_Part_2.htm

And another...
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/oldflies/part287.php

[Nor*Cal]

5 to about a 9 wt . I use the several 1495's I have for everything in freshwater , but mostly Bass Bugging . They take a WF-8 Bass Bug taper and a moderate amount of backing , and are indestructible .


D.~
Fantastic, Thanks David! Wow, I had no idea you could use that many different sizes?! Now I have decisions to make in terms of what i would like to catch on this reel! good stuff!


I'd say more to the point is what sort of rod are you fishing. Getting the line wt for the rod is primary and then secondary is will the reel work. Ultimately all it does is hold the line so, unless you are cramming a 7wt line onto a 2.75 inch reel or fishing this old medalist and it's 40 yr old drag for Tarpon, the reel will work. There is also a question of balance for the reel with the rod. You CAN put a 4" reel in a 7' 3wt glass rod...but do you WANT to?

Here is a nice article on some of the history...
http://www.flyfishohio.com/Guide_to_Pflueger_Medalist_Part_2.htm

And another...
http://www.flyanglersonline.com/features/oldflies/part287.php

Hi Rich great questions! I have the reel but have yet to purchase a rod for it and in fact would also appreciate thoughts on what rod would pair well with this reel. My first thought is to pair it with a 6 or 7 wt rod. I just kind of figured I would see what size line is recommended for this particular reel and then decide what size rod based on that. I think i will probably just get a basic Redington CT Classic Trout Fly Rod for it. Thanks for the articles, I will check them out!

[Rich Morrison]

Now that you know you have a good all purpose reel I'd work from the target back as they say. What species/type of water are you looking to fish? It's always a good idea to test cast some rods to see what you like as well. Then get a good rod/line set up to match your desired fishing situations. A local fly shop would be a great place to start. Take that cool old reel with you and they can even spool you up with backing and the line.

[Larry S]

Juan,
The entire Medalist series were great reels. Always suspected that there were still lots of them seeing action even
today. Check out -http://www.flyfishohio.com/Guide_to_Pflueger_Medalist_Part_2.htm

You should be able to get "part 1" by just editing the link.
Best,
Larry S

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Here is an article I did about those old Pflueger Medalist fly reels:

http://www.kiene.com/portfolio-view/the-pflueger-medalist-fly-reel/


#6 or #7 line with a weight forward floating line.

#6/7/8 with sinking lines.


It looks like a nice old 6 riveted spool model.

Be sure to tighten all the screws with a small screw driver.


It will like to be a right hand wind reel, rather than a left hand crank. unless
you can get an ambidextrous drag disc from OnePfoot Company.

.https://www.onepfoot.com/

.

[David Lee]

If you REALLY want it to run well , send it to http://www.archuletasreelworks.com/ Mr. Bill will tune that sucker to total sweetness !

D.~