Fly Reels....

**Darian** · 01-19-2006, 11:22 PM

Hey guys,.... I'm looking for a mid-range, large or mid-arbor fly reel for Baja Saltwater.

At the ISE show, I noticed a new entry in the field from Pflueger. The model is the President. Comes in a variety of sizes, has comparable appearance and features to the Redington Brakewater (with some minor differences). Both have a cork, disc drag but the president has slightly less line capacity. When I screwed the drag down on this reel, it was very tough to strip line from the spool....

Anyone have any experience with this reel or the Brakewater

**Bill Kiene semi-retired** · 01-20-2006, 01:27 AM

Darian, I just looked at the Pflueger "President" on their web site.

It is not anywhere near the heavy duty reel the Redington "Breakwater" is.

It is actually the same reel as the Orvis "Mach".

http://www.orvis.com/store/product_c...1&pf%5Fid=61Y2

I think it is the same platform as the SA "Mastery" reel too?

All good reels but the Breakwater is beefier.

PS: Its 12:30am, better give it up for tonight.

**mems** · 01-20-2006, 12:02 PM

Aloha Darian, I was reading on another board about reels being sold and marketed by more than one company, and Bill has kindly shown a prime example. I am a sales rep for TFO out here in Hawaii. I really like the TFO 425 reel. It has a great drag system and is pretty tough in the salt. I am anxiously awaiting the New Terry Hayden reel to try out, so I can not give any judgment on that reel yet. I have a Tibor that is just excellent and very tough. I also have the Reddington, and for the money they are excellent reels. The breakwater is a workhorse reel. I have never bought an orvis reel, but have tried them and their drag system isn't up to the strength of the Tibor, TFO, or the Reddington. I would say for the salt you need drag first and foremost, and The reel should be able to stand up to sand and salt. It is funny to me that many buy reels more on form than on function. Good luck, hope this helps. Don.

**nightgoat** · 01-20-2006, 05:25 PM

Hey Darian,

I have a Breakwater for my 12 wt that really kicked butt in Costa Rica. It performed admirably over many fish and many days with just a rinse off at the end of each day. And it was reasonably priced. All that I hoped for and more.....