CRASH TEST: Pflueger Supreme spinning reel

Info: Pflueger Fishing

Ave. Retail: $99.95

Wild Country Rating:

Specialization is the name of the game in the modern fishing world, and steelhead angling is no different.

From the 9 ½-foot spinning rods favored by Pacific Northwest side drifters to the 10-foot specialty rods utilized in Great Lakes streams to the 11 ½-foot rigs the Canucks favor for float fishing, there’s a spinning rod to match every condition.

The newest member of Pflueger’s stable of spinning reels – the 10-bearing Supreme – perfectly matches every one of ‘em.

Heavy on the features, light on the rod: Pflueger trotted the Supreme out in the spring of 2008, and immediately made a splash on the national bass scene with the sheer weight – or, more accurately, lack of it – and laundry list of features. The 8035MG – which is a good all-around size for steelhead, coho, etc. – weighs in at a scant 8.8 ounces, thanks to its magnesium body and rotor, and perforated, double-anodized machined alumimum spool design.

An aluminum side plate, machined aluminum handle with soft-touch knob, and anti-twist titanium line roller complete the durable, lightweight “shell” of a reel that you’ll appreciate after about hour six of an all-day side-drifting cast-a-thon.

Beauty is only skin deep: Break open the Supreme and you’ll see what really matters in a spinning reel for steelhead: A stout sealed-drag system, 9 stainless steel ball bearings, a one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing, and a line-gobbling 6.2:1 gear ratio that’ll allow you to keep up with a screaming-hot steelhead making a run straight at you.

It’s a reel that’s engineered for durability and functionality as well as comfort.

Bells, whistles: The Supreme features an exclusive Sure-Click bail, which gives you an audible “click” signal when the bail is fully open and ready for casting. That same bail mechanism closes and starts to turn immediately after you start to crank the handle, a level of responsiveness that’s unmatched in the majority of spinning reels.

The Supreme’s line capacity is very accommodating for light-line steelhead techniques – the 8035 holds 200 yards of 8-pound test – but there’s enough room to fish heaver line in bigger, murkier water if needed.

SUPREME SPECS
Weight: 8.8 ounces (8035MG)
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Bearings: 10 (9 + one-way clutch instand anti-reverse bearing)
Capacity: 220 yards/8-pound test
Key Features:

• Double anodized machined-aluminum perforated spool
• Sure-Click bail
• Aluminum side plate
• Anti-twist titanium line roller
• Machined aluminum handle with soft-touch knob
• Sealed drag system
• Convertibla right/left-hand retrieve
• On/off anti-reverse

-J.S.