Pflueger Trion Fly Reel, (Up to 6 Fly Line)

 (5 customer reviews)

Good looking reel with decent drag. Heavy, but not a bad match for my 10ft 7 wt. Works great until stressed, but has lost me some big fish due to grating on the retrieve when under load. It is as if grit is gumming up the spool, but flyshop pros have been unable to find the problem. Possibly a manufacturing defect. (2856 model)
Ought to mention another flaw that is design-related, the wide arbor is particularly prone to uneven/unbalanced line build up. This can result in snags when a big fish goes on a run and the line has crossed over itself. Not a problem every time, but the one time it happens, I'm almost guaranteed to be on my best (only) fish of the day!

Much better value when it was < $80 a few years back, but still stand up well against the other premium models. My model 1978 survived bonefishing on the salt flats in the Caribbean over the last few years and it's just as nice as it was when I first bought it. Very good tolerances, and my reel has never exhibited the grating that another reviewer reported. Maybe I haven't caught a big enough fish. Yet!

I also have the same line snag experiences with wide arbors. They do tend to promote snags from lines crossover in general, but I'd say this is not unique to this reel. The only thing to do is to keep the line taught when retrieving. That seems to help.

I have the 1956 model (line up to 6). This reel has a very beautiful, durable finish. It is built to tight tolerances...try as I might, I can get very little free play between the frame and the spool. The drag is fully functional throughout it's range and has fully audible, positive clicks. The rosewood reel handle is a nice touch. It's a very light reel, not heavy as someone else mentioned. I have to agree with another reviewer, who mentioned this is the best price to be found anywhere. My only complaint, and it's a small one, is the design of the drag knob. It's small and smooth and requires use of fingertips to manipulate. I got used to it quickly, though, and now have no problems with it. I am kicking myself for not having a couple of these years ago. I will get more for my other rods!