I didn’t have the patience for fly fishing as a kid, so I overlooked it for many years. But over the last couple of years, I decided to try it again with my grandpa’s old fly combo before getting my own fly gear. The Pflueger President XT 9’ #5 Fly Rod & Reel Combo was the first combo shipped to my door. I’ve taken it bass, crappie, and bluegill fishing at local ponds, stood alongside the river casting for trout with it, and taken it on some camping trips.
This is a great combo for all fly anglers, but especially novice anglers, with room for some specific improvements.
Specs & Features: Pflueger President XT Fly Combo
- Rod Length: 9′
- Number of Pieces: 4
- Reel Size: 4/5/6
- Reel Handle Position: Left
- High Performance, 4-piece medium-fast action fly rod
- 9-foot length for maximum reach and performance
- Quality cork handle paired with carbon fiber reel seat
- Die-cast aluminum fly reel with Rulon disc drag
- Pre-spooled with backing, weight-forward floating twin colored fly line with welded loops, and knotless tapered leader
- Protective rod and reel carrying case
- 1 Year Warranty
Pros & Cons
While fishing with this combo, I’ve discovered several things I love and a few areas for improvement.
Pros
- Trusted brand since 1881
- Comes setup with everything but the flies you need to get started
- Versatile
- Travel case keeps the rod and reel protected
- Catching fish on this setup is a blast
- Premium materials
- Should last a lifetime
Cons
- Expensive for novice anglers
- Eye alignment could be made easier with some markings
- I don’t cast as well with it as I do with my other combo
First Impression Of My Pflueger President XT Fly Combo
I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the box to find the die-cast aluminum fly reel instead of a plastic one. It was pre-spooled with backing, fly line, and a leader, which was a huge relief as a newer fly angler because I didn’t have to purchase any of that to get started. I was also shocked (in a good way) to see the carbon fiber reel seat. I expect this feature on a higher-end rod, but not necessarily an entry-level to mid-tier fly rod. While most long-time fly anglers wouldn’t consider this combo expensive, I think it’s pricey for beginners. There are many less costly options, but I seriously doubt they’re of this quality.
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Another feature I love is the carrying case. It protects the four-piece rod and keeps it organized. The compact case makes traveling worry-free and getting on and off the water more efficient. After initially scoping it out, it was finally time to head to the water. My first trip was to my pond.
On-The-Water-Performance
I wasn’t certain what to expect the first time I went fishing because this combo is only the second Pflueger product I’ve owned, despite Pflueger’s existence for nearly 150 years.
I ran into my first frustration when I initially put the rod together. It took me longer than expected to get the eyes aligned. Thankfully, it wasn’t a major issue, and with a little practice, I now align them quickly. However, I own another beginner-friendly combo with dots or markings you line up, which makes aligning the eyes much quicker.
Once I finally rigged up, I began casting, but I struggled to get the distance I typically get with my other rod, without my leader and tippet bunching up. I’m certain my poor casting technique is partially to blame, but just be aware that this rod will expose those errors. Long-term, I think this is a good thing (it forces me to cast properly), but in the meantime, it’s a little frustrating. After a little practice, I made casts that were far enough to get a few bites and landed a large crappie. I love fighting fish on this rod because even bluegill and crappie fight hard. It takes me back to fishing as a kid, the excitement of catching any fish, even if it’s small.
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After several trips to my pond, I headed on a camping trip to a trout river, hoping to catch my first trout on a fly rod. Sadly, my fly-fishing skills (especially my patience) must improve before I land my first trout on a fly. The rod performed very well, though. I could place the flies where I wanted them, and I avoided getting snagged in the trees along the bank. The protective case did an excellent job. I didn’t worry about my rod or reel breaking, despite luggage and gear being stacked on top of it.
Overall, I’m very pleased with this combo, and I’m certain that it will allow me to better develop my fly fishing skills.
Last Cast: Pflueger President XT 9’ #5 Combo
The Pflueger President XT fly combo is a durable and versatile combo, with premium features typically found in combos beyond its price tag. I’ve paid just as much for a combo that didn’t have as many premium features as this one does.
While I wouldn’t take my 5-weight combo saltwater fishing, you can order the 6 or 8-weight that is saltwater-ready, so this is a very versatile combo, ready to tackle nearly any species you’d like. Whether you’re a novice looking to hone your skills (like me) or a more experienced fly angler simply looking to add another rod to your collection, the Pflueger President XT fly combo is worth your consideration.
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