FLYMPH FORUM

I spent some time today converting a couple of my old Pfluger Medalists fly reels from right-hand retrieve to left-hand retrieve.



I took some photos of the process, in hopes they would be helpful to other folks here. The photos are for the Pfluger Medalist 1595 RC. Switching out the older models may be slightly different.



First remove the spool:


At the base of the center spindle, there is a black ratched disk which is held in place by two small screws. Remove the screws and then lift out the assembly. Be very careful to note the direction of the ratchet (in this case going clockwise).


CAUTION - When lifting out the ratchet plate, be careful not to loose the little ratchet spring/clicker under the plate. This part is very small and could be easily lost.
The clicker spring is located in the little recessed hole in the upper right hand corner (roughly 10 o'clock position relative to the central spindle)


In this photo, the clicker is resting in the hole.



Carefully clean the parts with paper towels and Q-Tips.

Flip the ratched disk over, to reverse the direction of the drag. Reinstall the central plate and ratchet disk with the two small screws shown earlier.


Next step is to reposition the line guards (requires removing 6 screws and repositioning two metal plates and three support posts)




These plates need to be moved to the other side of the reel.


My fingers and thumb mark the positions of the screws which need to be removed (top and bottom) to reposition the plates/posts.


Dismantled components


Note that the posts supporting the metal side plates are slightly different (note recessed ends which fit into the larger holes in the metal plates of the line guides)


Part way thru reassembly process:




All done:





After the retrieve direction is switched, you will need to head outside. Strip off all the line and backing in your yard, then reel it all back into the spool to reverse the direction of the line.

Here is a YouTube video showing the whole process https://youtu.be/kifSr_oVmog

Well done Ray! My first real was a 1495 and I still use it on a old fenwick glass rod with some silk-like line Karsten had sent me. Such a joy to use. I do have a couple others that I have been meaning to swap over but have just put it off.

Almost easier to learn how to cast with my other hand (just kidding Ray -- excellent job!)

Lol. As I mentioned it was my first rod. I casted with my left hand my first year of fly fishing before switching to right handed because my pflueger was set up left handed. didn't know at the time you could switch them over.

Nice instruction, Ray. I made this change on my Akron, Ohio Medalist 1494 1/2 a few years ago, just like you. I would have benfited from your photos back then. I use this, with two spare spools, on my bamboo rods. It is still an excellent reel.

dd

Ray
Excellent tutorial- now I can use a nice Medalist I picked up, but didn’t know how to convert from R>L

Dana

Not all ratchet disks are created equal. The number of 'indents (?)' can differ, especially on older reels IIRC. New ratchet disks can be bought from one Dan Hill, who is carrying on the work started by Bill Franke. https://onepfoot.com/'
Counterweights can also be had.

dd