I've been out of the bass fishing game for a while and I'm looking for some gear advice. I love my Pflueger President reels that are about 14 years old. They are larger than low profile reels that were available when I bought 10 of these. I have big hands and like the larger reels and wider spool so my thumb fits. I'm wanting to know if anyone knows of a left hand retrieve reel that is larger than todays low profile baitcasters? I know I can go with the round reels but I've just never used them. I'm down to 5 of the original 10 reels I have and Pfleuger isn't making parts or repairing the old reels. I've been trying to find something similar in stores at home but I'm in Albuquerque NM and its tough to find that type of gear here. Any advice would be appreciated.

As an old timer too.. it took me some time to think about new reels. I fished 5000s all my life and at first, it was just trying to get higher gear ratios for ripping traps. Then, looking at reels at BPS and other places, the low profile reels just seemed to be built really well.. and ultra smooth. I bought my first Revo SX on Ebay nad have loved them every since. The lower profiles make the rod balance much better, making the C of G much closer to the center of the rod than with a round reel.
I really think that you should rethink your objection to to low profile reels. Otherwise, keep an eye on Ebay for your old Presidents.

Unfortunately, you don't really have an option of rethinking low-profile. They are here to stay.
Your options are to scour the classifieds and pick up used reels and refurbish them. This isn't a bad option, I have some Shimano's that are over 25 years old that are still going strong. The problem that you will eventually run into is lack of parts availability.

I am a big guy with large hands, the smaller profile reels don't fit my hand but over time you will get used to them.

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Did you swing by Charlie's or Sportsman's Warehouse yet?

The new Daiwa Millionaire is affordable, durable and fits the bill.

Have you tried going back to round reels? The Shimano Tranx is BIG. Also, I seen the Linder team using Daiwa Lexa reels for muskie. They must be a bigger reel, too.

I bought a shimano chronarch and it was tooo big to me, its a bigger reel for sure.

Unfortunately, you might just have to get used to low profile reels. Please understand, I'm not saying you have to and I'm not saying there aren't other options out there, I'm just saying that it might be easier to just go ahead and switch. There are limited options regarding what you want, unless you want round reels. I feel your pain though. I have big hands as well and sometimes some reels feel awkward in my hands. However, 90% of my reels are Chronarch MGL's & Metanium MGL's, and I've had zero problems with them in my hands. I do have a couple of Curado 300E's and Shimano Tranx's for big swimbaits and big crankbaits.

While those reels do perform well, they are heavy, and they are hard on you after a full day of use. Most of that is because they're paired with a big, heavy rod, but that's just the nature of the beast when throwing those bigger baits. A heavy reel definitely doesn't help the fatigue. Unless you plan on throwing big swimbaits and big crankbaits, I'd try to find a "larger" low profile baitcaster. The Chronarch MGL would be my suggestion. You can get one of the reels I mentioned and put it on any rod and it'll perform just fine. It's just gonna feel awkward and clunky if the rod and reel don't balance well.

Hope this helps you out.

Take a look at the Lews wide spools.

I would go to Bass Pro Shop and try all the reels on display. They have all the major brands plus their own.

https://okumafishingusa.com/collections/reels/products/komodo-ss


these are bigger reels if they are not to big for you.

You should look at the new Curado K series. They are low profile but they maintained the wider spool 200-size that I like. Plus it really is a lot of reel for the $$

The problem I have with the smaller line capacity reels is once you make a long cast you are left with very little line on the spool. This effects the "rate of pickup" of the line as you turn the handle. Also if you break off a couple times and rety, you are left with too little line on the reel to suit me.

I like a FULL spool of line. I see many guys only fill their reels 60-75% full which really hurts the casting distance.

Thanks for all the advice. I don't think I was clear about wanting the low profile but in a larger size. Definitely don't want the round reels. I'll look into the larger low pro reels that everyone suggested.

All my reels for over 50 years have been 5500c. Now they have the C3; but no change in the gear ratio; unless I missed something. With the new power handles for a replacement; I have no problems making baits do what they are suppose to and or sliding fish to the boat.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Shimano-Chronarch-MGL150XG-New-In-Box-Free-Shipping/183405688502?epid=28013789595&hash=item2ab3d4b6b6:g:D7wAAOSwuMZbhvhn