Im not sure what Im doing wrong, but I cant get the side plates off a Pinnicle Platinum Plus and a Pfluger Echelon.  I know these are both lower end reels, are the side plates not meant to be removed?

I have taken out all the screws and the nut on the reel handle along with the drag knob and everything else.  Not sure whats up.  I'd appreciate any help.

Not sure about Pflueger baitcast, but my Revo has a knurled screw up near the top on the handle side. This must be backed out first. Then you grasp the opposite (mag brake side) sideplate and turn it counter clockwise about 1/4 of a turn and lift it off.

Once that is removed, take the spool out and there is one more screw behind the spool which should allow you to remove the handle side sideplate.

Make sure you note the orientation of every single thing you remove.

It would be best if you have a digital camera to record your steps

NEVER, and I do mean NEVER, disassemble a reel without a schematic available, unless of course, you've done one enough to know it inside and out.

All good advice. A schematic will show you all the parts, but not necessarily the order of assembly.

What is it that made you want to remove the side plate?

You probably need to remove the other sideplate first, the one without the crank.  Then you can slide the spool out and you may then see another screw that was hidden by the spool that has to be removed from the inside of the frame. 

You probably need to remove the other sideplate first, the one without the crank. Then you can slide the spool out and you may then see another screw that was hidden by the spool that has to be removed from the inside of the frame.

Agreed.  Both of these reels allow for the side plates to come off.  And this is what is needed to get them off.  2-3 screws on the outside of the reel and one on the inside.