To keep your fishing reels in perfect working order you need to have them serviced at regular intervals. Between services on your reels there are several things you can do as a preventative measure to help reduce wear and tear on your reels.
Firstly - get a bucket of warm soapy water (any dishwashing liquid will do), a chux cloth and clean the outside of the reel - the warm water will help to dissolve the salt on the outside of the reel. Never dunk your reels in a bucket of water. If you do - excess water will remain inside your reel and possibly cause damage to the internal parts (bearings in particular).
Once the outside of your reel have been cleaned rinse them with a light spray from a hose and then wipe dry with a soft cloth. There are different things you need to do to for both spinning and baitcast reels. Listed below are few basic maintenance procedures for both types of reels after you have washed the outsides of your reels
Spinning Reels
- Oil the line roller bearing.
- Remove any water from the drag.
- Ensure the drag clicker is free of salt build up.
- Remove and clean the handle - especially folding handles.
- Oil handle knob bearings.
- Wipe the outside of the reel with a cloth sprayed with Tackle Guard - this will help to repel water.
Baitcaster Reels
- Remove spool and oil attached spool bearing.
- Oil the bearing in the side plate.
- Remove cast control cap and oil any visible bearings or bushes.
- Oil handle knob bearings.
- Wipe the outside of the reel with a cloth sprayed with Tackle Guard - this will help to repel water.
