Most fishing reels on the market today are built to last and maintain good functionality. That being said, learning how to clean a fishing reel properly can prolong its lifespan and save you money. With some standard and super easy procedures, you can keep corrosion away.
Interestingly, there are still individuals who do not know how to clean their fishing reels properly. Do not blast and blow up your variable equipment with harsh sprays in the name of cleaning your reel. Using harsh sprays will damage the equipment instead of cleaning it.
Why Clean A Fishing Reel?
It’s quite obvious why cleaning a reel used in salty water is crucial as it prevents corrosion. But what about a fishing reel used for freshwater fishing? Even then, grime, dirt, and water getting in the may lead to gear and ball bearing corrosion in your reel.
With time, this corrosion may cause your reel to lose its efficiency. Line lay may become uneven, and retrieval may be jumpy, you can loose your cranking power, and the reel will eventually fail.
Assemble the Tools
There are several instruments that you will require to dismantle and clean the fishing reel as effectively as possible. A tiny level and head screwdriver are valuable. Hemostats and needle nose pliers can also be useful.
An old toothbrush with harder bristles is great for scouring gears, and toothpicks help apply oil to the gears. In most cases, a fishing reel will come with specific tools for that reel, and it is vital to keep them for this situation.
When it comes to cleaning solutions, the lighter liquid is regularly used to clean grime from the reel. Cotton swabs are ideal for using these items on your reel. You will also require grease and oil. You shouldn’t only use whatever is convenient, and you shouldn’t use grease and oil on all parts of the reel as oil can harm some parts.
The reel’s Manufacturer will have clear directions on what items should be used.
Cleaning Underside of the Spool
Cleaning the spool’s underside is very important. Undo the drag handle, then slide the spool off and clean its bottom. Lightly oil the shaft and then replace the drag handle and spool.
Ensure you leave the drag handle loose to keep the weight out of the drag washers while it isn’t being used. You will require a sewing machine oil or a high-grade reel for lightly greasing the knobs, line rollers, handle, bail arm springs, and remember to wipe the excess oil.
Full Service
From time to time open the reel’s side plate and lightly grease the gears and bearings. You should give your reel a full-service one in a year or when you submerge it in water. Full service involves a total disassembling of each one of its parts before absorbing them a mineral turps container.
You should use fresh and clean water to rinse and later dry the parts in the sun. From time to time open the reel’s side plate and lightly grease the gears and bearings.
You should give your reel a full-service one in a year or when you submerge it in water. Full service involves a total disassembling of each one of its parts before absorbing them a mineral turps container. You should use fresh and clean water to rinse and later dry the parts in the sun.
Check all bearings and gear for damages.
Clean the Rod
After each angling trip, you should spray the rod in with freshwater on your way back. It helps in getting some of the nastiness and salt off the fishing rod. However, that’s not enough. When you get home, make sure that you clean up the rod just like you clean other parts.
How you clean your rod will determine how long it will give you service and how effective it will be in getting fish. After you finish using your fishing rod, clean it thoroughly with clean and fresh water. Clean its holds and each other part with soapy water. Finally, to prevent corrosion, apply reel grease on the fishing rod.
How to Clean a Fishing Reel: Conclusion
Learn everything about fishing reels before setting out on cleaning them. It requires effort and a dedication to keeping your reel in excellent working condition. You will save cash and time if you learn how to clean and maintain your reel.
Take as much time as is needed to check the guide for fractures and immediately replace them if there is an issue with them. If you do not replace the damaged guides, they may weaken your reel
After giving your fishing reel a proper cleaning, store them carefully in rod covers, and rod stands. Proper storage will maintain them and ensure they live longer. They don’t come cheap after all!
