How to Clean Fishing Reels? A Definitive Guide

• Mark G. Ruf
• 09 May 2018
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Are you fond of fishing? Then you must own fishing reels. But do you know how to maintain its cleanliness? Fishing reels get dirty each time you use it, whether we use it in freshwater or saltwater. They lose their productivity if you do not clean fishing reels regularly. Besides, to preserve its durability we must clean fishing reels every time we use it. You might need a guide to do so. So, here we are to help you learn how to clean reels.

Do not wash it directly with a hose rather follow some adequate steps. We have attached few steps that you can consider for cleaning. These are:

Step 1: Cleaning with soap and water

The first thing to do is tightening the drag on the reel and damping it with warm water and soap with the help of sponge. Do not soak or wash it in water under high pressure because this will damage gearing and drag system. Now, clean it with fresh water and let it dry after wiping the reel.

Step 2: Cleaning the spool

You can also wash the spool if you want. You need to remove it first, wash it from under the spool and the top of the reel rotor and then all the salt and impurities will be washed from it.

Step 3: Wiping the reel

Afterwards, to finish by wiping the reel with a cloth that already has lubricant protectant sprayed on it. You can wipe them to dry, spray the reel using WD40-type surface spray and try to keep it away from the line for further reaction.

 Step 4: Cleaning the underside of the spool

In order to clean the underside of the spool, undo the drag knob and slide the spool off the reel. Before replacing the spool and drag knob, you can grease the main shaft for better performance. You should keep the drag knob loose to prevent pressure of the drag washers when the reel is not being used. Lastly, use high grade reel oil to lightly oil the line rollers, bail arm springs, folding handle and handle knobs and wipe it, if it seems extra. This is called greasing and it prevents corrosion. You can also use furniture polish lemon pledge to get a polished look and prevent corrosion.

Maintaining rod

It is also required to clean the rod. Just wash the rod with clean water and be careful with the guides. Clean the grips with warm and soap water. You can also use the same grease on rod. After cleaning, check the guides and damaged guides should be changed as soon as possible.

You should give your fishing reel a full service minimum once in 12 or more months or when your reel gets drenched in water.  It means before soaking it in the mineral turps you should totally break all the parts. Keep in mind to clean fishing reels using fresh water always and dry them naturally. You should also ensure that the gears and ball bearings are in a sound condition.  Last but not the least, avoid using too much grease.

You must have understood by now how to clean fishing reels and it will never fail to provide the service it has committed to provide. It is more important to maintain a product than to just buy and use it and this expression is a must when it comes to fishing.

Enjoy a happy fishing!