How to clean baitcasting reels
It can seem like a lot of effort cleaning baitcasting reels after each fishing trip. However, many faults that occur can often be blamed on the fact that it has corroded as it was not maintained correctly. It may not even be a fault and instead merely underperforms compared to its brand new state. This is an anglers most frustrating problem. Even more so if it is one of their favourite baitcasting reels that has been affected.
On any fishing trip, though, you should make sure you clean all of your kit, and the most important is probably your fishing reel. A good reel should last you for a long time due to the quality construction, however, like any mechanical device it also needs to be looked after.
There are however, a few things you can do in order to keep your reel in tip-top shape.
After you have removed the reel from the rod, you will need to take the handle off - these usually have a reverse locking system so you just need to unwind it. Next, with a damp cloth, wipe over the visible areas of the reel. When you do so, be sure that you use clean water and especially not salt water as this will corrode inside.
Depending on the reel you have you will then need to remove the sideplate. Depending on your reel, some will unclip, unwind or perhaps even unscrew. If in doubt, check the manual. To clean the inside of the reel, remove any dirt with a swab and be sure to get out any other debris. Once in a while, you should also use some grease or other lubrication on the bearings and gears as this will help to keep them fresh and working as new. Once you are done it is safe to put the reel back together again.
You should finally give the handle a good wash as this is likely to have water, bait and all other dirt over it. In most cases, a rinse with water will be fine but if it is very mucky then wash it when you get in with soapy water.
As you can see, if doesnt take much to look after a reel, and if you do you will keep it performing like it did when you first got it. The next time a reel plays up in the middle of your retrieve then perhaps its time to start looking at your maintenance routine. Fishing reels, especially some baitcasting reels, are not cheap, so look after them.
On any fishing trip, though, you should make sure you clean all of your kit, and the most important is probably your fishing reel. A good reel should last you for a long time due to the quality construction, however, like any mechanical device it also needs to be looked after.
There are however, a few things you can do in order to keep your reel in tip-top shape.
After you have removed the reel from the rod, you will need to take the handle off - these usually have a reverse locking system so you just need to unwind it. Next, with a damp cloth, wipe over the visible areas of the reel. When you do so, be sure that you use clean water and especially not salt water as this will corrode inside.
Depending on the reel you have you will then need to remove the sideplate. Depending on your reel, some will unclip, unwind or perhaps even unscrew. If in doubt, check the manual. To clean the inside of the reel, remove any dirt with a swab and be sure to get out any other debris. Once in a while, you should also use some grease or other lubrication on the bearings and gears as this will help to keep them fresh and working as new. Once you are done it is safe to put the reel back together again.
You should finally give the handle a good wash as this is likely to have water, bait and all other dirt over it. In most cases, a rinse with water will be fine but if it is very mucky then wash it when you get in with soapy water.
As you can see, if doesnt take much to look after a reel, and if you do you will keep it performing like it did when you first got it. The next time a reel plays up in the middle of your retrieve then perhaps its time to start looking at your maintenance routine. Fishing reels, especially some baitcasting reels, are not cheap, so look after them.