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I want to share some tips on how to keep your reels in tip-top performance this year.
Here are a couple easy tips that after two or three outings will become routine:
1) When finished fishing for the day I recommend taking a clean damp cloth and gently wipe down your reels. Many people ask if it's best to run a hose over their reels to completely clean them of salt or grime. I don't recommend this as most modern reels are not water tight. Blasting the reel with the hose will get water into the reel and will cause corrosion. Just a quick wipe from a damp cloth will do.
2) Oil the stainless bearings after each trip out. Some hybrid ceramics require less oiling so I recommend once every 2-3 trips. The bearings that need to be oiled regularly are the spool bearings. Refer to the reel owners manual or a reel schematic. Most schematics can be found on the manufacturers site.
3) Use a corrosion inhibitor specifically designed for fishing reels like Ardent Reel Kleen/Guard or Penn Rod & Reel Cleaner. I don't recommend using products like WD-40 as they are solvents and can counteract any proper oiling or lubing previously done to the reel. Solvents can dry out bearings, drag washers and possibly damage other sensitive parts. My advice is to use the WD-40 on the squeaky door but not the expensive reel.
4) Buy a reel cover. They are a cheap way to keep dust and other elements out of reels. Fishing line will last longer and reels won't dry out as fast.
5) For the average angler I'd recommend a full-maintenance on freshwater reels once a year and saltwater reels about every 8-10 months. If you fish several times a week these times can be significantly decreased.
By following those steps reels will last longer, require less repairs and provide consistently better performance.
Thanks and happy fishing!
Here are a couple easy tips that after two or three outings will become routine:
1) When finished fishing for the day I recommend taking a clean damp cloth and gently wipe down your reels. Many people ask if it's best to run a hose over their reels to completely clean them of salt or grime. I don't recommend this as most modern reels are not water tight. Blasting the reel with the hose will get water into the reel and will cause corrosion. Just a quick wipe from a damp cloth will do.
2) Oil the stainless bearings after each trip out. Some hybrid ceramics require less oiling so I recommend once every 2-3 trips. The bearings that need to be oiled regularly are the spool bearings. Refer to the reel owners manual or a reel schematic. Most schematics can be found on the manufacturers site.
3) Use a corrosion inhibitor specifically designed for fishing reels like Ardent Reel Kleen/Guard or Penn Rod & Reel Cleaner. I don't recommend using products like WD-40 as they are solvents and can counteract any proper oiling or lubing previously done to the reel. Solvents can dry out bearings, drag washers and possibly damage other sensitive parts. My advice is to use the WD-40 on the squeaky door but not the expensive reel.
4) Buy a reel cover. They are a cheap way to keep dust and other elements out of reels. Fishing line will last longer and reels won't dry out as fast.
5) For the average angler I'd recommend a full-maintenance on freshwater reels once a year and saltwater reels about every 8-10 months. If you fish several times a week these times can be significantly decreased.
By following those steps reels will last longer, require less repairs and provide consistently better performance.
Thanks and happy fishing!
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