Fishing is a great way to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it can be frustrating if your gear isn’t working properly. One of the most important pieces of equipment for any fisherman is their reel, and if it’s not maintained properly, it can quickly become unusable. In this article, we will show you how to clean and lube a fishing reel so that you can keep your gear in top condition and avoid any costly repairs. We’ll also give you some tips on how to prevent future problems so that you can keep fishing for years to come.
Tools You’ll Need
Assuming you have a basic understanding of your fishing reel and how it works, cleaning and lubing it is a fairly simple process that can be done at home with just a few tools. Here’s what you’ll need:
- A mild dish soap
- A soft cloth or sponge
- A toothbrush (optional)
- Lubricant (I prefer WD-40)
- A clean, dry rag
Start by disassembling your reel as much as possible. Refer to your owner’s manual if you’re not sure how to do this. Once the reel is disassembled, wash all of the parts in warm, soapy water. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies, using the toothbrush if necessary. Rinse the parts well and allow them to air dry completely.
Once the parts are dry, start reassembling the reel, being sure to apply a light layer of lubricant to all moving parts as you go. Once the reel is fully assembled, give it a quick blast of WD-40 (or your preferred lubricant) and wipe away any excess with the clean, dry rag.
Take the Reel Apart
Start by taking the reel apart and removing all of the parts. Inspect each part for wear and tear, and clean them with a soft cloth or brush as needed. Be sure to pay close attention to the gears, as they can be especially prone to build-up. Once all of the parts are clean, lightly lubricate them with oil or grease before reassembling the reel.
Cleaning the Reel
Cleaning the reel is a very important part of maintaining your fishing reel. You should clean your reel after every use, or at least once a month. To clean the reel, you will need:
- A soft cloth
- Warm water
- Mild dish soap
- A toothbrush (optional)
- Lubricant (optional)
- Begin by unspooling all of the line from your reel. This will make cleaning much easier and prevent line tangles
- Use the soft cloth to wipe down the exterior of the reel, removing any dirt or debris.
- Next, mix some warm water with mild dish soap and use this solution to clean the interior parts of the reel, including the gears, spool, and bail arm. A toothbrush can be helpful for getting into small crevices.
- Once everything is clean, dry off all of the parts with a clean towel or let them air dry before reassembling.
- If desired, you can lubricate the gears and other moving parts with a light oil before putting everything back together again.
Lubricating the Reel
Lubricating the reel is a very important part of keeping it in good condition. You will need to lubricate the parts that come into contact with the line as well as the gears. A good quality lubricant will help to reduce friction and wear, and will also protect against corrosion.
Putting the Reel Back Together
Once you have taken your fishing reel apart and cleaned all of the parts, it is time to put it back together. This process is relatively simple, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
First, make sure that all of the parts are dry before you start to reassemble the reel. Any residual moisture could cause corrosion or other damage.
Next, consult your owner’s manual or the diagrams that came with your reel kit to ensure that you are putting everything back in the correct order.
Once everything is in place, begin screwing the various pieces back together. Be careful not to over-tighten any screws, as this could strip the threads or damage the parts.
Finally, once the reel is fully assembled, lubricate all of the moving parts with a light oil. This will help keep everything running smoothly and prevent corrosion.
Maintaining Your Fishing Reel
A fishing reel is a complex piece of machinery, and it needs to be maintained in order to function properly. There are a few different things that you need to do in order to keep your fishing reel in good shape.
First, you need to make sure that you regularly clean the reel. This means taking it apart and cleaning all of the parts with soapy water. You also need to oil the parts that move, such as the gears.
Second, you need to inspect the reel for any damage. If you see any cracks or other damage, you need to replace the part.
Third, you need to lube the reel with a quality fishing reel lubricant. This will help keep the moving parts working smoothly and prevent rusting.
Fourth, you need to store the reel properly when you’re not using it. This means keeping it in a dry place where it won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures or humidity.
By following these simple steps, you can keep your fishing reel in good condition and ensure that it works properly when you need it.