Fishing Reel Tips and General Maintenance

by Bob Sirois

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Fishing Reel Tips

Spinning Reel Maintenance

Casting Reel Maintenance

General Tackle Maintenance

FISHING REEL TIPS

Spooling Braid Lines	Today's superlines can slip on a spool if not properly fastened. To avoid slip, use monofilament backing before spooling on the braid. Connect the braid to the mono with a double Uni knot.
Casting Distance	Make sure your reels are filled until the line is approximately 1/16 inch from the top edge of the spool to get the most casting distance.
Storing Reels	After a fishing trip or before storing your reel for an extended period of time, be sure to back off the drag. This relieves pressure on the drag washers and will extend their life.
Casting Reel Performance	For the best casting performance, your baitcast reel's mechanical brake must be adjusted according to the weight of the lure you are casting. This brake adjustment is usually located on the side-plate under the handle. Depress the free spool button so that the lure descends slowly to the ground and stops without any spool overrun. If the lure falls too quickly or slowly, adjust the brake knob accordingly. In windy conditions you might have to adjust the brake slightly tighter.
Drag Tension	If you tackle large powerful fish capable of long line stripping runs, remember the decreasing diameter of the line left on the spool can actually increase drag tension. You may need to back off the drag or start with a lighter drag setting.
Keep Your Line Cost Down	Pick up some inexpensive line for backing on spinning and casting reels, unless they are small capacity spools to begin with. Fill a new spool with an appropriate amount of backing, using the inexpensive line. Use a blood knot for mono to mono, or a double Uni knot for mone to braid connections and spool on only the amount of line needed.
Dealing With Line Twist	Line twist and spinning reels go hand in hand. Keep it to a minimum by occassionally cutting off the lure and letting out a 100 yards of line behind the boat. This will take out most of the line twist and get you through the rest of the day.

SPINNING REEL MAINTENANCE TIPS

Basic maintenance	Keeping your reel cleaned and maintained will dramatically increase it's life expectancy. Most reels are designed to be fished in fresh or saltwater, however if the reel is not maintained and salt is allowed to sit on the reel, corrosion and early failure may result. Regular maintenance will add years to the life of your reel.
Tools	(1) Small screwdriver set (2) Q-tips (3) Good quality reel oil (4) Towels or rags (5) Schematics of the reel
Spool & Rotor	Remove the drag knob, then remove the spool by pulling it off. Use a cotton swab or lint free rag and remove any grease, oil, or debris from the underside of the spool, and the spool shaft. Place one drop of oil on the ball bearing, and one drop at the base of the spool shaft. Lay your parts out in the same order you removed them, so you can re-install them in the same order.
Body & Handle	Remove the handle. Clean it completely with a lint free rag. Then, remove any grease, oil, or debris from both exposed side of the body. Place one drop of oil in each side of the reel between the body and the exposed gear to lubricate the ball bearings. Wipe of any excess grease, oil or dirt that may have accumulated on the exterior of the reel. After re-assembly wipe the body exterior down with a light film of oil or WD40.
Gear Maintenance	At least once a year remove the gear cover from the side of the body. Inspect the gears, anti-reverse and other internal components for wear. Any parts that appear in need of replacement should be installed by a qualified reel maintenance shop, unless your qualified. If the grease is in good shape place a thin film of oil around the edge of the cover and re-install.

CASTING REEL MAINTENANCE TIPS

Basic maintenance	Keeping your reel cleaned and maintained will dramatically increase it's life expectancy. Most reels are designed to be fished in fresh or saltwater, however if the reel is not maintained and salt is allowed to sit on the reel, corrosion and early failure may result. Regular maintenance will add years to the life of your reel.
Tools	(1) small phillips & flathead screwdrivers (2) Q-tips (3) good quality reel oil & grease (4) towels or rags (5) schematics of the reel (7) adjustable wrench or socket set
Remove Side Plate	Remove the right side plate by loosening the thumbscrews. Remove the spool from the frame. You should now have three separate pieces of the reel (side plate assembly, spool assembly and frame).
Frame	Use a lint free rag with a light coat of lubricant or synthetic protectant to remove any dirt or residues from the frame (use a Q-tip for tight areas). Use a Q-tip with a couple of drops of oil, to clean any dirt or debris from the brass raceway inside the frame. After the raceway is cleaned, put a light film of oil on the raceway. Use a Q-tip to remove any excess oil or grease from the ball bearing, then put a small drop of oil on the bearing. If needed, remove the bearing retainer and replace bearing. Remove any excess oil from the level wind/worm shaft assembly, then apply three drops of oil to the worm shaft, one drop in the center and one on each end of the gear
Spool Assembly	Clean any dirt/residue from the spool and shaft. If grease and oil is not removed from the shaft, it will cause a considerable loss of the free spool. Clean any brake residues (black powder) from brake weights. If needed, replace the brake weights if worn.
Side Plate Assembly	Clean any dirt/residues from the side plate assembly. Remove handle, star drag and side plate assembly. After removing the side plate, remove the drag washers and drive gear from the shaft. Don't forget to lay them out in the order removed, so they can be re-assembled in the same order. Lubricate drag washers with grease by rubbing the grease into the drag washers, however keep in mind some manufacturers recommend their drag washers operate "dry". Replace washers if worn or damaged. If the washer is full of oil, worn to a shiny finish, frayed, or stuck to the drive gear or metal washer, then it should be replaced. Lubricate drive gear with a 'small' amount of grease, don't go heavy as it will affect the reels performance. Reassemble the side plate assembly. Then remove the cast control cap and clean any excess oil or grease that is under the cap or bearing. Replace bearing if worn or damaged. Put one small drop of oil on the spool tension spacer (copper shim), then reassemble. Reassemble the side plate assembly, spool assembly and frame (make sure the thumb bar is in the upward position when attaching the side plate to the frame). Wipe off any excess grease or oil that may have accumulated.

GENERAL TACKLE MAINTENANCE

Don't Forget The Tackle	Often overlooked tackle maintenance is just as important as properly maintained rods and reels.
Salt Waterfishing	After your trip gently (don't use a powerful stream) rinse off your rods and reels. If it's been an extended trip apply a soapy solution of Simple Green, Dawn or equivalent cleaner to help remove dried on scales, dirt and salt. Use a soft cloth to clean your rods, not an abrasive scrub cloth or sponge. Dry or let your reels drip dry and then apply a coating of protective oil or WD-40.
Rod Check	Periodically inspect your rod guides for any nicks or cuts that could damage or fray your line. A pair of women's stockings run througth the guides is a good way to check for unseen damage. Don't forget to store your rods vertically in a rod holder or hang them horizontally in a cool dry location. Avoid leaning them against walls, which might cause them to bend or warp.
Inspect Your Line	Periodically inspect your line for fraying or nicks. It's a good idea to cut off a few feet before each trip to insure the line is in good condition.
Hook Maintenance	At the beginning, and periodically throughout the season, it's a good idea to inspect, sharpen and replace worn or rusted hooks. Nothing is more important to successful hookups, than good quality sharp hooks. Lightly drag a hook point across your fingernail and if it doesn't catch on the nail, it's time to give it a good sharpening.

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