How to Clean a Bait Casting Reel

Have you ever pulled up to the first stop of the day on your long awaited trip to the coast, heave back and load the rod for the first cast of the day, and have the lure land 10 feet in front of you? Then, to make matters worse, you feel like a local coffee barista grinding fresh beans for the day as you reel in a squeaking and coughing line. If you are like most anglers, you have. We all get caught up cleaning fish and exchanging tales when we get back to the dock. We do our fresh water spray down on the rods and reels as we clean the boat and remind ourselves to do a ‘deep’ cleaning when we get home where wife, kids, and business calls quickly force reel maintenance out of our mind. Avoid these by problems by reading on to learn how to clean a bait casting reel.

Things You'll Need

• Reel
• Reel manufacturer recommended lube
• Small adjustable wrench
• Phillips screwdriver
• Standard screwdriver
• Small container (for parts)
• Soap and water

Instructions

1. 

   Completely disassemble reel per manufacturer's instructions. As you disassemble the reel, clean any excess grease, mud, sand and grime from the moving parts. When you remove the reel handle pay special attention to grass or line that may have wound around the reel handle spindle.

2. Place all parts in a bucket of warm soapy water for at least an hour.

3. Remove all your parts and dry them carefully and completely. Place them on a white towel or background so you can easily see them.

4. 

   Start with the reel casing and lube each moving part with the manufactures recommended lubricant. Hit the wind guide heavy with lube and drop a number of drops into the exposed reel gearing left by the barrel brake.

5. Replace the barrel brake and spring. Use a light lube to doctor the threads on the fitting and protect the brake adjustment from stripping or freezing in the future.

6. 

   Reassemble the reel handle. Add a small amount of manufacturer recommended grease between the drag knob and the washers. Also, do not be afraid to douse the area in a deep lube bathe. This is one part of the reel that will receive the most abuse and will determine the success or failure of landing a big fish—so pay attention.

7. 

   Take the line spindle and wipe thoroughly with your already greasy rag. Add a few more drops of lubricant into the gear casing and insert the spindle.

8. 

   Clean the reel casing cover and add a healthy dose of lubricant to the spindle contact point and the clasp that locks the cover to the casing.

9. Wipe all exterior parts of your reel with a lubricated rag and then a dry clean rag. The reel should look like new at this point. Store your reel in a dry area without line.

10. The night before your trip, reline with your favorite braid or mono and have fun. When you get home, repeat Steps 1 through 10.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean your reel after each saltwater trip.

• After each daily use, rinse your rod and reel with a deep fresh water soaking.

• Make sure to use manufacturer recommended lube. Most reel manufactures will void your warranty if you use a non-recommended lube.

• Always file your warranty with the manufacture and keep a small file folder with all warranties.