How to Clean a Baitcasting Reel

Unless you keep your baitcasting reel locked in an airtight compartment, chances are it will get dirty. Dust and other particles have a knack for getting into every nook and cranny of a reel. Left unchecked, dirt can reduce its useful life. Take time after every fishing season to clean your baitcasting reel to improve its performance and increase the number of seasons you can use it.

Things You'll Need

• Cotton swab
• Rubbing alcohol
• Paper towel
• Phillips screwdriver
• Flathead screwdriver

Instructions

How to Clean a Baitcasting Reel

1. Remove the spool assembly from the reel. On many reels, this is done by turning counter-clockwise the dial opposite the handle. Otherwise, look for screws that connect the side of the reel to the main reel body. Loosen those screws and remove the side of the reel to access the spool assembly.

2. Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol. Clean all surfaces that are dirty. Pay special attention to the pinion gear. This is the area that holds the shaft of the spool.

3. Clean all parts of the spool assembly, including the spool itself, with the cotton swab. If the swab gets dirty, dip another one in rubbing alcohol and use it.

4. Clean the inside part of the reel you took off after loosening the screws or dial.

5. Replace the spool assembly and the side of the reel you took off. Tighten the screws or dial.

6. Remove the handle assembly on the reel and clean it. Replace the handle.

7. Hold the reel in your hand with the bottom facing up. Clean it with the swab. Pay special attention to the levelwind system. This is the part of the reel that leads the line from the reel to the rod.

8. Drip some rubbing alcohol on a paper towel and clean the outside of the reel.

Tips & Warnings

• Cleaning your reel after each fishing season, or once a year, is sufficient.

• Take care not to lose any pieces of the reel as you disassemble it.