How to Maintain a Penn Spinning Reel

Penn 950SSm

The Penn Fishing Tackle Company has been producing quality fishing reels since 1932. To ensure the continued smooth operation and reliability of your reel, it needs regular maintenance. Penn Reels should be cleaned after each use to protect against the corrosive effects of saltwater. They also must be serviced annually by cleaning and lubricating the inside of the reel and replacing drag washers. Follow these steps to keep your reel in top condition and ready for action.

Things You'll Need

• Bucket
• Soapy Water
• Sponge / Cloth
• Reel Oil
• Reel Grease
• Phillips Screwdriver

Instructions

1. Use a sponge or soft cloth and warm, soapy water after every fishing trip to remove all dirt, fish slime, and salt deposits from your reel.

2. Rinse the soap from your reel with a fine mist, and allow time to dry.

3. Spray the exterior of the reel with a cleaner/lubricant, like Penn/X-1R Rod and Reel Cleaner or Salt Away.

4. At the end of each fishing season, replace drag washers and use Penn Synthetic Reel Oil to lubricate ball bearings, crankshafts, spool shafts, rotor pins, springs, and line rollers.

5. Apply a thin coat of Penn Reel Grease annually to main gear, crank gear, and bushings.

Tips & Warnings

• Tighten your drag before washing and rinsing to minimize the amount of water that gets into the drag system. Loosen your drag after drying so that carbon fiber drag washers retain their original thickness.

• Rinsing your Penn Reel with a high-pressure spray will drive dirt and salt into the reel, leaving it exposed to corrosion. Do not use WD40 on your reel. It removes grease and will leave your reel without lubrication.

References

• X-1R Penn Lubricant

Resources

• Salt Away