Fishing is a great way to relax, have fun, and connect with nature. To make the most of your fishing experience, it's important to have a well-maintained fishing reel. A clean fishing reel makes sure smooth operation, enhances performance, and prolongs the life of your equipment. In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to clean a fishing reel like a pro.

What You Need to Know Before Cleaning Your Fishing Reel

Before diving into the cleaning process, there are a few things you need to consider:

Type of Fishing Reel: Different types of fishing reels require different cleaning methods. Be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific reel before cleaning.

Type of Salt or Freshwater: Saltwater can cause corrosion and damage to your fishing reel. If you often fish in saltwater, it's important to clean your reel more often.

Frequency of Use: The more you use your fishing reel, the more often it needs to be cleaned. It's a good idea to clean your reel after each use and to perform a thorough cleaning every few months.

Tools and Supplies Needed: To clean your fishing reel, you'll need a soft-bristled brush, mild detergent, microfiber cloth, lubricant, and silicone spray.

Preparing to Clean Your Fishing Reel

Before you start cleaning your fishing reel, you need to disassemble it. Here's how:

Remove the spool: Take the spool off the body of the reel.

Remove the handle: Take the handle off the body of the reel.

Detach the drag system: Disconnect the drag system from the body of the reel.

Once you've disassembled your reel, you can start cleaning the exterior of the reel. Rinse it with fresh water, then use a soft-bristled brush and mild detergent to scrub the body and handle. After cleaning, use a microfiber cloth to dry the exterior of the reel.

Next, you'll need to clean the interior of the reel. Rinse it with fresh water, then use a soft-bristled brush and mild detergent to scrub the body and handle. After cleaning, use a microfiber cloth to dry the interior of the reel.

Cleaning the Drag System

The drag system is an important component of your fishing reel that needs to be cleaned and lubricated regularly. To clean the drag system, remove any debris from the drag washers, and clean them with fresh water and mild detergent. After cleaning, be sure to dry the drag washers thoroughly.

To lubricate the drag system, apply a light lubricant to the drag washers. Reassemble the drag system and reattach it to the body of the reel.

Cleaning the Spool

To clean the spool, remove any debris from the line guide, and clean it with fresh water and mild detergent. After cleaning, be sure to dry the line guide thoroughly. To lubricate the line guide, apply a light lubricant to it, then reassemble the spool, and reattach it to the body of the reel.

Cleaning the Handle

To clean the handle, remove any debris from the handle and knob, and clean them with fresh water and mild detergent. After cleaning, be sure to dry the handle and knob thoroughly. To lubricate the handle and knob, apply a light lubricant to them, then reassemble the handle and reattach it to the body of the reel.

Reassembling Your Fishing Reel

Once you've finished cleaning and lubricating each component of your fishing reel, it's time to reassemble it. Here's how:

Reattach the handle: Put the handle back on the body of the reel and tighten any screws or bolts.

Reattach the drag system: Connect the drag system to the body of the reel and tighten any screws or bolts.

Reinstall the spool: Put the spool back on the body of the reel and tighten any screws or bolts.

Now that your fishing reel is reassembled, it's time to test it out. Give the handle a few turns to make sure it's operating smoothly. If you feel any resistance or if the handle is difficult to turn, disassemble the reel and check for any areas that may need additional lubrication.

Protecting Your Fishing Reel

After cleaning and lubricating your fishing reel, it's important to protect it from future damage. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:

Store it properly: Store your fishing reel in a dry place and keep it away from direct sunlight.

Use silicone spray: Apply silicone spray to the exterior of your fishing reel to protect it from moisture and corrosion.

Clean it after each use: Cleaning your fishing reel after each use will help prevent damage and prolong its life.

Conclusion

A clean and well-maintained fishing reel is essential for a successful fishing experience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can keep your fishing reel in top condition and make sure that it operates smoothly for years to come. Don't let a dirty or poorly maintained fishing reel ruin your fishing experience - clean and maintain your reel like a pro.