Chark,

Do you offer a course in reel maintenance? If not, do you know where such a course is offered? What should I expect to pay for tuition?

How about books? Do sell books on the subject?

We're acquiring an array of offshore reels, Penn and Daiwa exclusively, but they're of different model. We'd like to learn basic maintenance to get us through the end of seasons when we can then get them to professionals for thorough maintenance.


Thanks,

Tom

Hi Tom, I wish I knew of such a source of info. Folks here have learned repair by watching others and being guided through the process. It's also a heck of a lot easier to work on two of the same model reel (as far as putting them back together...) than only one. Several years ago I did post a brief article, but I can't promise it's too good...

Tommy,

There really isn't a whole lot to "operator" maintenance for fishing reels. Here are a couple of things to do that will make problems that might occur down the road easy.

1. Before you use a reel. Remove each sideplate screw and grease the threads. This will inhibit corrosion from starting and if there is a problem down the road, you'll be able to remove the reel's sideplates easily. I'll also remove the sideplates and put a fine coat of grease along the edge to help keep salt water out.

2. After a day's use. Engage/tighten the reel's drag to prevent water from getting to the drag washers. Gentley spray the reel down with fresh water using a mist spray. With a mild detergent and warm water, wash the reel and rinse -- again with a gentle mist. Wipe the reel dry and then wipe with a cloth with a corrosion inhibitor like Corrosion X or Reel X. Don't use WD-40, it's a solvent. Once you're done, back the reel's drag off.

3. If you've been fishing particularly hard, after doing #2, remove the sideplates and for saltwater intrusion and grease contamination. If you find it, you can clean it off with alcohol and re-grease.

The lubricant's I use are:

1. Penn's reel grease for the screw threads.

2. Shimano or Cal's drag grease for drag washers.

3. Shimano's fine machine oil for general lubrication.

I'm sure there are some other tips folks will chime in with.

Good luck,

Tom