How To Clean A Baitcaster Reel
Welcome to the ultimate guide on how to clean your baitcaster! If you’re an experienced angler, you know that maintaining your fishing gear is necessary for long-term performance. But the thought of cleaning a baitcaster might seem uneasy to some. Don’t worry. It’s not as difficult as it looks.
People find it difficult to clean and maintain a baitcaster, but it’s easier with the right tools and direction than you think. In this article, we will guide you on how to clean a baitcaster reel.
Also Read: How To Setup A Baitcaster | Step By Step Guide
Necessary Equipment
To get started, you need a couple of things on hand. You’ll need paper towels, a clean work surface (an upside-down plastic storage lid works wonders), a mini screwdriver set, a Reel Kit, a clean old toothbrush (or a new one if you’re fancy like that), and swabs. It is a must to note that you should not use Q-tip as it has fiber that can jam your reel.
Once you have all the supplies ready, it’s time to work. You should have a clean work surface to avoid losing moving parts during the cleaning process. Put a clean paper towel on your work surface to keep things organized.
Have the schematic for your reel on standby to make the process easier. If you don’t have the paper version that came with your reel, you can quickly Google it.
In short, cleaning fishing reels doesn’t have to be a difficult task. You can clean and maintain your reel in minutes with the right tools and knowledge.
How to clean a baitcaster reel | Step-By-Step Guide
If you love fishing and use baitcasting reels, keeping them clean and well-maintained is important. Here is a step-by-step process for cleaning your baitcaster reel like a pro!
Step 1: Get the necessary materials
You’ll need a soft cloth or paper towel, cotton swabs, fishing reel oil, and a small brush to apply grease. You can find these materials at a fishing supply store or online.
Step 2. Clean The Reel’s External Parts
Once you have prepared all these items, you cannot get into your reel. The outer surfaces must also be considered. The cloth can be cleaned by removing a cotton cloth. Place a clean cloth underneath it and remove any salt and dirt. If you can’t access the reels in certain areas, use your toothbrush to clean off the impurities in the reel. Be sure to get into all the small corners.
Step 3: Clean small details
Use cotton swabs to clean the level wind, line spool, spool shaft, and spool tension adjustment. Open the spool tension adjustment to clean any water inside.
Step 4: Open the brake and remove the spool
It is normally necessary to remove this spool by unscrewing the cover plate. It should be relatively easy to do. Most covers can be flipped clockwise, and they can be freed and removed as well. However, you may find some reels, e.g., Spincasts, where the holder must be removed clockwise, or the drag system must be tightened before removal. Use tape to fix the lines to prevent them from coming out.
Step 5: Clean internal components
Remove all internal components and clean them thoroughly with a damp cloth or cotton swab. Wipe off all the water to prevent rust.
Step 6: Add a little oil
Apply a drop of fishing reel maintenance oil to all the joints with rotation, such as bearings, spools, and handles. Gently rotate them to ensure the oil spreads evenly.
Step 7: Add a dab of grease
Apply a small stroke of grease to areas like inside the reel cover and the line guide gears to keep things running smoothly.
Step 8: Dirty Reels Corrode Much Faster
Having corroded substances like fish feces and salt water that is not rinsed regularly can cause exponential corrosion. It makes this reel useless for functions.
Always remember that a well-maintained reel is a necessity for efficient casting. Here are some additional tips to help maintain your baitcasting reel with proper care:
Cleaning Tips for Different Types of Reels
With a large selection of reel types and sizes, you should understand the proper cleaning process for your specific reel. The cleaning process is the same for any fishing reel. Cleaning is quite different.
Following these steps and tips will help keep fishing lines and your baitcasting reel in good condition for your next fishing adventure!
Taking care of your fishing reels is important if you want them to last for years. Even the best reels can wear down if not properly maintained. Here are some tips to help you keep your baitcasting reels in top condition:
A Little TLC Will Extend the Life of Your Reels
Baitcasters today are built to endure the toughest fishing environments, but regular maintenance is necessary to ensure that your investment in these expensive reels lasts for years. Simply spraying off or dipping the reels in fresh water can drive grit and contaminants deeper into their workings.
Instead, it is best to wipe down the reels after each fishing trip and follow these step-by-step instructions for more thorough cleaning.
Careful attention is necessary while opening the cases, as springs, screws, and internal parts can pop off and roll away. Each of these pieces is required for proper operation.
Drags
One of the most neglected components in a reel is its drag system, which can be the difference between catching a big fish and losing it.
Adjust your reels’ drags after every trip to avoid sticking. When the system is tightened, the drag washer squeezes out oil, so releasing the star drag allows grease to reabsorb.
It is advised to remove the drag oil from the casing, wipe it off, and replace it with a fresh dab of Teflon-based drag grease at least once a year (or twice a year for those who fish in brackish or saltwater settings). Use a flat-head screwdriver to scrape off any visible glazing before applying grease.
Anti-Reverse Bearing
Never oil this bearing, as it can cause problems. If you experience issues with this bearing, it is time to turn your spinning reel over to a professional.
Bearings
Modern bearings require little maintenance, but if your reel sticks, it is likely due to a bearing issue. The only two bearings that could have problems are the spool and pinion bearings found at each end of the reel’s spool well. Simply remove the side plate, and clean each bearing with an alcohol-soaked Q-tip. Close the reel after applying one drop of oil to each bearing.
Pawl/Worm Gear
Disassembling this part of the reel is not recommended as it is challenging to reassemble. Instead, use some Simple Green solvent and a toothbrush to clean it. Dry it off with a Q-tip and add a drop of oil.
More Tips on Maintaining Your Baitcasting Reel
Maintaining a baitcaster or favorite reel is just as important as cleaning it. Rinse your reel with fresh water after each use and allow it to dry completely before storing it.
Reel oil should be applied to the bearings, and grease should be applied to the gears to clean the reel. The spool and handle should also be removed to clean the entire reel well.
Reassemble the reel, ensuring all components are stable and properly positioned for operation. Regular cleaning and maintenance are crucial to prolong the life and improve the performance of your baitcasting reel. If you cannot afford regular professional cleaning, you can do it at home by following these procedures and tips or buy a best baitcaster reel which doesn’t require too much maintenance.