Spinning Reels Maintenance - How To Clean Spinning Reels Properly

Learning how to take spinning reels maintenance seriously with the comprehensive guide below. Keep reading to see what our professional anglers have to share!

Finding a suitable spinning reel for your fishing purposes is merely the first step when you decide to enter this hobby. If you want your tackle box to work flawlessly within the next few years, you will have to pay particular attention to spinning reels maintenance. 

Check the article below to see the most detailed instructions on how to keep your reels as fresh as new!

Basic Spinning Reel Maintenance Tips

Understanding spinning reels means you have to know when to take basic care of them. Since spinning reels do not need excessive cleaning or decluttering, all you have to do is follow these simple tips so that your reels always stay in top condition.

Clean the external layers of the reel

Dust, rainwater, and other factors can tamper with the outside layers of your reel. If you think it gets slightly rusty, use a piece of soft cloth to wipe out the dirt. Feel free to add a bit of misty water so that removing clogs will be easier. 

Remember, you have to be particularly gentle with how you clean the exterior of the reel. Should you be too forceful in your movements, the dust can end up getting caught inside the reel.

Loosen the drag

After each fishing trip, the drag washers will be heavily pressurized. Hence, loosening them is highly recommended. Not only will you take off the prolonged pressure, but you can also keep your drag in its optimal condition by not getting stuck.

Respool the reel

There is no definitive frequency on how often you should respool the reel. That being said, it is wise to check how much fishing line you have used and how much you have left. 

Being prepared beforehand prevents you from the awkward situation when a fish takes the bite and yanks all of your fishing line out.

Keep your reel intact

Many anglers make the rookie mistake of opening up their reels and checking the interior. The build quality of a spinning reel tends to be trickier and more complex than the average expertise of a fisherman, making it highly difficult to re-assemble the reel. 

Try not to take your reel apart unless you absolutely have to. And in case you do, prepare a manual or ask a professional for advice should things go south.

How Do You Clean A Spinning Reel?

Cleaning a spinning reel is simple if you follow the instructions below.

Step 1: Use a spray bottle of water. Give your reel a quick spray, so the misty water softens the clogged dirt and salt. Remove the visible stains using a clean cloth.

Step 2: Remove the reel’s spool from its position. Debris, salt, and sand might get caught inside your spool. Shake the spool so that all of these unwanted materials can fall out.

Step 3: Lubricate the spool and make sure the oil is spread evenly. Next up, reattach the spool to the shaft. 

Step 4: Remove the reel’s handle. Similar to the spool, a lot of garbage can end up accumulating in the handle. Use a damp cloth to get rid of them. Then, apply a few drops of oil to grease the handle before inserting it back to the reel.

Step 5: Remove both the bail arm and the bail roller from the reel’s motor. Use a Clenzoil-soaked piece of cloth to clean up both of them before reassembling.

What can you use to clean your spinning reel?

There are several spinning reel maintenance kits available for purchase if you are willing to spend a few extra bucks. For those who wish to do things on your own, you will need the following items.

●     Multiple pieces of a soft cloth.

●     A spray bottle of water.

●     A few screwdrivers for removing the reel’s body parts.

●     A few cotton swabs. 

●     A bottle of Clenzoil.

●     A bottle of lubricating oil.

●     A roll of paper towel.

Can you use WD40 on spinning reels?

WD40 is a water displacement substance. As the material can cause dryness, most fishermen do not fancy using it on their spinning reels. If you happen to dip your reel into a bowl of WD40, chances are it will stop functioning properly due to the lack of grease.

How to clean a spinning reel after saltwater use?

Cleaning a spinning reel after saltwater use is pretty much the same as the basic cleaning instructions. The only difference is that sometimes you have to open up the entire reel for better cleansing.

How Do You Lubricate A Spinning Reel?

There are two important factors that you must pay attention to when lubricating a spinning reel, namely amount and location. There is no need to use more than a few drops of oil for each body part. 

You also have to take notice of where you are greasing, including the handle, spool shaft, and ball bearings.

What oil can you use on spinning reels?

The best type of oil used on spinning reels should be thin, light, and slightly watery. Cooking oils such as olive or veggie oil will not suffice here. And remember to stay away from machine oil also, as it is too thick for the reel to cast and retrieve smoothly.

How often should you oil your spinning reel?

Are you an active angler? If yes, try to lubricate your spinning reel once every three fishing trips. But if you are in a stage of dormancy, monthly lubrication will do the job.

Conclusion

Spinning reels maintenance is not as difficult as it sounds. As long as you have the proper cleaning tools, ensuring your reels are in their best shapes is a piece of cake. If you find this guideline helpful, do not forget to share it with other anglers!

Guest Contributor: Logan Nguyen