How to clean baitcasters

It can be a labourious task to clean a Fishing Reel and ensure that you maintain it after each trip. However, many faults that occur can often be blamed on the fact that it has corroded as it was not maintained correctly. It may not even be a fault and instead merely underperforms compared to its brand new state. This is an anglers most frustrating problem. Even more so if it is one of their favourite Baitcasting Reels that has been affected. 

Preparing your Fishing Trip however should incorporate a full cleanse of your tackle and equipment, and the most important is probably your fishing reel. A good reel should last you for a long time due to the quality construction, however, like any mechanical device it also needs to be looked after.

There are however, a few things you can do in order to keep your reel in tip-top shape.

After you have removed the Reel From the rod, you will need to take the handle off - In most cases, just unwind the handle as they have a reverse locking system. Next, with a damp cloth, wipe over the visible areas of the reel. When you do so, be sure that you use clean water and especially not Salt Water as this will corrode inside.

Next, you will need to remove the sideplate. Some of them unclip, or unwind while others are screwed in place - you should consult the manual if you are unsure. To clean the inside of the reel, remove any dirt with a swab and be sure to get out any other debris. Apply some bearing grease, or WD40 to the bearings and gears while you are inside as well to keep them fresh as this is one of the main causes of reel failure. When you have done this part, put the sideplate back on.

You should finally give the handle a good wash as this is likely to have water, bait and all other dirt over it. In most cases, a rinse with water will be fine but if it is very mucky then wash it when you get in with soapy water.

As you can see, if doesnt take much to look after a reel, and if you do you will keep it performing like it did when you first got it. The next time a reel plays up in the middle of your retrieve then perhaps its time to start looking at your maintenance routine. Fishing Reels, especially some baitcasting reels, are not cheap, so look after them.