Fly Reels: How to Care for Them
Filed under: Adventures — admin @ 1:25 pm
Reel Maintenance Instructions
Saltwater is highly corrosive and damage to your reel will likely result if precautions are not taken to remove salt residue at the end of each day. We can not overemphasize the importance of daily rinsing and flushing when our reels are used on saltwater!
The entire reel should be submersed in warm fresh water and agitated to remove loose sand and debris. Warm water helps dissolve the salt. While holding the reel under water, strip approximately 30 feet of line from the reel. After winding the line back on the reel, remove the spool by loosening the knurled cap located on the handle side of the reel. Separate the spool from the frame by pulling apart. Thoroughly flush the exposed surfaces of the reel including the spool bearings. Avoid using high pressure spray, because this could force debris into unwanted areas, especially in the reverse clutch mechanism. Shake off excess water and let dry before reassembling.
Reels should not be soaked in water for long periods of time. Salt residue will not dissolve from tightly wound backing. At the end of a trip, line and backing should be completely stripped from the reel and soaked and cleaned separately. Also, prolonged soaking can distort the cork material and result in an uneven drag.
Cleaning and Lubricating your Fly Reel
In addition to routine flushing, your reel will benefit from a thorough cleaning and lubrication. This should be performed after every saltwater trip and also periodically, depending on use. It is also a good idea to clean and lubricate prior to long-term storage of the reel.