Maintaining your fishing reel is essential if you want to prolong its lifespan and keep it functioning correctly.
Reel Service
It's generally recommended that your fishing reel be serviced at least once a year. However, if you use your reel frequently or in salt water, you may need to have it serviced more often.
When to Take Your Reel In
- The drag isn't working correctly: if your drag stops clicking, it can be a real problem. It's possible that the gear on the shaft has broken, worn drag washers, or other hard fault issues that will require professional repair.
- The reel is locked up: The most common causes are corrosion, poorly aligned gears, broken internals, or loose parts jamming rotation. In most cases, you can fix the problem yourself with a bit of time and patience. However, if the problem is more serious, it's best to take the reel to a professional for service.
- There is rust on the reel: Rust is the enemy of any fisherman. If left unchecked, it will degrade the reel and make it unusable. This is why it's essential to regularly inspect your reel for any signs of rust. If you catch it early, a simple cleaning with a brush can usually remove the rust and prevent it from spreading. However, if the rust is allowed to spread, it will eventually eat through the metal, rendering the reel unusable. A maintainer can do a deeper clean if you think it has gone too far.
- The gears are making grinding or whining noises: Fishing reels make noise. Some of these noises let us know that the reel is working correctly, like the scream of the drag when you've hooked a big fish. However, unnatural noises may be signs of a much bigger problem. If your fishing reel starts making strange noises, it's essential to look closely at it to see what might be causing the problem. In some cases, the problem may be something as simple as a loose screw or piece of grit in the gears. However, if the noise comes from the bearings or spool, it could signal severe damage requiring professional repair.
If you notice any of these issues, it's time to take your reel in for service. You can either take it to a professional or do it yourself, although we recommend leaving it to the professionals unless you're confident in your abilities.
Final Word
Keeping your fishing reel well-maintained is essential if you want it to last. We've covered everything you need to know about when to take your fishing reel for maintenance services.
Remember, if you use your reel frequently or in salt water, you may need to have it serviced more often. And if you notice any of these issues, it may be time to take your reel in. A great place to take your reel in for service if you live in the Tampa area is the Southeastern Fishing Tackle shop; check us out or call us today!
