Saltwater corrodes fishing reels faster than most anglers realize. A quick cleaning after each trip prevents expensive repairs and keeps your gear performing.
The 5-Minute Routine
Rinse your reel under lukewarm freshwater for 60 seconds. Avoid high pressure sprays that force salt into bearings. Let the drag loosened while rinsing to flush the drag stack.
Wipe the reel body with a damp cloth. Pay attention to the bail arm, line roller, and handle knob. These areas trap salt crystals that cause corrosion within days.
Weekly Maintenance
Apply one drop of reel oil to the line roller bearing weekly during heavy use. This single bearing fails most often on saltwater reels.
Back off drag pressure completely when storing reels. Compressed drag washers lose tension over time.
When to Service
Professional cleaning every 6-12 months extends reel life significantly. Most tackle shops charge $25-50 for basic service. Worth every penny for reels over $100.
Your reel is the most mechanical part of your setup. Treat it well and it performs for years.
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