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When it comes to tackling big-game fish, your reel is your most important tool. Keeping your reels in peak working condition requires constant care, maintenance and, in some cases, reel tweaks. Proper care and modifications can not only extend the life span of your reels but also elevate their performance.
Consistent Maintenance
A fishing reel is a mechanism, and we all know that anything mechanical requires maintenance to continue functioning in top working order. The simplest and most important part of reel maintenance is regular cleaning. Salt water is harsh on fishing gear, causing corrosion and degradation over time. After every trip, you must thoroughly clean your reels.
First, rinse your reels with fresh water, using a gentle spray to remove salt and any dirt that could have built up. Do not use direct high-pressure sprays, as this will drive salt deeper into the reel. Then use a soft, linen-free cloth to wipe your reels dry immediately after rinsing. Air-drying allows the chance for airborne particles, whether salt or otherwise, to get into the reel. Lastly, apply corrosion-inhibiting sprays such as CorrosionX or Reel Magic. These sprays help create a protective barrier, preventing rust and corrosion while the reels are sitting in storage.
The line on your spool can also trap salt and create corrosion. Check your spool at least once annually. Many people use braided line for backing, which makes this necessary step more difficult. The easiest way to address a spool with braided backing is to first remove the line onto another reel or empty spool. Then check the original spool thoroughly, clean it, and respool the backing onto the reel.
You should service your reels annually. Keeping the internal components properly lubricated with grease and oil is critical. Pay close attention to the bearings, gear and pinion, and drag washers. If you send reels out for service, ask the provider to grease and oil all internal parts and to make sure the drag washers are clean and properly greased to spec. Anything that doesn’t look perfect should be replaced.
Improving Performance
For those looking to push their reels beyond factory settings, there are a few upgrades and tweaks available to improve function and performance. While proven brand-name reels are built to withstand the rigors of battling sport fish, there’s room for improvement with any mechanism out there.
One of the easiest and most notable upgrades you can do to a reel is replacing the standard stainless-steel bearings with ceramic hybrids. Ceramic bearings are lighter, smoother and more resistant to corrosion, which is extremely helpful in saltwater environments. They also reduce friction, allowing for a faster spool speed and faster feeds in free spool, longer casts and smoother line retrieval. Reels used for jigging or casting greatly benefit from this tweak.
Most stock handles leave a lot to be desired. Swapping them for custom handles with larger knobs, such as those from Gomexus or Jigging Master, improves grip and torque. This is especially useful for big-game reels where leverage is key to winning prolonged battles.
You can also change out your drag washers, which are typically felt or composite, to carbon-fiber options. Felt and composite washers have been known to wear out under heavy loads. Carbon-fiber drag washers have greater resistance to heat while providing smoother drag pressure and prolonged drag life. This upgrade is very important when targeting powerful species such as blue marlin, black marlin and large tunas.
Boosting Reel Life
There are some simple steps you can also take to assure you get the most life out of your reels and assure more working time between each service. Always be sure to properly store your reels in a cool, dry place with moderate ventilation. When possible, use reel covers or cases to protect them from dust or damage.
Always be sure to use the correct tools if you take them apart yourself. This goes for everything from a full reel disassembly to just removing them from your rod. Something as simple as using the correct-size screwdriver to remove the backing bolts goes a long way.
Lastly, be sure to use the proper reel for the task at hand. Overloading a reel beyond its intended capacity can lead to premature failure. I enjoy fishing light tackle for big game, so if you do this, make sure you are aware that your reels will need far more servicing than normal to keep them in optimal working order.
All In All
A reel that is not properly maintained will eventually fail on you—it’s just a matter of when. Investing time and energy into reel care and performance tweaks is one of the smartest moves you can make. Take pride in your equipment, and extend that to every piece of tackle and system on your boat. You’ll reap the rewards later when hooked up to your favorite big-game species.
