I am interested in learning everything I can on repairing fishing reels. I enjoy cleaning and repairing my own equipment and thought maybe if I learned more I could do this on the side for a little extra cash. My question is are there any classes or books or other media that could teach me how to clean and repair reels of all types and models? How much does it cost to get reels cleaned and or repaired? I just enjoy doing it and want to treat people fair. Any other thoughts or advice would be greatly appreciated.

I know what DVT charges, and can tell you he isn't ever going to get rich from cleaning/repairing reels. Good thing you want to do it for the pleasure it brings you.

I'd bet a good place to start is frequenting forums, sites made for reel repairmen to communicate like alantani.com.

I'd bet a good place to start is frequenting forums, sites made for reel repairmen to communicate like alantani.com.

I tried to register at this site. Couldn't get past the verification letters. The spoken letters don't tell you if they are capital letters or not. I could see that at least one was. Tried several times with different combinations of caps/small. No dice.

It looks like you can get some pretty good info here: http://lakeforktacklerepair.com/

You thought the Maytag repairman had a lonely life?

"cleaned or repaired" is a huge difference..breaking down a reel to its exploded-view schematics,cleaning,lubing and putting back together isn't too bad, most of the time! but to take a reel,trouble-shoot the problem,get the parts[if still available] from any one of hundreds/thousands makes & models of reels can be a reeeal tough research & wait task!

Problem is there really isn't a good place to get your apprenticeship. You just have to start and go from there. And you have to have a wide array of quality tools to work on a lot of very sophisticated reel designs these days; which are always changing and upgrading. Tough to be efficient and make some money at it as well.

When I was younger I use to clean most of the reels for the club I belonged to, as well as friends and the neighborhood. But that's when baitcasters were fairly uncomplicated. Nowadays, it's a whole 'nuther ball game! I can barely keep my own gear in good condition. Good Luck!