I have 3 baitcasting reels that I have never cleaned out (Im realitivly new to nicer reels and rods) the worst is a bps pro qualifier it is 3 years old and has never been cleaned. The reel cast very poorly and is not smooth so I don't use it anymore, does it just need to be cleaned out? The next is an Abu Garcia pro max that I bought at the beginning of this year, it worked fine until I put 50lb braid on it, the braid is now removed and the reel is not the same, now unless the magnets are all the way up it will backlash and is not as smooth as it was, does it need to be cleaned or is something else wrong with it. My last reel is an Abu Garcia black max that has 1 1/2 years of use, this reel still works well and is now my main baitcaster, it however is not as smooth as it use to be, would a cleaning do it good or will it be ok.

How often do you guys clean and lubricate your reels, and what products do you use? 

 

I send my reels to Delaware Valley Tackle at the end of every season.  Mike is a site sponsor, does great work, and is resonably priced.  

Sounds like the reels could benefit from deep cleaning and lubrication. I recommend annual cleanings as a baseline. Semi-annual or biannual may be more appropriate based on usage and conditions .