So just landed a 3 pounder on the whopper plopper. The fish put up a great fight but now the reel is grinding. Oddly the gringing doesn't start until my bait is about 10 inches from the top guide. No difference in casting distance or noise on retrieval. The worm gear looks like it could use a couple drops of oil,but if it that was the case,wouldn't I hear it all the way through the retrieve?? Any thoughts would be helpful. I also pulled the spool out and didn't notice any matter like dirt.

Are you sure that the line is not frayed or damaged and the grinding noise is the rod and guides singing as the damaged line runs over them in the last few inches?

25 minutes ago, 3crows said:

Are you sure that the line is not frayed or damaged and the grinding noise is the rod and guides singing as the damaged line runs over them in the last few inches?

Probably should have checked that. That's what it was. 

Make sure your tiptop is not missing its ring, and while you're at it check all rings for cracks by rotating a Q-tip inside them.  The cracks will catch the fuzz on the Q tip.