How necessary is it to service/clean/oil my baitcaster? I would probably send it off somewhere so they can do it, because i have no idea how to take it apart and put it back together.  Is this something i need to do, and if so, where can i send it?

I do a general maintenance on mine every winter. Just a quickie really...take off the side-plate, remove the spool. Check the spool bearing(s)/bushing(s) - clean and oil if needed. Check the level-wind bearing(s)/bushing(s) - clean and oil if needed. Clean and oil the level-wind itself...it always gets 'gunky' after a year.

 

You should have gotten the schematics with the reel - and you can find videos on Youtube about how to service your reel...sometimes a vid about your EXACT reel is available.

 

If things start to get grimy, then I'll think about doing a full takedown/rebuild...or sending it to someplace like DVT.

Delaware Valley Tackle (DVT on here can provide excellent service to you.

10 minutes ago, OnthePotomac said:

Delaware Valley Tackle (DVT on here can provide excellent service to you.

This ^^^^^^^^^

http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/

DVT just completed service on several of my casting reels ~ Highly Recommended 

A-Jay

I recommend annual deep cleaning as a baseline. Biannual is fine for weekend warrior type use. Maybe semi annual for a full time tournament angler. Interim maintenance as outline above is important. Let me know if you have specific questions. 

20 minutes ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I recommend annual deep cleaning as a baseline. Biannual is fine for weekend warrior type use. Maybe semi annual for a full time tournament angler. Interim maintenance as outline above is important. Let me know if you have specific questions. 

Which is my baseline as I get out maybe once a week during season - I think I got out 10 times last year, all for 4 hours or less.

http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/

 

Another Happy Camper!

 

20 hours ago, Delaware Valley Tackle said:

I recommend annual deep cleaning as a baseline. Biannual is fine for weekend warrior type use. Maybe semi annual for a full time tournament angler. Interim maintenance as outline above is important. Let me know if you have specific questions. 

 

What's the current turn around time for clean and tune? Thanks

22 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

Which is my baseline as I get out maybe once a week during season - I think I got out 10 times last year, all for 4 hours or less.

1 hour ago, TBAG said:

 

What's the current turn around time for clean and tune? Thanks

I’m doing an inventory later today. Email me and I’ll get you an accurate estimate. Work is pouring in. 

7 hours ago, roadwarrior said:

http://www.delawarevalleytackle.com/

 

Another Happy Camper!

 

Same here. Plus Mike is always willing to offer help on this site.