It's pretty much the end of the fishing season for me, and I would like to give my reels a good cleaning before I put them away for the winter. I have never taken apart a baitcaster and I'm a little hesitant about just jumping into it. I've searched up and down for videos with no luck. Can anyone refer me to a video, or an article that will help me out? I also don't have a schematic however I could probably find that online. What constitutes a good cleaning?

http://fish.shimano.com/publish/content/global_fish/en/us/index/customer_service0/reel_maintenance_instructions.download.-mainParsys-0001-downloadFile.html/Maintenance%20Tips-%20Baitcasting%20Reels%20(2%20pages).pdf

If you have a Shimano this will help ,the site also has schematics.

This maintenence applies to a lot of diffferent brands

T

You don't state what reel/s you have...Most articles that are linked up are just general maintenance, for seasonal service you need to dig a lot deeper...

What constitutes a good cleaning?

A complete break down of the reel, all parts removed from the set plate. Soaking, scrubbing of each part. Polishing and proper lubrication of all parts then re-assembling the reel. If you have never done it, I wouldn't recommend that you start on your good reel/s now.

You can have it done professionally cheaper than you think...

Good Luck & Tight Lines!!  

Send them to Reel Mechanic he does a great job.  ;D

Abu Garcia Silver Max baitcaster and a Pflueger President spinning. I was thinking about having someone do it but I would really prefer to try and learn on my own. There is a Gander Mountain where I live, I might see if someone there will show me how to do it. They're nice guys and I'm in there all the time.

And thanks for the link tbird. That was pretty much what I was looking for.

The only advice I would offer is the following:

- Make sure to have the right tools (including good grease and oil)

- Make sure to have a schematic (this has saved me a few times)

- Make sure to have a well lit area and I would avoid being on carpet (you will drop little items and other items will fly)

- Make sure you have plenty of room to lay out each reel part in order of how you took them off (this will make reassembly easier)

- Make sure to look on Reel Mechanics web site.  Through experience, I now only buy supplies (reel scrubber, oil, grease, etc) from him, because I know his products work well and he is great to deal with.

These are a few things that will make the whole process much easier.  Good luck and you will find that there is an odd sense of satisfaction knowing you are the reason your reel is silky smooth.

Send them to Reel Mechanic he does a great job. ;D

I am behind that 100%...after I broke my old reel while cleaning it...I would ask reel machanic to do it once a year.