In part 1 of the series we discussed the importance in taking
care of fishing rods. This time, we will look at fishing reels and what can be
done to help them give lasting performance. I decided to turn to Warren Williams
of WMS Custom Rods for his insight on the subject of reel maintenance. Warren
not only specializes in building custom fishing rods, but also, he services
fishing reels in his home in Melrose, Minnesota.
Every year, fishing reel manufactures introduce new technology to not only
create new reels, but also, upgrade current models to achieve better
performance, durability, and dependability. However, that does not mean that a
fishing reel should not be submitted to a form of maintenance. “The average reel
should be serviced once a year and by this I mean totally taken apart, cleaned
and replace worn parts with new ones installed, and lubricate parts that need to
be lubricated.” advises Warren. “If you keep your reels serviced, parts won't
wear out as fast and the reel will last longer,” Warren adds.
Dust and dirt work their way into gears, bearings, and levelwinds in a hurry and
hamper the performance of the reel. Warren warns, “No fishing reel is totally
closed. Dust, dirt, and water eventually finds a way into the reel and can cause
serious damage.” Gears and levelwinds that get dirt or sand into them can cause
major damage which always results in replacement parts which are not cheap. For
this reason, it is not advisable to trailer your boat with the rods and reels
strapped down on the front deck especially if you drive down gravel roads. When
water enters the reel, which it will due to the environment its used in, oil in
the ball bearings can be washed away and the inner workings of the reel may rust
or corrode. Most of the newer reels such as the Shimano Chronarch B's have a
passage way which help drain water out of the reel. When reels are heavily used
such as the case with tournament fisherman and the serious angler who makes
frequent trips to the lake, the ball bearings should be lubricated with a small
drop of oil at least once a month.
The problems mentioned above do have a solution. Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, and
others sell fishing reel covers at a reasonable price. Warren points out, “If
you spend $100 or more on a quality reel whats another $10 to help protect it?”
A reel cover will protect the paint on the reel which will help its resale value
if you decide to upgrade your reels and sell your current equipment through
ebay.com, bassfishinghomepage.com, and similar websites.
When it comes to a reel, especially one that has a huge price tag, some anglers
may wax the finish of their reels. However, waxing the finish on the exterior of
the reel may have the benefit of shedding water and dust off the reel the
disadvantage could be costly. A waxed surface is slippery and if not careful the
rod and reel could fly out of your hands and into the lake. When putting rod and
reels back into the storage locker at the end of the day, simply wiping them
down with a rag or towel will keep the finish looking good. “If an angler
insists on waxing a reel, whatever you do, do not apply wax to the reel seat or
the handle of the rod, as the reel could fly out of the rod handle or the entire
rod and reel combo could end up in the lake,” Warren advises!
Proper winter storage of a reel go along way to preventing reel malfunction in
spring. “A reel should be serviced before winter storage so they are ready for
spring,” Warren says. “Take the reel off the rod, back off the drag, and have it
serviced. Once it has been serviced you should store them in a drawer or
cabinet,” Warren adds. If you still have the box the reel came in, placing the
reel inside it will add an extra layer of protection from the elements during
storage.
If you are interested in having your fishing reels serviced or have any
questions on buying a custom fishing rod or perhaps have a rod repaired by
Warren Williams, you can contact him at (home) 320-256-4627 or (cell)
320-267-5732. You may also email him at wmstt@charter.net.
