Washing down a conventional reel after use

[PaBeerGuy]

What is the best method for washing down reels after use in saltwater? I've been told to crank down on the drag before washing then open back up afterwards. Purpose?

[mike1010]

Purpose is to keep contaminants off the drag washer surfaces. This could happen as water sluices through the reel. Of course, you shouldn't be blasting a jet of water at the reel either.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Never heard the drag part... Spray reels with a gentle mist, not a hard spray.

[Capt. Lou]

Used to fresh water spray after use but difficult in cold weather,
However now have been spraying with sicilcone or WD product after each use .
Spetical at first but after a few years seems to replace water rinse just fine !
Reels remain in great shape

[dfish28]

Salt away mix in a spray bottle then wd after

[TomKaye]

Never heard the drag part... Spray reels with a gentle mist, not a hard spray.

Me neither on hearing the drag part. Gentle spray at the dock or at home
in the shower during wintertime.
Have some 35-40 year-old Penn's which are fine after this procedure, and some routine maintenance.

Will try the WD40. Thanks guys.

[MrAC1980]

Always put lever drags in full when you rinse the reels off as for the reasons mentioned above. Let them dry a bit then store them completely backed off and clicker on. Star drags it doesn't matter so much.

[HDMarc]

Always put lever drags in full when you rinse the reels off as for the reasons mentioned above.

Exactly. By engaging the drag at full, it closes the gap between the drag and drag washer thus eliminating any water, salt, debris, etc. from getting between the two. Light mist of fresh water followed by a spray of 100% silicon or WD40 once dry and you're good to go. When I service my reels come winter, they look good as new inside.

[mike1010]

Always put lever drags in full when you rinse the reels off as for the reasons mentioned above. Let them dry a bit then store them completely backed off and clicker on. Star drags it doesn't matter so much.

Pretty sure that Alan Tani and friends (alantani.com - amazing amount of information) recommend the same treatment for star drag reels. Why would their drag washers be immune to contamination?

[MrAC1980]

You can do the same for star drags, but the drag stack on a star drag reel is more contained and not as open as the drag washer in a lever drag reel.

[PeteyHD]

What MrAC said. As far as special solutions....just wash the reel with fresh water guys come on! Fishing used to be so simple and now we have to buy salt away? Last time I checked salt dissolved in water, but that may have changed over the years :rolleyes:

[fin_s_guy]

My personal preference? Light soap and water spray at the dock with drag tight (not torqued down). Air dry like that. Stand them up at home and back off drag almost entirely. Light but covering spray of corrosion X spray. I've heard WD 40 traps water in the reel and the other doesn't? IDK. All I know is they get med use all season without issues. That said I also carry a spare every trip just in case. ;)

[tuna13]

I believe that WD40 dries into a sticky film that would impede function of small moving parts.
The reason I've heard for tightening your drag is to help prevent grit from entering.
I personally wash the reel down with light soap and then gentle fresh water spray.

[reason162]

WD40 work its way into the reel and dissolve grease, it is NOT a lubricant and eventually your gears will grind dry.

Lock down drag, very gentle stream of water from the tap or a spray bottle, towel dry, back off drag, air dry, and oil the knob/spool/roller bearings and worm gears.

[Jay]

I usually just spray them down with a light mist. Spray it with Real Magic call it a day.....

[mike1010]

You can do the same for star drags, but the drag stack on a star drag reel is more contained and not as open as the drag washer in a lever drag reel.

Sure, but stuff can still work in there. Tightening the drag for cleaning is is cheap insurance.

[HDMarc]

I usually just spray them down with a light mist. Spray it with Real Magic call it a day.....

I use PB Blaster 100% silicone spray, same stuff, fraction of the price

[JerseyCoast]

Most of todays reels have drain holes or openings in the frames. If your blasting a reel with a hose, your forcing water into it. This will break down the grease, lubricants and also rust any parts that may not be intended for a good soaking.

Engaging the drag, ( do not have to crank down all the way, just enough to engage it) will keep water out. If you look at many conventional reels, you will notice that the spool moves as you engage the lever drag handle. You should absolutely engage it to clean and loosen back up to store it, to avoid flat spots in the drag washers.

Whatever you use, make sure it will not eat away at your line ( braid & mono) ... most times a simple dish soap is plenty strong enough.

NEVER leave the drag loose when spraying your reels or at the side of the boat when running out! Saltwater spraying into the reel is the worst thing you can do! :)