Reel maintenance…ugh. Those pesky maintenance reminders. Like changing furnace filters, vehicle oil changes or annual physical exams, they should not be put off… A little preventative maintenance will pay dividends in the long run.
If you are a stillwater angler you probably have more than a floating line. The reel and the line on it should be cleaned and dried and lightly lubed. Any spare spools should be also be put on the reel housing and the line pulled off to the backing and cleaned with a damp cloth and a bit of dishwashing detergent. For me that means five lines/spools for just my 5 weight. Factor in a 3 wt. and two spools; an 8 wt. and 3 spools; a 10 wt. and 3 spools and a spey reel….well maybe an hour + of maintenance while watching or listening to some diversion.
Fly Reel Always Under Siege (SwittersB-TM)
Use a light coating of oil. Check reel manufacturer recommendations or talk to your local fly shop owner for recommendations. Some oils or lubes may be caustic to your reel, teflon discs or fly lines. A little dab will do you. So, if you are close to putting away your fly reel after a Spring and Summer of use or like many use it year round, then perform some maintenance soon. If you haven’t used that reel since last Winter for salmon, then your maintenance will be good preparation for the cold Winter waters and silt/grit that is stirred up.
The usual remark that a reel is little more than a line holder is fine, I guess, if you paid $39.95 at the local big box sporting goods store. I imagine you paid more than that….regardless of investment…take care of your gear…it is all part of the tinkering, fussing, fondling of gear…the process.
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