Bringing in a Baitcasting Reel with you for fishing is one of the essentials that you need to be fit to go whenever you fish around in saltwater or freshwater. Though most of the best baitcasting reel for beginners and for the pros as well come up with sufficient capabilities and features to keep them going flawlessly for many rounds. But it is also a fact that maintenance and proper handling of the baitcasting reels is the key to better and long-lasting performance without getting into expensive repairs in the long run.

So all you have to do is to make sure you clean up the baitcasting reel properly when you get back from a day-long fishing venture. Proper cleaning assures corrosion resistance, smooth performance and lesser damage to internal parts sue to dust, debris, and saltwater.

Though you may not have to do it frequently it is better to clean up after some rounds when you have been fishing for hours.

Here we’ll get into the detailed steps to help you clean your baitcasting reel at home very easily.

Cleaning Tools and Essentials

For the proper cleaning of your baitcasting reel, you are going to need these tools and essential things:

• Clean dry towel
• Distilled water
• Greasing agent and lubricants
• Isopropyl Rubbing alcohol
• Q-tip or cotton swabs
• Small flat tip and square tip Screwdriver, nut driver, small wrench

All these tools and important things can be found at home and some important tools may also be available with the reel you have got with you, either buy separately or may come along it.

Step-by-Step Process

It is simple but it is delicate as well, so make sure to carry on with the cleaning process carefully so that no components get misplaced or damaged.

There are three major processes that help you clean your baitcasting reel that includes:

• Dusting
• Cleaning and rubbing using rubbing alcohol
• Lubrication

Here are a few important steps you may follow for cleaning the baitcasting reel:

Step 1

Clean the out cover with clean, dry towel so that to remove the external dirt, debris, and dust prior to opening it from the inside.

Step 2

Open the side plate that will reveal the spool with the line. You may tap the spool a bit to dust out any debris if there are. Slightly and carefully pull out the spool and start cleaning the reel from the inside. You will need to use the cotton swabs or Q-Tip to reach the internal sides of the reel.

Step 3

Dip the Q-Tip into the Isopropyl rubbing Alcohol and clean the inner surface to remove any debris stuck inside. Make sure to reach the inner sides and places where you may expect the debris to accumulate. Inspect and clean the spool thoroughly so that it keeps working smoothly. You may rub and clean the spool sides and oil them for smoother and easier performance.

Step 4

If you could reach the rubber guards and inner rubber ring, clean it properly. Look for the rubber brake guards f they are worn out replace them with the suitable new guards as well. Use lubricant to treat the rubber brake guards and the inner break case so that the brakes stay clean and in a good condition for better performance.

Step 5

Now you have to clean the pinion area. It is small and narrow so you will need a Q-Tip with lesser cotton so that it may reach inside easily. Dip it in the rubbing alcohol and insert into the pinion hole to clean any particles from the inside.

Step 6

Use oil to lubricate the bearings and spool area with light oil or prefer using the one the specific reel manufacturers recommends. This will reduce chances of corrosion and will keep the reel performing smoothly. You can find suitable lubricants separately but never try using some ordinary grease or oil as it will have a negative impact on its performance for sure.

Last step

Make sure to put back all the components in order and screw them properly so that nothing gets faulty. It is important to note that you have to take care of your baitcasting reel on a regular basis. Because of the fact when you are fishing in saltwater, there are chances that the reel gets some salt debris along with dust as well.

And if you don’t bother to clean them these compounds will affect the baitcasting reel components badly as these may corrode the metal components.in addition to that when lubricants are applied to the internal areas where friction is expected, the components stay safe and may not get damaged. This also assures that they will stay safe from corrosive compounds that may affect the surface area when fishing in saltwater.