How to Maintain a Baitcaster Reel

It’s wise to know the 4 most important steps to maintaining a baitcaster reel. If you are an avid fisherman, then a baitcaster reel is a must-have for your fishing gear. These reels allow fishermen to cast their line with accuracy and efficiency. But like all equipment, they need to be maintained properly if you want them to last. Here at Rogue Rods we have compiled a list of tips and tricks that will help maintain your baitcasting reels so that they can continue doing what we love most – catching fish! Hopefully you enjoy this article about how to maintain a baitcaster reel.

how to maintain a baitcaster reel, maintaining a baitcaster reel 2022

Step 1: Disassembly

Disassemble the whole reel and take out all the parts of your baitcaster. Pull off any screws you see! You can also release spools by taking them apart. Now that you have access to every part, it will be easy for you to clean up.

how to maintain a baitcaster reel, maintaining a baitcaster reel 2022

Step 2 : Wiping with cloth

You need to wipe it with a cloth as well. Oil and dirt can get built up on the surface of your baitcaster if not cleaned off properly which will result in an unpleasantly sticky feeling when reeling. So make sure you keep wiping down your baitcasting reel regularly!

Steps for cleaning:

  • Remove excess dirt or debris from outside of spool housing using compressed air
  • Clean inside surfaces using rag moistened with water only
  • Wipe dry all components except line roller and use toothbrush where necessary
how to maintain a baitcaster reel, maintaining a baitcaster reel 2022

Step 3 : Oiling and greasing

Take the grease that you prefer and put a small quantity of it on q-tip then rub the tip on bearings, gears, shafts and other components where there is contact with moving parts or wear points.

Step 4: Make sure your reel is spooled correctly

This ensures that the line will be able to flow through smoothly and not get tangled up in a way that could stop you from catching fish. To do this, take off the bail arm completely and then wrap one or two turns of line around it on either side (depending on how many ball bearings there are). Next attach the other end of the line to a rod clamp so that you can steady it while wrapping more coils before attaching them securely with an arbor knot. Finally reattach the bail arms back where they belong and tighten everything down! Ensure that when casting, both ends of your baitcasting reel have some slack as if fishing but don’t worry about knots.

Bonus Tips:

  • Clean baitcaster at least once every three months with light oiling
  • Change o rings if wet weather increases corrosion
  • Use dry lube in frigid conditions to prevent freezing up when out fishing ice fish (ie., wax)

Warning signs

When the line starts slowing down during retrieval process this means your reel needs more cleaning than usual. It might also be time for an overhaul from the inside!

Summary – How to Maintain a Baitcaster Reel

Hopefully this how to article helps you better understand how to maintain your baitcaster reel and keep it running optimally.  Be sure to check out our round up of the best jerkbait rods

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