Fishing reels are an essential part of any angler’s tackle. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, maintaining your fishing reel is crucial to ensure it lasts for years to come. One of the most important aspects of reel maintenance is lubrication. Proper lubrication reduces friction, prevents corrosion and rust, and extends the life of your reel. But? In this article, we’ll explore the different types of lubrication and how to maintain your fishing reel.
Types of Lubrication
There are several types of lubrication that anglers use to keep their fishing reels running smoothly. The most common types of lubrication include:
1. Oil – Lubricating oil is a thin, low-viscosity oil specifically designed for fishing reels. It’s used to lubricate the bearings, gears, and moving parts, ensuring smooth operation.
2. Grease – Grease is a thick, high-viscosity lubricant that’s typically used on more heavy-duty components of a fishing reel, such as the spool or drag system. It provides long-lasting protection against corrosion and wear.
3. Silicone – Silicone lubricants are used on plastic and rubber components of a fishing reel. They protect against damage from the sun, water, and other environmental factors.
How to Lubricate Your Fishing Reel
Now that we’ve talked about the different types of lubrication, let’s discuss how to lubricate your fishing reel.
1. Clean your reel – Before lubricating, you’ll want to clean your reel to remove any dirt, debris, or old lubricants. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently clean the exterior and interior of your reel, taking care not to damage any of the components.
2. Apply oil or grease – Apply oil or grease to the bearings, gears, and other moving parts of your reel. Be sure to use the correct type of lubrication for each component. For example, use grease on the spool, and oil on the bearings.
3. Apply silicone – If there are any plastic or rubber components on your fishing reel, apply silicone lubricant to protect against damage from the elements.
4. Wipe off excess – After applying lubricant, wipe off any excess with a clean cloth. Be sure not to get any lubricant on the drag system, as this can affect its performance.
5. Reassemble – Once you’ve lubricated and wiped down your reel, reassemble all the components and you’re ready to fish!
Proper lubrication is an important aspect of maintaining your fishing reel. By using the correct lubrication for each component, you can reduce friction, prevent corrosion and rust, and extend the life of your reel. Remember to clean your reel before lubricating, apply the correct type of lubrication to each component, and wipe off any excess. With these steps, your fishing reel will operate smoothly for years to come.