Pat- I will take a crack at this.

I recommend cleaning the reel after every use. It may be a bit of a chore but in the long run it will be well worth it. You will not have to worry about messing up on a fish because your reel failed and your investment will last a lot longer. Once you get the hang of it you will be surprised how quickly you can get the job done.

First item is to rinse off the reel with fresh water to remove all the salt. Do this under a gentle running faucet or with a spray bottle-- not a high pressure hose. You want to rinse it down, not drive the salt into the reel. Oil the handle. Oil the bearings/bushings. Oil the worm and the cover of the level wind drive if the reel has one. Do not over oil. A drop is enough.

The above will take care of most situations. I do go a bit further myself. I will remove one sideplate, remove the spool and then gently rinse out and dry the inside of the reel. Rinse the spool thoroughly-- you can even give it a good soaking overnight to leech out the salt that is accumulated on the line.
If the spool is not stripped after several trips and washed down completely, trapped salt can corrode and pit the spool.

I will also place a light coating of grease on the flange of the frame or the sideplate to help create a bit of a barrier to salt and electrolysis.

Depending on how often I use the reel I will periodically break it down completely-- remove all parts-- degrease, clean and relube; and check and replace drags as necessary.


Dont forget to clean your rods, too. Guides can corrode and then they will damage the line. Rinse the rods down thoroughly with a hose, clean with a sponge with soap and water, rinse agai and dry.

I also treat all metal parts once or twice a year with a good corrosion preventive like CorrosionX.

I know it sounds like a lot but it has paid off over time and actually takes longer to explain than to do, once you have it down.


Hawk