Spinning Reel Maintenance: How To Make Your Spinning Reels Last Longer

[@Saltstrong]

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[@lewietheoldest]

Salt Strong 6

[@johnmoore3504]

I’ve been doing this routine for years and have Shimanos that are 7-10 years old and they still run super smooth despite lots of use. Fresh water rinse, wait for it dry but best to wipe with a microfiber, then spray entire reel with Reel Magic and let it dry. Don’t wipe the Reel Magic off, it leaves a protective film behind. After that just a drop of oil on handle and two or three drops of oil on the roller bearing on the bail - as mentioned this bearing takes the most abuse and will be the first to fail. Most Shimanos have an oil port on the side of the body (just one tiny screw) that allows you to lube the main shaft that holds the spool on, this way you don’t have to remove the spool. Finally back off the drag. Your drag is nothing but a series of washers, if you keep constant pressure on them they will flatten / crush down and become worthless. Once a year I do a complete tear down to get the insides all cleaned up. At that point grease goes on things that slide or engage (like gears) and oil goes on bearings that spin. Keep the application of both pretty light to prevent gumming up.

[@billmcquack3552]

I feel so much better now you said not to take it completely apart, I completely ruined an old level wind overhead of my Dad's recently because I could not, by any means, get it back together where it worked properly when all I took it apart for in the first place was potentially just dust that wasn't harmful. Good video thank you

[@bradwadefishtx]

Thanks Tony, just what I needed. Some of the other maintenance videos out there are way above my pay grade. It's nice to see someone as experienced as yourself not comfortable with a total breakdown of your own reel.

[@fwood1231]

Nice tutorial. I like to keep it pretty simple too for routine maintenance. To make them last the longest, best tip I've seen is to use the bail manually when you're fishing. Prevents the most wear internally for your reel.

[@mulletmaster2392]

I started doing that while snook fishing at night to not spook the fish right off the sea wall where I’m standing. Good to know it will help prolong the reel. Never liked using the handle to close the bail anyways it just feels like you’re putting unneeded stress on various parts.

[@MattKleinSensei]

Excellent tutorial, love the fact you are not pulling the thing apart. I can actually do this!

[@VibrationsTackle]

Perfect timing as we head into the winter months up here in Wisconsin! Thank you kindly for sharing this. I’ll post this to our Facebook page. Take care!

[@dixondjallen6620]

Always keep my gear maintained. I fish mostly with Penn products and one of the reasons is I've found shimano reels seem to corrode faster. No problems with Diawa either...

[@philliphaworth3387]

I’ve always rinsed my reels off, but the actual screws holding the reel together still rust on the heads. What can I do about this short of replacing them? Love your videos. Awesome channel! Incredibly helpful tips!

[@larrycater-tx613]

I learn something every time I watch a salt strong video.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the support!

[@davemckinnon5007]

Fantastic job, as usual:)

[@jawjuh1005]

Thank you. I needed this. I’ve just been spraying water from the hose.

[@FrankLadd]

Thanks again for all the tips. If you'd like I'd be happy to try to unstick the Shimano for you. The proper lube and vibration technique should get it apart.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the tips!

[@townieoutdoors8121]

Does the cap on the opposite side of the stu k handle screw off allowing the handle to slide off ?

[@motoadvz]

Hi, I am wondering is this the proper way of maintining Daiwa's MagSealed models as well? To be precise I own Caldia 18 which is MagSealed and I am wondering if this tutorial can be applied for maintenance of that model as well? Thanks

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for your question! Make sure to ask this over on the actual blog or in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time. The blog can be found here: bit.ly/32nC9iG

[@3823chrisg]

Salt Strong, I have a question. On the Daiwa Fuego spinning reel, is it normal to have a friction-type sound coming from the bottom of where the spool is spinning. It is a soft sound, almost like the plastic piece is rubbing on something. I just got this reel brand new and it did that out of the package. Any suggestions on how to trouble shoot, or should I return? I have a trip in one week and am not sure if I will have enough time to get a replacement.

[@fishing4happiness610]

Not normal... it's defective and will only get worse even though it will probably lasts years. I find 1 out of every 10 Daiwas and one out of 5 Shimanos come with very slight ticking or clicking noise and it never goes away. Use the reel on your trip, then return it.

[@conservativejones3537]

Thanks Tony. I have a reel that missed a cleanup or two....now needs major surgery.

[@jelly_fishing]

Great video

[@kevinlazzara179]

is penn grease ok too (the one in the jar)?

[@jeffreybabino1411]

Yes that's what I use have been using it for a few years

[@janiskipsna8252]

Can I use Shimano bantam oil to make preventive maintenance for Daiwa Fuego LT reel?

[@whysoserious5854]

Of course

[@jeffreybabino1411]

Hi great video thanks

[@Saltstrong]

No problem 👍

[@FingersCrossedOutdoors]

How do you like the Daiwa?

[@gabe.digital]

🐐

[@marlenec1022]

My fuego took a crap and i maintain it, its just a crappie reel , I regret buying it.

[@Chriswoz83]

Marlene C it’s not just for crappie, you can catch lots of fish on it 👍🏻

[@dixondjallen6620]

Its pronounced shimano nahsee not nahski lol...

[@JackParsons2]

Ooh check out the big brain on Dixon!