Thread: Rod & Reel Cleaning

Yes, I wash my gear with fresh water after every use, occasionally I will give them a light soap spray. Some of the reels are showing green corrosion or a white build up around the screws and metal. One rod is showing al little rust on the eyes.

Before I put all my salt water gear to "bed" for 9 months , what should I use/do? I put every thing outside Sunday night - to get rained on (my outside water/hoses etc. is still off for winter), we ended up with 5 inches of snow! It's supposed to rain this am , I'll bring everything in after that . Is there something special I should be using for cleaning ? I normally wipe everything down with Armor All when all done. thx jjm

I’m interested to hear since my gear ‘sleeps’ for extended periods of time as well. I do leave all my saltwater gear in GS though so whatever else I would do would have to be done at the end of my trip so I probably couldn’t go overboard with time.

Tough break on the snow! Our 32 degrees this morning now doesn’t seem too bad! 86 tomorrow they say. Spring just can’t seem to make up its mind!

Wow! Snow is a far cry from intermittent 80s down here.

I like you idea of Armorall.
There are products called SALT-AWAY and SALT-X that should remove the green and white buildups from the outside of your reels.

After rinsing, I like to place my reels in the sun, or a warm, dry place where the water quickly evaporates.
IF I have time, I will wipe it off with a clean, dry rag or paper towels.

Once the reels are dry, I lubricate (3-IN_ONE works in place of reel oil) the essential maintenance spots in anticipation of storage:
1. Line Roller
2. Bail springs and joints
3. Handle knob and joints
4. Any ports to access ball bearings (remove dust cover opposite handle and lube)
5. Remove the spool, clean with a oily rag or paper towel
6. Disassemble, clean and replace the drag components
7. Spray and wipe off outside of reel with REEL MAGIC (but Armor All should work)

Hope this helps!

Starbrite makes a product called Salt Off and I use it every time I come home from fishing.

After rinsing with freshwater and allowing to dry, I spray the reel and guides lightly with WD-40. I've got reels 30+ years old that look almost new. I completely disassemble and clean/grease reels about every other year. I don't "try" to WD the guide wrappings as I think the WD gradually degrades the coating over the years.

Well, just my 2 cents, I have found a product, called just 336. Any time I put something away for storage, from my guns to reels, to my outboard motor, I spray with 336, it prevents corrosion and also keeps moisture away. Of course that is after a cleaning with salt off for the dishing reels.

I've never had to do anything to my gear and use it almost daily in the salt water. Most of my stuff is several years old too. If I thought it needed it I might rinse it with fresh water.

Originally Posted by LevelWind

Well, just my 2 cents, I have found a product, called just 336. Any time I put something away for storage, from my guns to reels, to my outboard motor, I spray with 336, it prevents corrosion and also keeps moisture away. Of course that is after a cleaning with salt off for the dishing reels.

CRC makes that ...
https://www.crcindustries.com/produc...-11-wt-oz.html

DESCRIPTION

A versatile petroleum based compound that forms a clear, thin film that lubricates and protects against wear and corrosion. Multi-purpose product lubricates, protects, displaces moisture, and cleans.


APPLICATIONS


Tubing, castings, gears, weld rod, wire, fixtures, dies, jigs, shim stock, chucks, drill rod, heat treated parts, machined surfaces, finished welds, aluminum extrusions, air actuated tools, conveyors, frozen joints, locks, hoists, etc.

Thanks everyone I''ll track down the Salt Off . WD-40 has it's place but not on reels/rods or guns for me , I refer to it as liquid honey!
Thunder and lightning here this am , everything is getting a positive rinse, coming in this afternoon I'll go from there . thx jjm