Thread: What causes reel binding?

Originally Posted by CarlF

OK, shoulda read that more closely.

Other than the fact that dunking a reel underwater is not the best idea in the world, I think Pier#r is onto something.
Even if its freshwater, you will need to open the reels up and dry, clean & re-lube.

Well if you fish like I do, getting a reel wet is an inevitability. Sometimes the only way to retrieve a lure involves getting the reel wet. Other times, just driving rain forces it’s way into the reels. Wade fishing in creeks or in the surf. Once or twice a reel has gone overboard. Only ever had problems out of one or two models. Others have had water get inside with no problems.

Back when I bass fished a lot, I used a lure dog on 80# mono to retrieve lures. Worked well. Especially crank baits.

spinning reels "bind" when the seal below the spool swells and grips the main shaft harder than normal. I have not encountered the problem with a baitcaster (I try to avoid ever getting them wet due to centrifugal brake systems).