To enjoy your hobby of fishing, you need not only to invest in good quality fishing gear but also need to keep it clean and well maintained. Regular cleaning and lubrication of your baitcaster is mandatory in order to keep it functioning smoothly for an extended period of time.

To clean your baitcasting reels you would need a few things such as a grease or lubricating oil made especially for baitcasting reels, a regular screwdriver and a Phillips screwdriver for dismantling the apparatus for cleaning and the fixing it back later on, a small box to keep the separated parts in one place, and some soap and water for actual cleaning.

First consult the user’s manual and dismantle all the different parts of the baitcaster according to the given instructions, using the screwdrivers. Once detached, put all the parts in soapy water and soak them for an hour or longer. Then clean the parts, using a soft brush and a cloth, removing all the dirt and grease particularly from the fishing line and the handle. Now rinse them thoroughly with clean water and use a clean towel or cotton cloth to dry them.

Now lubricate the covering of the reel and its other moving parts such as the gears and the wind guide. Use a lubricant that is specifically made for this purpose. Once the reel is properly greased, readjust its barrel brakes and the spring, ensuring to lubricating them as well, as this is necessary to prevent the stripping of the reel. The area between the drag knob and washers need special attention while lubricating, the more it is greased the easier it would be for you to catch the big fish.

Next is the spindle of the fishing line. First clean it with a soft and greasy towel and then put more grease in the gear box and replace the spindle. Wash and then dry the casing of the reel and then finally add some more lubricant where spindle touches the clasp. Now clean the outer surface, first wiping it with a greasy towel and then with a clean one. Wrap your baitcasting reel with a clean cloth or towel. Always remember to add new fishing line either braided or monofilament, before you leave for fishing.

Well, this is all about cleaning and oiling your baitcasting reel. As regards the question that how frequently you should do the cleaning; every time you go out for fishing in salt water. Yes! Every time, though it might look very cumbersome and too much of a job, however, if you have invested in buying a good quality reel, a little more effort on your part would make it function smoothly and perfectly for a longer period.

On the other hand, if you have used your reel for fresh water fishing only, than it would require being soaked in soapy water for a couple of hours and after that a thorough rinsing with clean water. Always use the lubricant made specifically for oiling the reel to avoid any problems in the future.