Omaha Reel Cleaning

Our labor charges start at $25.00 plus parts per reel, return shipping and handling is $15.00 for the first reel, $1 for each additional reel.

A majority of reel problems stem from tangles; even a single strand of line off the bail causes reeling problems. If a tangle is present, gently pry it out and reel in the line. Pinch the cast bail on spinning reels (open-faced reels where the spool is exposed) and release the two ends out of the cast bail housing.

Many modern fishing reels use anti-reverse clutches or mechanisms that allow the reel to spin both ways. There are times when these devices get jostled, causing it to turn in one way only, such as backward. Repairing this is done by freeing the clutch and allowing it to move freely once again.

If you usually fish in freshwater, you should clean your reel at least once every five fishing trips, whereas saltwater fishers need to clean their reels after every trip. Never use gasoline, lighter fluid, or similar products to clean an old fishing reel, as these will melt most plastic pieces.

If your spinning reel gets stuck, and you find that you can’t turn the handle, that usually means it’s jammed. This happens most often to saltwater spinning reels without sealing technology, especially if they’ve been exposed to lots of salt spray (or even dunked in salt water).

The majority of anglers prefer the greased drag system. All old grease should be cleaned out of the reel before re-greasing with Cal’s grease. A LIGHT coating of Cal’s grease on the Carbontex® is recommended if you are likely to get your reels very wet, it will help waterproof the drag system.

Fishing Reel bearings generally do not require a lot of lubrication if they are being used for casting. Trolling Reel bearings may require a thicker lubrication depending on the environment they are being used in. Be sure to not over-lube. Over lubricating will kill the bearings performance in a casting reel.

Using our Clean Touch bearing cleaner, or any standard degreaser, fill a small glass cup or vial sufficiently to submerge your bearings completely. Place the shielded bearings, or the sealed bearings with the seals removed, into the solution. You can also use a small ultrasonic cleaner if you have one.

For the grease there are just a few spots that will need to be greased. Put a few drops on the worm drive gear on the main shaft. There are a few other gears that go back and around on the winders. Put a few drops on them as well.

Better bearings in a well-made reel won’t corrode as quickly as numerous but cheaper bearings in a cheap reel. High-quality bearings also make for longer casts, easier reeling, and better performance when you have a big fish on the line.