Gear vs. Saltwater

[Adam]

I tighten down my drags and rinse with freshwater, wipe down with a rag, and then store with the drags loose. I realize that this doesn't do much for the internal parts. I think the main thing is not to let the reel submerge in salt water at all (including puddles in the hull or on the deck). This can be especially challenging when going through surf and I often put my reels in a bag when going through medium to large surf. I have had real good luck with a Shimano Cardiff. It seems to stay pretty clean internally and is real easy to open up and clean.

Adam

[PescadorPete]

As stated above, graphite reels are nearly indestructible in this harsh environ. My Sealines are going on 5 years and still going strong.

My metal reels are also holding up (Calcutta 400, Torium 16 & 20). They are made for salt water so the anodizing hold up better than fresh water reels. I spray Corrosion-X on a rag and wipe down the reel before I go out. When I get back to the truck, I spritz them with fresh water using a spray water bottle. I never rinse or hose them down. When I get home, I wipe them dry and then wipe them down with Corrosion-X. I find that the layer of Corrosion-X really helps to keep the salt water at bay.

After a few trips, I open them up and service them if needed. And if one goes under during a trip, it has to be opened up and cleaned. Saltwater will get into the smallest places inside the reel.

[Hobie-Pedaller]

Originally Posted by Adam

.....and then store with the drags loose.....

yes, i do this as well. i feel this is critical to extend life of drag washers, etc.

[HookFynn]

Thanks for the advice Pedaller. Once, many many years ago, I opened up a reel to "fix it". The second I did, it exploded and a million little pieces and springs came flying out. I haven't opened one up since.

I'm going to give it a go after I find the manuals online like you suggested. Wish me luck.


-Bry

[esdees]

I had to clean my reels every 3-4 months, too. Then I stopped rinsing them off after trips and I haven't had to clean them since.

[Dan]

it's best just to leave them in your truck and use them almost daily. When the drags wear out every couple of weeks, just bring them to a shop and they'll lube em when they do the drags.

[Hobie-Pedaller]

Originally Posted by dorado50

Don't rinse them,big mistake, fresh water forces salt into reels......

Originally Posted by esdees

I had to clean my reels every 3-4 months, too. Then I stopped rinsing them off after trips and I haven't had to clean them since.

sounds like good info.

i guess i need to quit rinsing my reels.

.

[fishnstix]

I have been rinsing my reels for years and have never had a problem. I tighten down the drags before rinsing, wipe down with WD-40 after they dry and loosen the drags to store. I do this after every trip. When in Baja I either rinse them off in the shower or dip them in a bucket of fresh water at the end of each day. I also take them in for a tune up once a year. For years my primary reels have been a Sealine and an Abu 6500, I also use a Trinidad 40 and the Calcutta 400 & 700 but prefer the others on the yak. I guess the juries still out...to rinse, or not to rinse.

[Hobie-Pedaller]

Originally Posted by HookFynn

Thanks for the advice Pedaller. Once, many many years ago, I opened up a reel to "fix it". The second I did, it exploded and a million little pieces and springs came flying out. I haven't opened one up since.

I'm going to give it a go after I find the manuals online like you suggested. Wish me luck.


-Bry

yes, i too have opened a few reels that had springs and parts fly everywhere. these brands are impossible to service for the average person.

BUT - the Abu's are not that bad at all.

just get a nice, clear work area (like kitchen table) to work on.

and then lay out the parts in order, as you dissassemble and clean.

then, along with the manual, it is fairly easy to reassemble every thing correctly.

after doing it a few times, i don't even need the manual anymore.

the Abu's are pretty basic.