This week, reel repair will be discussed.
In dealing with reel repair, one of the first things to remember is that when purchasing a reel, be sure that spare parts are easily available. There are lots of reels on the market that are seemingly fine material, but when a replacement part is needed you are out of luck, or it will take a long time to get one.
There are many brands that do not bear familiar names and even some that are advertised in fishing publications that fall into this category. When you need a part, be it a mere bail spring or a main gear, it is important to be able to find one, pronto. Sport shops and reel repairmen often carry the better known reel parts, but not too many others. While buying for price is important, getting parts fast is equally important.
As you examine your reels for the coming season, there are several things to check. On spinning reels, make sure the bail is in working order and springs back with authority. A bad bail spring requires a replacement. Also, make sure the line roller revolves and is not cut. Here, too, a replacement is a must. Handles should be revolving freely and spin with out hitting the bail. The anti-reverse can be a problem and should be addressed. In many cases, a little oil will solve the problems. Take the reel apart, clean with a mild detergent and re-grease with a marine type product. The reel should spin freely. After cleaning and re-assembling, spray with WD-40 and wipe clean.
Turning to conventional reels, you will find that a lot of the smaller, bait casting models are extremely complicated and their repair should be left to an experienced reel repairman. Personally, I find that many reels brought to me have been made more difficult to fix after the owner has tampered with them, possibly losing a small part or just messing things up.
However, many larger reels, such as the saltwater types, lend themselves to owner repairing. First, be sure the spool spins freely and that the side plate adjustment is regulated properly. Keep in mind that any reels used in saltwater are more apt to be in need of a cleaning, as the salt when dried acts the same as a welding machine. Many reels have a green covering on them, due to a lack of washing off after a trip down to the shore. The most effective potion that removes the green is Navel Jelly. Apply it liberally on the chrome-plated parts and let them sit for an hour or so, then rinse off and scrub with a stiff brush. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly as it is a powerful solution. Remember that when the green is removed, the chrome goes with it.
Disassemble the reel, clean with a mild detergent and wipe off. Re-grease and oil plus examine the drag washers. If worn, replace but do not use a lubricant when re-assembling. Make sure the handle knob spins freely. One of the most likely problems occurs with the level wind. If so, replace both the worm and the pawl. Replacing only the pawl sometimes works, but usually only for a brief time. Be sure and change both.
I often hear from someone, “I buy a cheap reel and throw it out and get another one next year.”
Consider the mathematics here. Even a cheap reel costs $30 or so. If only a bail spring goes the reel is useless. This is only a 50-cent article and often cannot be obtained for these cheaper models. So, you have to go out and get another “cheapie” at another $30, making a total of $60 and you still have a “cheapie.” Spend that kind of money at first, get a reliable product that has parts available and you will be ahead with something that will see you through several seasons.
Freshwater anglers will be interested to hear about the public forum to discuss freshwater fisheries research and management, culture and recreational angling in New Jersey. It will be held on Saturday, March 1, at the Batsto Village Visitors Center located on Rt. 542 in Wharton State Forest, Burlington County.
The forum will begin at 10 a.m. It is sponsored by the N.J. Division of Fish and Wildlife and professional staffers from the Bureau of Freshwater Fisheries will be on hand to answer questions on management problems. Pre-registration is not required, but would be appreciated. You can do so by calling 856-629-4950 and include your name, address, phone number and number of people attending.
There is some saltwater action for those needing a fishing fix. While their numbers and sailing schedules are diminishing, some boats are still making the long offshore runs for giant seabass and are experiencing good catches. The same goes for those visiting the inshore wrecks for tog, but reports indicate that the lower water readings have slowed the results somewhat. Be sure and call ahead for sailing schedules.