Ok....here is another question showing just what a rookie I am.

I grew up on a lake not the ocean, and therefore always fished Fresh water streams and lake. So no salt to contend with, and just the type of fishing, I had no dunkings or sand to contend with either. So I never took my reels apart for cleaning and maintenance.

Now,I have 2 PENN SS reels a 4500 and 6500 and a Shimano on my my rods. From reading the thread, I knew when I got home to give my reels a bit of a rinse from the hose. I have taken off the spools and gave them a good cleaning.

But they have been dunked a few times and one did get a short drag in the sand.

I have no experience taking apart a reel, cleaning, lubing, etc. Is this something best left to an expert or can a novice takle this task. Also if there any recommended reference material on the subject? What to use, what to do, etc?

With spring approaching, I am tying my leaders changing out hooks on some of my plugs and tin. And I am about to load up my reels with Power Pro. I want to make sure the reels are ready for the season before loading them up.


I welcome any help
-IWK

get a copy of the current fisherman magazine, they have a good article on maintaining reels.

You may want to think twice about putting a "superline" on a Penn SS series. They don't have the right line roller for braided lines.......

Look up the schematics and if you know which end of a screwdriver to hold you can probably take them apart clean them and grease them.

thanks fishpart - but I could have sworn I read several people here loading up their Penn SS's with PowerPro and other braids.

I was very happy switching to braids this past year after fishing fresh water all my life using mono.

but I want to extend the life of my reels, so I take all advice into consideration.

And I know my way around a screwdriver -so sounds like I might tackle the task.

Cleaning - canned air? fine paint brush?
Grease - I know I can ask at the tackle shop - but what do you guys recommend?

tanks again
-IWK

You wan to clean the salt and stuff off the outside with a toothbrush and warm water. You may need to scrub lightly with a slightly used scotchbrite pad depending on whose reel ;)you are cleaning. To clean off the grease you will need some sort of solvent, alcohol works ok and isn't too harsh on the plastic parts. For grease you can use most quality waterproof greases, Superlube is a silicone based grease that works well and some guys use lower unit grease. I use grease on gears and shafts and oil on bearings, you may need to re oil the bearings throughout the season.

If you need parts Bucko's in Fall River is a good source, most shops probably have Penn parts available.

Which Shimano you got?....likely I can help you out there.......