how to fix a fishing reel | find the problem and get a solution

If you often fish for recreational or professional purposes, you need a good fishing reel. But even a good fishing reel can often cause trouble. To fix the trouble, you will need to know how to fix a fishing reel.

A few of the common types of fishing reels are – fly reels, open-faced spinning reels, closed-faced spinning reels, and baitcasting reels. Each type has its kind of problem. But it’s relatively easy to solve it if you know how to do it.

These problems always begin with spinning reel problems. So today, we are going to help you to understand these problems and fix them.

Identify the problems :

You cannot solve a problem if you do not know or understand what caused the problem in the first place. So when you find that your fishing reel is not working, try to find the root of the problem.

Fishing reels often cause problems if not cleaned or lubricated properly. But the parts of the reel can wear out or break with time. Some of the parts can be fixed, while others may need to be replaced. And once you identify the problems, it becomes easier to fix them.

What do you need to fix a fishing reel?

It is mandatory to keep all the necessary tools close to your hand. And here is a list of things that you would need to fix your fishing reel.

• Wrench: To loosen the nuts, you will need a wrench that matches the nuts’ size.
• Screwdriver: You will need flat-headed screwdrivers.
• Tweezers: To fix or take care of smaller parts such as reel springs and wire clips, you will need tweezers.
• Lubricant: Lubricant is needed to remove contaminated grease.
• Water: Of course, water is needed to remove all the salt debris from reels.
• Cotton swabs: To clean the tight parts of the reel or apply grease cotton swabs come in handy.
• Toothbrush: There are always parts that are hard to reach. And a toothbrush helps you to reach those parts to clean them.
• Clean cloth or fabric: This is one of the essential materials that you will need. A clean cloth or fabric is used to wipe off the excess water before applying lubricant. And if the water is not dried off properly, it will mix up with lubricant and damage the reel.

Fishing Reel Maintenance Kit

Get Started :

So, how to fix a fishing reel after you have identified the problems and gathered the necessary tools?

First of all, disassemble the parts. But remember to recognize which part belongs where. Then assemble them, or you can keep them separated using marks. Thus you will be able to arrange them back again easily.

Common reel problems and solutions :

• Twist Line:

  This is the most common problem in spinning reels. It usually happens due to long-term use of the reels. It can also cause trouble with the internal bail spring.

So, how to fix a spinning reel bail?

First, it is important to check whether the problem is caused by bail wire or bail spring. So check for the exposed wire before taking off the bail from the spring.

But do you know how to adjust the bail on a spinning reel? Don’t worry. Here is how :

Unscrew the bail arm to the reel. Then, in a twisting motion, pull away from the base of the bail from the reel. Pushing down the bail spring and then pulling it outwards, you can remove the old bail spring.

If the spring is dirty, clean it up. And replace it if it’s broken. And then put the spring back in the slot. Now reverse everything you have done at the start. The problem is fixed!

• Line Size:

  Using lines that do not fit the reel causes issues.

So it is better to use lines that the manufacturers recommend.

• Level Wind:

  The level winds allow you to pull the line evenly as you reel. Sometimes the exposed level wind on the baitcaster reels causes maintenance issues.

If troubled, you need to clean or change the level of wind if it is damaged.

• Lack of Lubrication:

  You cannot lubricate the reel too much. It is as bad as not lubricating at all. It ends up making you put more pressure to turn the handle.

Just use a drop of oil or grease on the bearing to solve the issue.

• Corrosion :

If you fish in saltwater and do not clean your equipment regularly, the reel can be damaged in no time.

What can you do to prevent it?

Clean the level wind with a toothbrush frequently and wash off the reel properly with fresh water after using it.

Now, if you have any questions regarding how to fix a fishing reel that won’t cast properly, then the information mentioned above on Lubrication and Corrosion is your answer.

But there are a few more reasons that might cause problems as well.

• Lack of maintenance:

  Usually, lack of maintenance is the real culprit behind all the troubles you are having with your fishing reel.

Depending on how much or how often you use it, take out the components to brush and wash them at least once or twice a month.

• Light Line & Lure:

  If you are using a light line, then it must be the reason why you cannot cast far with your reel. The combination of light line and lure fails to create the forward momentum.

Use a bit of heavy lure, which will pull the line perfectly. And if this trick does not work, try using heavy lines as well.

Endnote :

It is hard to tell what is wrong with your fishing reel without seeing or examining it properly. As we have mentioned already, it can happen for many reasons. But if you follow the details we have laid out, you will know how to identify the problems and how to fix a fishing reel.

But the bottom line is to make sure of taking good care of your fishing reel and equipment. Clean, wash, and lubricate them regularly. Because if you know how to fix them yourselves, it helps you to save some money too.