Reel Cleaning - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

YTHunter · 06-08-2016, 12:18 PM

I have 4 AVET reels that I take out on most trip. No reel condom for me or any other fancy cleaning. I just rinse them really well with freshwater after each use and they still look like new (well almost). I credit my success to good reel selection, though I'm sure there are other good low-maintenance reels out there.

alanw · 06-08-2016, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YTHunter

I have 4 AVET reels that I take out on most trip. No reel condom for me or any other fancy cleaning. I just rinse them really well with freshwater after each use and they still look like new (well almost). I credit my success to good reel selection, though I'm sure there are other good low-maintenance reels out there.

Quality reels, quick hose down, done.

maquinapescado · 06-09-2016, 10:06 AM

I do not use solvents (Simple Green, Salt Away, Vineqar/water) ever since I went to braid on all my reels a little over a decade ago. The braid soaks up the solvent and I am afraid it will weaken it, no matter how environmentally friendly it is. Also, I worry about the solvents making odors fish can detect.

I blast them with water and that is it. Being new to kayak fishing still, I have been toying around with the reel/rod condom idea. I jacked up two reels in my first few trips during all that big swell in January by getting sand in them. I'm not worried about the salt water. I am really handy with a sewing machine so I am going to make some socks out of water proof ripstop I have around the house and put draw cords on them.

PescadorPete · 06-09-2016, 12:12 PM

I use the mist setting on the garden hose nozzle to rinse them. Higher water pressure can drive the salt into the reel. Wipe down with a soft cloth.

After they are dry, I wipe them with a cloth that has been dampened with Corrosion-X. This bonds to the metal reels and repels the salt. Graphite reels are much more forgiving.

06-08-2016, 12:18 PM	#1
YTHunter Carlisle Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: San Diego Posts: 206	I have 4 AVET reels that I take out on most trip. No reel condom for me or any other fancy cleaning. I just rinse them really well with freshwater after each use and they still look like new (well almost). I credit my success to good reel selection, though I'm sure there are other good low-maintenance reels out there. __________________ <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NTOZ1JOXUkQ" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

06-09-2016, 10:06 AM	#3
maquinapescado Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 326	I do not use solvents (Simple Green, Salt Away, Vineqar/water) ever since I went to braid on all my reels a little over a decade ago. The braid soaks up the solvent and I am afraid it will weaken it, no matter how environmentally friendly it is. Also, I worry about the solvents making odors fish can detect. I blast them with water and that is it. Being new to kayak fishing still, I have been toying around with the reel/rod condom idea. I jacked up two reels in my first few trips during all that big swell in January by getting sand in them. I'm not worried about the salt water. I am really handy with a sewing machine so I am going to make some socks out of water proof ripstop I have around the house and put draw cords on them. __________________ Climb, Surf, Fish, Repeat

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06-09-2016, 12:12 PM	#4
PescadorPete Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Leucadia, CA Posts: 261	I use the mist setting on the garden hose nozzle to rinse them. Higher water pressure can drive the salt into the reel. Wipe down with a soft cloth. After they are dry, I wipe them with a cloth that has been dampened with Corrosion-X. This bonds to the metal reels and repels the salt. Graphite reels are much more forgiving.