Hi all,

I recently cleaned both of my fly reels, which I try to do every year. I remove the spool and use rubbing alcohol with a cotton-bud to clean off all the dirt. I then apply oil to the gears.

I'm usually a bit generous with the oil and it has occurred to me that oil and fly lines probably aren't a good combination. I wanted to ask how others are keeping their reels clean and lubricated.

Thanks,
Sean

If any of your reels have a Disc Drag.do not let any form of lube be it oil or WD40 near the drag.
I just wash the reel/ spool in lukewarm fresh water clean/dry with a rag/kitchen roll.and lube the spindle/handle with a little 3 in 1 oil.

Jim

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The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

Welcome Sean, Jim's right, little and often.
I don't wait until the year end to clean reels, I check them after a trip, especially if they have had a dunking in the river, or the possibility of sand or grit in them.
Never leave them in the pouch when you get home either, room temp will stop any rust happening.
S.

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

Hello Sean and welcome.
I clean and dry my reels and lines after every use but not the backing,should i just leave it to dry on the reel or remove and dry?
Regards Colin.

Normally made from rot proof material.I like to unwind once a year just to make sure it's not bedded down.

Jim

__________________
The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

Thank you.
Colin.

Jim, with the fish you catch, you probably get your backing unwound once a week.
S.

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"A glint of sun has warmed the air,The flies will soon hatch out, To lure and tempt from their deep lair, The bonnie speckled trout." SKB tackle supporter. I love Furled Leaders.

Thanks guys, I've done this for the past few years but never really thought about the consequences before!
Ta,
Sean