© Ed Mitchell
Fly rodders love to own quality reels. But oddly enough we rarely ever service them; it’s a shame. Granted some saltwater fly reels are sealed and must be serviced by the manufacturer. If that’s the case with yours, every few years send it to the factory for a checkup. Many fly reels, however, are relatively simple affairs and easy for anglers to work on. And there is not better time to do it that during the winter.
Open your reel and clean out any dirt or corrosion. Then check things such as click pawls, springs, bearings and clutches. If they look badly worn, refer to the instructions that came with your reel. You should find a exploded diagram of the reel's components, as well as information on where to write or call for parts. Even if everything looks good, I suggest you purchase a few spare parts to have on hand, especially if you're going on a extended trip. Pack them in a Ziplock bag along with a photocopy of your reel's construction diagram. Think of it as a first aid kit for fly reel; it can be a life saver.
Over time drag washers get scratched, dirty, and beat up too. So check them while you're at it. They vary considerably in size, type, and material from reel to reel, but in some cases you'll find they are quite cheap and easy to replace. And take it from me, you'll be glad you did. New drag washers greatly improve your reel's performance. And this holds true for spinning and plug gear as well. After things are in tiptop shape, apply a little oil, but only where needed, and then reassemble the reel properly. With a minimum of care your fly reel will not only last for many years, and it will be ready when that fish of a lifetime latches on.
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