How to Repair a Shakespeare Fishing Reel

fishing image by Terje Asphaug from Fotolia.com

Shakespeare manufactures quality reels at a moderate price. The reels are not the top of the line but they do perform in a variety of conditions. The primary reel types are spinning, spincast and baitcast. The reels can be disassembled and repaired as long as none of the parts are broken. Reels with broken parts can be fixed by either ordering replacement parts or sending the reel directly to Shakespeare for repair. Shakespeare reels will malfunction if abused but basic repairs are manageable.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Spinning

Things You’ll Need:

Reel lubricant
Flat head screwdriver
Phillips screwdriver

Step 1

Check the line on the spool for tangles. Cut out any tangles and do not reconnect the line with knots. Leave 1/8 inch between the line and the edge of the spool to prevent future tangles. Tangles in the line will cause the reel to jam during casting.

Step 2

Unscrew the drag knob on the top of the reel until it comes loose. Set the knob aside.

Step 3

Unscrew and remove the spool and check for line and debris that is causing the spool to jam. Clean the spool with fresh water to remove debris.

Step 4

Check the vertical drag pin and drag system for debris and damage. Replace any broken drag washers with new washers. Clean the drag system with fresh water to remove debris. The drag will grind when washers break and debris enters the system.

Step 5

Apply a small bead of reel lubricant to the drag pin and replace the spool and drag knob. Test the reel by casting weighted lures and baits.

Spincast

Step 1

Remove the reel cap by unscrewing in a counterclockwise direction. Set the cap aside.

Step 2

Check the spool for line tangles. Remove any tangles and do not add knots to the line. Tangles will cause the reel to jam.

Step 3

Pull the spool assembly from the reel casing. Wash the spool with fresh water to remove debris that cause jamming and wearing of the drag.

Step 4

With the spool removed, check the casting knob spring. Bent and broken springs will cause the casting knob to malfunction. Straighten the spring with your hands if bent and replace the spring if it is broken.

Step 5

Apply a bead of reel lubricant to the interior reel parts and replace the spool and reel cap. Test the reel by casting weighted lures.

Baitcast

Step 1

Remove the screw that holds the reel handle with a flat head screwdriver. Use a phillips screw driver to remove any screws on the side plate opposite of the reel. Pull on each end to separate the spool from the side plate.

Step 2

Wash both sides of the reel with fresh water to remove any debris. Debris can cause the drag to grind and jam.

Step 3

Set the drag side of the reel with the side plate on a flat surface. Begin scanning at the top of the drag pin and move downward to check for broken drag washers. Replace broken washers with new washers of the corresponding size and material.

Step 4

Check the notched brass drag piece located on the drag pin for breaks and debris. Clean debris that is jammed in the notches with a needle and fresh water. Replace the piece if broken.

Step 5

Apply a bead of lubricant to the drag assemble and the spool. Reassemble the reel and tighten all of the screws. Test the reel with a weighted lure.

Tips & Warnings

Check the warranty on your reel before attempting repairs. The reel may be eligible for manufacturer repair under the warranty contract.

Label all of the parts as you remove them from the reel. Losing parts will compromise the integrity of the reel in the future.

Resources

Shakespeare Fishing

Article Written By Zach Lazzari

Zach Lazzari is an outdoor writing specialist. He has experience in website writing as well as standard newspaper writing. He wrote an outdoor column for the Silver World in Lake City, Colo., and articles for Colorado-mountain-adventure.com. Lazzari is currently completing his bachelor's degree online through Arizona State University and lives in southwest Montana.

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