Trails » Fishing » Fishing Reels & Line » Clean Fishing Reels » How to Take Apart a Small Baitcaster

How to Take Apart a Small Baitcaster

How to Take Apart a Small Baitcaster

Brian M. Kelly photo

Bait casting reels are used by anglers to catch everything from bass to salmon, but these technical fishing reels routinely need maintenance, primarily greasing the drive gears, to keep them working properly. Taking apart a bait-casting reel can be done quickly with the right knowledge and tools.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Get the reel undressed

Things You’ll Need:
  • Bait casting reel Cotton swabs Reel grease Reel oil Flat head screw driver
  • Bait casting reel
  • Cotton swabs
  • Reel grease
  • Reel oil
  • Flat head screw driver
Step 1
Loosen (don't remove) the screws on the side of the reel where the handle is located. These are usually thumb screws with a slot in them that will require the use of a flat head screwdriver.
Step 2
Once all of the screws are loose, leave them in place and gently pull the handle side of the reel away from the frame. This will be the section of the reel that includes the gear train.
Step 3
Use the cotton swabs to clean the edge of the spool. This is where dirt and debris can accumulate, adding unwanted friction. Add several drops of reel oil to the spool shaft. This will allow the spool to spin freely upon casting.
Step 4
Check the gears to make sure there is no damage to the teeth and add a small amount of reel grease to the teeth that are meshing in the gear train. This will add life to the gears and make them feel smoother when in use.
Step 5
Reassemble the reel by aligning the spool with the side plate and gear train. Once this section is in place, tighten the screws on the side plate. Then rotate the reel handle several times in order to wear in the grease.

Tips & Warnings

 
If your reel is not casting smoothly, try changing the bearings located on each side of the spool.
 
Pay attention to the spool alignment when putting the reel back together, the spool shaft can be damaged if misaligned.

Article Written By Brian M. Kelly

Brian M. Kelly has been freelance writing since 2003. His work has been published in respected outdoor magazines such as Outdoor Life, Great Lakes Angler and Salmon Trout Steelheader. He holds an associate's degree in automated machine design from Macomb College.

Write for Trails.com

  • Editor's Pick

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    Backcountry Camping Tips

    You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...

    More Backcountry Camping...

  • Popular Article

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

    Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...

    More Beach Camping...

  • Featured Video

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    Common Sense Hiking Tips

    The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.

    More Camping Basics...

Outdoor Gear & Equipment

ALL NEW Trails Gear Store powered by:

Trail Finder

US Map

Search by Keyword