How to clean your reel after fishing salt water?

I have never been salt water fishing before and I am going down to myrtle beach in 4 days and wanted to know how to clean your reel after your done fishing. I was told to just put it in water over night and not to spray it with water because it will push the salt in to your reel is that right? Dose anyone know how the fishing is down there this time of year I don't have a boat so I will be fishing from the beach. What type of fish can you get from the beach?

Oh and I wanted to know if I fish from a pier and I get a big fish how do I get the fish up to the top of the pier?

351mustang65, you are right, it is recommended to leave the reel overnight in tapwater. This is OK for day-to-day cleaning. Obviously not enough for the periodical cleaning of it.

How do you mean 'get the fish up to the top of the pier'? Pull in your lines... (But somehow I have the feeling this is not what you mean... )

Well what I mean is if the fish is big and my line cant hold him to just reel him up im guessing I just dont get the fish?

As far as I know fishing lines are pretty sturdy. But yes, that could happen. I've seen many fishermen on piers normally rolling in their lines with big fish on them though.

Yes, I would, if I were you

I fish only salt water 200+ days a year. This is how I clean my equipment. For spinning reels, soak a towel with fresh water and wipe down the outside of the reel. For fly reels. I run fresh water over them with the hose. These techniques keep my reels looking brand new.

351mustang65 I would listen to Capt. Chris M. with this, he knows best

Thanks Captain

to get the fish up you need a pier or Bridge gaff the gaff is a big treble hook the size of your hand and long cord or a hoop net . hoop nets dont kill the fish.

Post edited by: BIGHOUSEHOOKS, at: 2008/04/29 22:06

I was told one way to clean your gear is in the shower with you after you have finished fishing for the day.

Supposedly the warm fresh water does it good.

Im sure not everybodies wives would really appreciate it though.

James Fletcher is a boating and fishing enthusiast. His website is a great source of boating and fishing knowledge. Find more usefull boating and fishing tips at: http://www.freeboatingtips.com

By keeping your fishing reel clean, it will work smoother and last longer. This is a basic how to on cleaning and maintaining fishing reels. Find a clean flat hard surface such as a bench top to clean your reel on. Laying down a clean white sheet over the bench can make finding small parts easier. Begin by wiping the outside of the reel over with a moist soapy rag, this will remove any of the contaminants such as oils and salts (particularly if it is used in salt water). Remove the spool and wash it and underneath with mild soapy water. Carefully remove the winding handle; this is usually done by unscrewing the nut on the opposite side of the reel. Take the handle out and carefully remove the side plate with a small screw driver. You will be able to inspect all of the gears inside and add special fishing reel grease onto the gears. Each year you should clean out the old grease and lubricate the internals with fresh grease.
Using fishing reel oil, lubricate any external moving parts such as the bail and anti reverse lever. Remember that fishing in salt water requires more maintenance than fresh water fishing. Make sure you clean your gear after each trip to keep it in perfect working order and extend its life for many more fishing trips.

Use a drop net,it's like a landing net,but with no handle attached.use's a rope instead

Hi,351 Mustang 351,Jessica has covered,your issue very well,Just Two main points to remember,
1 when removing &replacing side plates etc,always use the right screwdriver etc,to prevent damage to the screw heads,which in turn makes is easier in the future,& don't look ugly.
2 Don't use petroleum based sprays to,either wipe the reel down,applied to a cloth,or spraying,before storage,as the petroleum evaporates & leaves a gooey mess,plus fish will smell it,use a lanoline based spray,or a canola spray.
This way your reels will last,& give good service.
liphooked