Have you ever experienced a sticky drag on your spinning reel just when the fish is about to strike? Maintaining your drag washers is an essential part of reel upkeep that can make a world of difference in your fishing experience. Whether you’re dealing with carbon or felt drag washers, the process is straightforward and can prevent those frustrating moments. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to properly maintain your drag system, ensuring smooth, consistent performance every time you cast your line. You can also view our other blog on how to look after your spinning reel for a lifetime of use here. But for now, let’s delve into Reel Drag Washer Maintenance!
1. The Preliminary Steps: Accessing the Drag System
Before diving into the process, you’ll need to access the drag washers. This usually involves removing a clip on the top of the spool.
- Simple Clip Removal: Most spinning reels have a simple clip that holds the spool’s top cover in place. Use a flat screwdriver or a similar tool to gently pry and remove the clip. Be careful not to damage it during removal.
2. Laying Out the Drag Washers:
Once you have access to the drag system, it’s crucial to maintain the order of the drag washers. They come in different materials like carbon or felt and need to be reassembled in the same order.
- Organized Layout: Lay out the drag washers in the exact order you remove them. This ensures you can reassemble them correctly without any confusion.
3. Drying and Cleaning
Damp drag washers can hinder your reel’s performance, so drying and cleaning them is essential.
- Pat Drying: Place the drag washers on a clean surface and gently pat them dry with a clean cloth. This step removes any excess moisture or contaminants.
4. Applying Lubrication
Applying the right amount of lubrication to your drag washers is crucial. Too much can create hydraulic pressure, while too little can affect drag performance.
- Minimal Grease: Use a small amount of reel-specific grease on your fingertips. A little goes a long way. The goal is to make the washers damp, not dripping with grease.
- Patting the Grease: Gently pat the drag washers with your fingertips, ensuring the grease is evenly distributed. The grease penetrates the washers, enhancing their performance.
5. Reassembling the Drag System
With your drag washers appropriately lubricated, it’s time to put everything back together.
- Order Matters: Assemble the drag washers in the exact order you removed them. Pay attention to any groove or star-shaped washer that needs to fit into specific slots.
- Clip Replacement: Place the clip back onto the top cover of the spool. Ensure it’s properly seated to secure the spool.
6. The Final Touches: Smoothness and Maintenance
After reassembling the drag system, a few final touches will ensure your reel is ready for action.
- Drag Smoothness: Gently test the drag by rotating the spool. It should offer a consistent and smooth resistance without sudden jumps or hesitations.
- Regular Maintenance: While this guide focuses on immediate maintenance, remember that drag washers need periodic attention. After heavy fishing sessions, it’s a good idea to check and repeat the process if necessary.
Conclusion: Maintaining your spinning reel’s drag system is a fundamental aspect of responsible angling. A properly maintained drag system ensures that your reel performs seamlessly, increasing your chances of landing that prized catch. By following these straightforward steps and adopting a routine maintenance mindset, you’ll be able to enjoy countless successful fishing trips without the frustration of a sticky drag. Take the time to care for your gear, and it will reward you with outstanding performance every time you cast your line.