Say you just bought a slow pitch jigging reel like a Daiwa Saltiga or a Maxel Rage reel. That’s a several hundred dollar investment at least; add in the rod and some jigs, and you’ll crack a thousand, easily.
That’s quite a stack of bills, and you should understandably want to protect that investment, but more importantly, a reel that is well-maintained is a reel that will operate smoothly, season after season.
Let’s be honest, the last thing any of us wants to experience is a drag failure or a shorn gear in the midst of a battle with a beast.
All of this is to say, knowing how to clean, properly maintain, and store your slow pitch jigging reel, be it a Penn Fathom or a Daiwa Saltiga (or something else) is critical.
That’s what this guide is for.
(Note: this short guide will only cover basic maintenance of conventional/casting style reel footprints, because that’s what most of us use for slow pitch jigging. Spinning reels have a few additional pointers for maintenance, so if you have questions about spinning reel maintenance contact us.)
Wipe It Down After Every Outing
Here’s something that has some anglers in denial. Saltwater and freshwater are irreconcilably different beasts. You can abuse reels that only ever see sweetwater in ways that would make a saltwater reel croak.
The point is, you need to rinse your slow pitch jigging reels after every trip on the water. No buts.
Doing so will rinse away dried saltwater and salt deposits that, if left on the reel, will slowly cause corrosion once they migrate to the reel’s innards. Granted, saltwater reels are made with brass and stainless steel components that resist corrosion, but the keyword here is resist. They are not rust proof.
However, here’s a caveat. Do not spray your reels with a high-pressure jet from a hose or a faucet. That can actually force salt deposits into the reel, which is exactly what you want to avoid.
Instead, lightly mist the outside of the reel and then wipe it clean with a moist rag before drying. That should be all you need after a routine trip on the water.
Notes for Routine Cleaning
Once you’ve wiped off the exterior of the reel with some clean, fresh water, you can get a nylon brush or a pick and turn your attention to clearing out any debris from the reel.
Areas where gunk, oil and other debris will accumulate include around the reel handle, at the base of the reel arm, under the reel foot, on the level wind (if present), around the drag knob, and where the spool meets the reel body.
Using a nylon brush or a pick to dislodge any deposits in these areas and then wipe down the reel again before proceeding to oil some of the moving components.
Spots That Will Need a Bit of Oil
Once you’ve wiped the reel off and cleaned some of the spots mentioned above, you’ll want to get some reel oil and treat some of the following areas.
One is where the reel handle meets the reel arm. This area can seize up if not kept well lubricated, so a drop or two of oil here will benefit it.
Another is on the worm of the level wind system, if your reel has one. Keeping this area oiled will ensure it not only runs smoothly but will help prevent corrosion of the worm.
If you’re comfortable, remove the side plate and place a drop of oil on the bearing inside as well as on the center where the shaft goes through the spool. This will help ensure the reel cranks smoothly and will help insulate it against corrosion.
Once you oil all these parts and reassemble the reel (if you removed the side plate), crank the reel a few times, to distribute the oil.
(Note: if you ever remove the side plate of your slow pitch jigging reel or otherwise access the drag system, never oil it.)
Store Your Drag Loosened
Speaking of the drag system, one important note for storing your slow pitch jigging reel is to crank the drag all the way back and store it completely loosened.
Most casters and conventional jigging reels are made with carbon fiber discs that are more or less incompressible, but that’s still no reason to store them under pressure.
Take the pressure off and your drag system will last longer.
If You Have an Electric Reel…
Suppose you’re working with an electric reel; in that case, we have a few special notes on how to clean it.
Most importantly, keep water and oil away from the buttons and any other electronic components. Moisture, oil, and electricity don’t mix and can cause shorts that will quite literally ruin your reel.
The same notes apply; wipe off lightly with a damp rag (don’t spray an electric reel) before cleaning.
Where to Store the Reel
Lastly, here are a few high-level pointers on where to store your jigging outfits.
Anywhere cool, dry, and out of the sunlight will do. That means it’s actually not ideal to store them in the shed or garage. You want dry conditions to help prevent corrosion to the reel’s internals.
The other note is to avoid direct sunlight. Notwithstanding the damage that direct sunlight can potentially do to the reel body, the UV in sunlight actually directly breaks down fishing line. It doesn’t matter if you’re spooled with braid, mono or fluoro, UV damages them all.
So don’t store your outfit outdoors.
Your Next Slow Pitch Jigging Reel Awaits
These pointers for reel maintenance are very high-level and not model specific, but they are good enough to keep most reels in working order through the season. More in-depth maintenance and disassembly may be required in the off season, but after a trip on the water, the pointers here will work just fine.
While you’re here bookmark our slow pitch jigging reel page; we carry top models and lines such as Daiwa’s Saltiga and the Shimano Torium, Maxel Rage, Penn Fathom and many others. Explore our collection and if you have questions about reel specifications get in touch with us directly.