Northwest Fishing Reports

Though my wife gave me a bunch of crap for even talking about it, she says "Clean your own reels!" I would consider having my reels completely cleaned and regreased. One issue I see is in checking some of the cleaning prices I see ($20-$30) it is more than some of the reels I have are worth! Yes, I have some cheap reels... Anyone here use a reel cleaning service?

I went through all 4 of my Daiwa SG line counter reels last year, clean, grease, lube, and replaced the factory felt drags with carbon fiber. First one took the longest to do as I was being very careful. The next 3 went pretty quick. Drag upgrade was worth every penny too.

I have used the local rod and reel repair guy a few times. I have also cleaned and oiled my own on occasion. When I do them they seem to work fine, but it doesn't last as long as when he does them. I must be missing something, but I have followed the youtube videos to the "T". Not sure what he does different. He charges $20. I go through one good IPA when I do it. $20 cleaning charge -VS- $1.50 IPA ( Big juicy by No Li brewery) You be the judge.

I rotate my reels through the shop every other year, and clean and lube my self the when a real isn't going in. I'd agree with AJ's Dad that my clean and lube jobs don't seem to last as long but it'd cost too much having all my reels serviced yearly (I'm may be a gear junkie ). I always feel I'm getting my money's worth though and freshly serviced reel feels so nice on the water

Yes, absolutely! I sent about 7-8 reels to Ollie Damon's in Portland in Sept. All for clean and lube. Drags replaced with ceramic drags, as well as a couple reels needed parts and complete overhaul. The quality of the work appears excellent. I was though not impressed with their time line, as stated up front. It took prob 3x as long as they said, and many phone calls.

Fast forward to about 4 weeks ago, I sent 3 more reels to a local guy, 'Andy' on Mercer Island. Andy has arrangements with Outdoor Emporium, you can drop at OE and They will get the reels to Andy on Mercer Island. He was $25 for clean and lube, and maybe $10 for upgraded drags.
I liked our interaction quite well. Good communicator, and timely.

My past recipe, shamefully has been... buy $175.00 reel, fish a few seasons, reel gets gunky, sticky bearings.... buy another expensive reel, repeat every 3 years,

Now my recipe is spend $25 a year on simple maintenance, and watch the expensive reel last 10+ years.